HESI LEVEL 1 PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving 24-
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hour total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a central line at 54 ml/
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hr. When initially assessing the client, the nurse notes that the TPN solution has run
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out and the next TPN solution is not available. What immediate action should the nur
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se take? rv
A. Infuse normal saline at a keep vein open rate.
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B. Discontinue the IV and flush the port with heparin.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Infuse 10% dextrose and water at 54 ml/hour.
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D. Obtain a stat blood glucose level and notify the healthcare provider. -
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ANSWERS--C
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A crying toddler has a blood pressure measurement of 120/70 mm Hg. What action s
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hould the nurse implement? rv rv rv
A. Notify the healthcare provider of the measurement.
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B. Quiet the child and retake the blood pressure.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Ask the parent if the child has a history of hypertension.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. Document the finding and recheck in 4 hours. - ANSWERS--B
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The mother of a neonate asks the nurse why it is so important to keep the infant war
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m. What information should the nurse provide?
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A. The kidneys and renal function are not fully developed.
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B. Warmth promotes sleep so the infant will grow quickly.
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C. A large body surface area favors heat loss to the environment.
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D. The thick layer of subcutaneous fat is inadequate for insulation. - ANSWERS--C
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What action by the nurse demonstrates culturally sensitive care?
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A. Asks permission before touching a client.
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B. Avoids questions about male-female relationships.
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C. Explains the differences between Western medical care and cultural folk remedies
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.
D. Applies knowledge of a cultural group unless a client embraces Western customs.
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v- ANSWERS--A
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A client has a nursing diagnosis of, "Spiritual distress related to a loss of hope, seco
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ndary to impending death." What intervention is best for the nurse to implement whe
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n caring for this client?
rv rv rv rv
A. Help the client to accept the final stage of life.
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B. Assist and support the client in establishing short-term goals.
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C. Encourage the client to make future plans, even if they are unrealistic.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. Instruct the client's family to focus on positive aspects of the client's life. -
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ANSWERS--B
rv
,A client who is 5 foot 5 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds is scheduled for surgery t
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he next day. Which question is most important for the nurse to include during the pre
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operative assessment? rv rv
A. "What is your daily calorie consumption?"
rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. "What vitamin and mineral supplements do you take?"
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. "Do you feel that you are overweight?"
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. "Will a clear liquid diet be okay after surgery?" - ANSWERS--B
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
The nurse working in the emergency department is assessing four clients' ability to t
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olerate pain. Which client is likely to tolerate a higher level of pain?
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A. A 10-year-old who was burned by a camp fire earlier today.
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B. A 70-year-old who has a postoperative infection from a surgery one week ago.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. A 23-year-old woman who sprained her knee while bicycling.
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D. A 55-year-old woman who has had moderate low back pain for three months. -
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ANSWERS--D
rv
A hospitalized male client is receiving nasogastric tube feedings via a small-
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
bore tube and a continuous pump infusion. He reports that he had a bad bout of sev
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ere coughing a few minutes ago, but feels fine now. What action is best for the nurse
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to take?
v rv
A. Record the coughing incident. No further action is required at this time.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Stop the feeding, explain to the family why it is being stopped, and notify the healt
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
hcare provider. rv
C. After clearing the tube with 30 ml of air, check the pH of fluid withdrawn from the t
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ube.
D. Inject 30 ml of air into the tube while auscultating the epigastrium for gurgling. -
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ANSWERS--C
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In evaluating client care, which action should the nurse take first?
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A. Determine if the expected outcomes of care were achieved.
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B. Review the rationales used as the basis of nursing actions.
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C. Document the care plan goals that were successfully met.
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D. Prioritize interventions to be added to the client's plan of care. - ANSWERS--A
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A female client asks the nurse to find someone who can translate her treatment conc
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erns into her native language. Which action should the nurse take?
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A. Explain that anyone who speaks her language can answer her questions.
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B. Provide a translator only in an emergency situation.
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C. Ask a family member or friend of the client to translate.
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D. Request and document the name of the certified translator. - ANSWERS--D
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) places a client in a left lateral position prior
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
to administering a soap suds enema. Which instruction should the nurse provide the
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
UAP?
