Practice HESI Fundamentals Exam

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The first action the nurse should implement is to determine the size and depth of the skin breakdown over the sacral area. This initial assessment will provide crucial information on the extent of the damage and guide appropriate care interventions. Option A is not the priority in this scenario as the immediate concern is addressing the existing skin breakdown. Option B, completing a functional assessment, is important but should come after addressing the acute issue of skin breakdown. Option C, applying a barrier ointment, may be beneficial later but does not address the primary need of assessing the extent of the current skin damage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: During medication reconciliation, the nurse should compare the client's home medications with the provider's prescriptions to ensure accuracy and prevent medication errors. Reviewing the client's medical history (Choice B) is important but not the primary focus of medication reconciliation. Assessing the client's current medications (Choice C) is also vital but is not specific to the comparison between home and prescribed medications during reconciliation. Asking the client about their allergies (Choice D) is relevant for ensuring safe medication administration but is not the primary step in medication reconciliation, which involves comparing actual medications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the bladder of the BP cuff surrounds 80% of the arm. This technique is crucial for obtaining accurate blood pressure readings. Choice B is incorrect because using the BP cuff on the forearm may lead to inaccurate readings. Choice C is incorrect as applying the BP cuff loosely can also result in inaccurate measurements. Choice D is incorrect because using a pediatric cuff for adults with small arms would not provide accurate blood pressure readings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer because it demonstrates an understanding that soap and water should be used when hands are visibly dirty or when dealing with specific pathogens. Choice A is incorrect because it suggests the use of soap and water over alcohol-based hand rub without specifying the circumstances. Choice B is incorrect as it implies that using alcohol-based hand rub after using the restroom is always suitable. Choice D is incorrect because it states that hand rub is always enough, which is not true when hands are visibly soiled or when specific pathogens are present.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a palliative care setting, when caring for a client approaching death with symptoms of shortness of breath and noisy respirations, using a fan can help alleviate the sensation of breathlessness. This intervention can provide comfort by improving air circulation and reducing the perception of breathlessness. Turning the client every 2 hours may not directly address the respiratory distress caused by noisy respirations. Providing supplemental oxygen may not be indicated or effective in all cases, especially in end-of-life care where the focus is on comfort rather than aggressive interventions. Administering diuretics as prescribed would not be appropriate for addressing noisy respirations and shortness of breath in a dying client, as this may not be related to fluid overload or congestion. Therefore, the most appropriate action to help the client feel more comfortable in this situation is to use a fan to reduce the feeling of breathlessness.