HESI Fundamentals Exam

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A pericardial friction rub is characterized by a scratching sound that occurs during both systole and diastole. It becomes more distinct when the client is sitting up and leaning forward. This indicates an inflammation of the pericardial sac rubbing against the layers of the heart. Heart murmurs (choice B) are abnormal heart sounds caused by turbulent blood flow, not by friction like in a pericardial rub. S3 and S4 heart sounds (choices C and D) are additional heart sounds related to abnormal ventricular filling, not to pericardial friction rubs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Auscultating lung sounds is crucial for assessing the extent of congestion in a client with CHF. The presence of crackles or wheezing can indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs, a common complication of CHF. Monitoring urine output (Choice A) is important to assess renal function but is not the priority in this situation. While assessing the apical pulse (Choice C) and checking blood pressure (Choice D) are important in managing CHF, they do not provide immediate information about the respiratory status and congestion level in the lungs, making auscultating lung sounds the most critical assessment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Measuring the pH of the gastric aspirate is the most reliable method to confirm proper placement of an NG tube. Gastric fluid has an acidic pH, typically ranging from 1 to 5. Assessing the client for a gag reflex (choice A) is important for airway protection but does not confirm tube placement. Placing the NG tube in water to observe for bubbling (choice C) is incorrect and not a reliable method for verifying placement. Auscultating 2.5 cm above the umbilicus while injecting sterile water (choice D) is an outdated method and is not recommended for verifying NG tube placement.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the mL to administer, use the formula: Dose required (mg) � Stock concentration (mg/mL) = Volume to administer (mL). In this case, 10 mg � 40 mg/mL = 0.25 mL. However, when rounding to the nearest tenth, the answer should be 0.3 mL. Therefore, the nurse should administer 0.3 mL. Choice A is the correct answer. Choice B (0.25 mL) is the result obtained before rounding. Choice C (0.4 mL) and Choice D (0.5 mL) are incorrect calculations.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Weight loss is a common finding in clients with hyperthyroidism due to increased metabolic activity. Hyperthyroidism leads to an overactive thyroid gland, which results in an increased metabolic rate and often leads to weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite. Cold intolerance (Choice B) is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, where the body's processes slow down. Bradycardia (Choice C) is a slow heart rate, which is not typically seen in hyperthyroidism; rather, tachycardia or an increased heart rate is more common. Dry skin (Choice D) is also not a typical finding in hyperthyroidism, as the skin is more likely to be warm and moist due to increased metabolic activity.