A. Position the client on the right side of the bed in reverse Trendelenburg.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Fill the enema container with 1000 mL of warm water and 5 mL of castile soap.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Reposition in a Sims' position with the client's weight on the anterior ilium.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. Raise the side rails on both sides of the bed and elevate the bed to waist level. -
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ANSWERS--C
rv
, A child with a penetrating eye injury comes to the school clinic. What action should th
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e nurse implement?
rv rv
A. Remove the object impaled in the eye and then apply a regular eye patch.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Place an ice bag over the eye until the healthcare provider is seen.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Irrigate the affected eye copiously with a cool sterile saline solution.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. Apply a Fox shield to the affected eye and any type of patch to the other eye. -
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ANSWERS--D
rv
When making the bed of a client who needs a bed cradle, which action should the nu
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rse include? rv
A. Teach the client to call for help before getting out of bed.
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B. Keep both the upper and lower side rails in a raised position.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Keep the bed in the lowest position while changing the sheets.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. Drape the top sheet and covers loosely over the bed cradle. - ANSWERS--D
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
A male client with venous incompetence stands up and his blood pressure subseque
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ntly drops. Which finding should the nurse identify as a compensatory response?
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A. Bradycardia.
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B. Increase in pulse rate.
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C. Peripheral vasodilation.
rv rv
D. Increase in cardiac output. - ANSWERS--B
rv rv rv rv rv rv
When assessing a preschooler, which finding warrants further assessment by the nu
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
rse?
A. Able to ride a tricycle.
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B. Talks about an imaginary friend.
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C. Dresses independently.
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D. Gains 2 pounds (0.9kg) in 12 months. - ANSWERS--D
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
The nurse completes visual inspection of a client's abdomen. What technique should
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv r
the nurse perform next in the abdominal examination?
v rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
A. Percussion.
rv
B. Auscultation.
rv
C. Deep palpation.
rv rv
D. Light palpation. - ANSWERS--B
rv rv rv rv
The nurse is assessing a postmenopausal woman who is complaining of urinary urg
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ency and frequency and stress incontinence. She also reports difficulty in emptying h
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
er bladder. These complaints are most likely due to which condition?
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
A. Cystocele.
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B. Bladder infection.
rv rv
C. Pyelonephritis.
rv
D. Irritable bladder. - ANSWERS--A
rv rv rv rv
What action should the nurse implement when adding sterile liquids to a sterile field?
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
A. Use an outdated sterile liquid if the bottle is sealed and has not been opened.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Consider the sterile field contaminated if it becomes wet during the procedure.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Remove the container cap and lay it with the inside facing down on the sterile fiel
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
d.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving 24-
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
hour total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a central line at 54 ml/
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
hr. When initially assessing the client, the nurse notes that the TPN solution has run
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
out and the next TPN solution is not available. What immediate action should the nur
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
se take? rv
A. Infuse normal saline at a keep vein open rate.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Discontinue the IV and flush the port with heparin.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Infuse 10% dextrose and water at 54 ml/hour.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. Obtain a stat blood glucose level and notify the healthcare provider. -
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ANSWERS--C
rv
A crying toddler has a blood pressure measurement of 120/70 mm Hg. What action s
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
hould the nurse implement? rv rv rv
A. Notify the healthcare provider of the measurement.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Quiet the child and retake the blood pressure.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Ask the parent if the child has a history of hypertension.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. Document the finding and recheck in 4 hours. - ANSWERS--B
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
The mother of a neonate asks the nurse why it is so important to keep the infant war
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
m. What information should the nurse provide?
rv rv rv rv rv rv
A. The kidneys and renal function are not fully developed.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Warmth promotes sleep so the infant will grow quickly.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. A large body surface area favors heat loss to the environment.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. The thick layer of subcutaneous fat is inadequate for insulation. - ANSWERS--C
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
What action by the nurse demonstrates culturally sensitive care?
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
A. Asks permission before touching a client.
rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Avoids questions about male-female relationships.
rv rv rv rv rv
C. Explains the differences between Western medical care and cultural folk remedies
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
.
D. Applies knowledge of a cultural group unless a client embraces Western customs.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv r
v- ANSWERS--A
rv
A client has a nursing diagnosis of, "Spiritual distress related to a loss of hope, seco
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ndary to impending death." What intervention is best for the nurse to implement whe
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
n caring for this client?
rv rv rv rv
A. Help the client to accept the final stage of life.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Assist and support the client in establishing short-term goals.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Encourage the client to make future plans, even if they are unrealistic.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. Instruct the client's family to focus on positive aspects of the client's life. -
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ANSWERS--B
rv
,A client who is 5 foot 5 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds is scheduled for surgery t
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
he next day. Which question is most important for the nurse to include during the pre
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
operative assessment? rv rv
A. "What is your daily calorie consumption?"
rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. "What vitamin and mineral supplements do you take?"
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. "Do you feel that you are overweight?"
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. "Will a clear liquid diet be okay after surgery?" - ANSWERS--B
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
The nurse working in the emergency department is assessing four clients' ability to t
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
olerate pain. Which client is likely to tolerate a higher level of pain?
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
A. A 10-year-old who was burned by a camp fire earlier today.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. A 70-year-old who has a postoperative infection from a surgery one week ago.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. A 23-year-old woman who sprained her knee while bicycling.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. A 55-year-old woman who has had moderate low back pain for three months. -
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ANSWERS--D
rv
A hospitalized male client is receiving nasogastric tube feedings via a small-
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
bore tube and a continuous pump infusion. He reports that he had a bad bout of sev
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ere coughing a few minutes ago, but feels fine now. What action is best for the nurse
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv r
to take?
v rv
A. Record the coughing incident. No further action is required at this time.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Stop the feeding, explain to the family why it is being stopped, and notify the healt
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
hcare provider. rv
C. After clearing the tube with 30 ml of air, check the pH of fluid withdrawn from the t
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ube.
D. Inject 30 ml of air into the tube while auscultating the epigastrium for gurgling. -
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ANSWERS--C
rv
In evaluating client care, which action should the nurse take first?
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
A. Determine if the expected outcomes of care were achieved.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Review the rationales used as the basis of nursing actions.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Document the care plan goals that were successfully met.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. Prioritize interventions to be added to the client's plan of care. - ANSWERS--A
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
A female client asks the nurse to find someone who can translate her treatment conc
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
erns into her native language. Which action should the nurse take?
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
A. Explain that anyone who speaks her language can answer her questions.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Provide a translator only in an emergency situation.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Ask a family member or friend of the client to translate.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. Request and document the name of the certified translator. - ANSWERS--D
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) places a client in a left lateral position prior
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
to administering a soap suds enema. Which instruction should the nurse provide the
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
UAP?
A. Position the client on the right side of the bed in reverse Trendelenburg.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Fill the enema container with 1000 mL of warm water and 5 mL of castile soap.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Reposition in a Sims' position with the client's weight on the anterior ilium.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. Raise the side rails on both sides of the bed and elevate the bed to waist level. -
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ANSWERS--C
rv
, A child with a penetrating eye injury comes to the school clinic. What action should th
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
e nurse implement?
rv rv
A. Remove the object impaled in the eye and then apply a regular eye patch.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Place an ice bag over the eye until the healthcare provider is seen.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Irrigate the affected eye copiously with a cool sterile saline solution.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. Apply a Fox shield to the affected eye and any type of patch to the other eye. -
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ANSWERS--D
rv
When making the bed of a client who needs a bed cradle, which action should the nu
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
rse include? rv
A. Teach the client to call for help before getting out of bed.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Keep both the upper and lower side rails in a raised position.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Keep the bed in the lowest position while changing the sheets.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
D. Drape the top sheet and covers loosely over the bed cradle. - ANSWERS--D
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
A male client with venous incompetence stands up and his blood pressure subseque
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ntly drops. Which finding should the nurse identify as a compensatory response?
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
A. Bradycardia.
rv
B. Increase in pulse rate.
rv rv rv rv
C. Peripheral vasodilation.
rv rv
D. Increase in cardiac output. - ANSWERS--B
rv rv rv rv rv rv
When assessing a preschooler, which finding warrants further assessment by the nu
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
rse?
A. Able to ride a tricycle.
rv rv rv rv rv
B. Talks about an imaginary friend.
rv rv rv rv rv
C. Dresses independently.
rv rv
D. Gains 2 pounds (0.9kg) in 12 months. - ANSWERS--D
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
The nurse completes visual inspection of a client's abdomen. What technique should
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv r
the nurse perform next in the abdominal examination?
v rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
A. Percussion.
rv
B. Auscultation.
rv
C. Deep palpation.
rv rv
D. Light palpation. - ANSWERS--B
rv rv rv rv
The nurse is assessing a postmenopausal woman who is complaining of urinary urg
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
ency and frequency and stress incontinence. She also reports difficulty in emptying h
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
er bladder. These complaints are most likely due to which condition?
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
A. Cystocele.
rv
B. Bladder infection.
rv rv
C. Pyelonephritis.
rv
D. Irritable bladder. - ANSWERS--A
rv rv rv rv
What action should the nurse implement when adding sterile liquids to a sterile field?
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
A. Use an outdated sterile liquid if the bottle is sealed and has not been opened.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
B. Consider the sterile field contaminated if it becomes wet during the procedure.
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
C. Remove the container cap and lay it with the inside facing down on the sterile fiel
rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv rv
d.
