Review HESI RN health assessment

Exam Review

HESI RN health assessment

Share This Link

Share on social media

Facebook

Messager

WhatsApp

Share URL
Copy

We are excited to announce the release of a NEW VERSION OF THE SYSTEM! To benefit from the latest features, improvements, and component updates, please switch to the new system as soon as possible.

Visit Latest Version

Total Questions : 50

Showing 10 questions, Sign in for more

Question 1:

The nurse assesses a young adult female who was brought to the emergency department (ED) by her boyfriend because she has not been feeling well all day and he believes she is getting worse. Which finding supports the nurse's suspicion that the client is experiencing appendicitis?

A. Periumbilical pain localizing to right lower quadrant. B. Anorexia a progressing to nausea, vomiting, and fever. C. Diffuse abdominal pain with elevated neutrophil count. D. Sudden onset of severe anxiety, fear, and concern.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Periumbilical pain localizing to right lower quadrant: This is a classic sign of appendicitis. The pain typically begins near the umbilicus and later migrates to the right lower quadrant (McBurney's point) as the inflammation progresses and irritates the parietal peritoneum. This localized pain pattern is a strong clinical indicator of appendicitis.

Choice B:

Anorexia progressing to nausea, vomiting, and fever: While these are common associated symptoms of appendicitis, they are nonspecific and can be seen in many gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroenteritis. Alone, they are not as definitive as localized right lower quadrant pain in confirming the diagnosis.

Choice C:

Diffuse abdominal pain with elevated neutrophil count: Diffuse abdominal pain suggests a more widespread issue, not the localized inflammation typically seen in early appendicitis. An elevated neutrophil count can suggest infection or inflammation but does not pinpoint appendicitis specifically without more localized symptoms.

Choice D:

Sudden onset of severe anxiety, fear, and concern: These symptoms may suggest a psychiatric or stress-related condition, or even a cardiac event in some cases, but they are not characteristic of appendicitis and do not support the suspicion of appendicitis.

Discussion Section

Posting as Anonymous or Login Here

0 Pulse Checks

No comments

Question 2:

A nurse performs a Tinetti assessment on an older adult client and calculates a balance score of 12 and a gait score of 8. Which do these results indicate?

A. Likely onset of Parkinson's disease. B. Need for a walker to aid in ambulation. C. Expected results for an older adult. D. Increased risk for falling.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Likely onset of Parkinson's disease: The Tinetti assessment evaluates gait and balance in older adults to identify those at an increased risk of falling but is not diagnostic for Parkinson’s disease. While Parkinson’s can affect gait and balance, a low score alone does not confirm its presence and further neurological evaluation would be necessary.

Choice B:

Need for a walker to aid in ambulation: A low Tinetti score may lead to recommending assistive devices like a walker, but the test itself doesn’t directly indicate the need for one. A comprehensive mobility and safety assessment is needed before prescribing mobility aids.

Choice C:

Expected results for an older adult: Although balance and gait may decline with age, a combined Tinetti score of 20 (balance 12 + gait 8) is considered low and indicates a significant deviation from safe functional mobility in older adults, rather than an expected finding.

Choice D:

Increased risk for falling: A Tinetti total score below 19 suggests a high risk for falls. This client’s score of 20 is just above that critical threshold but still considered moderate risk, clearly indicating impaired mobility and a heightened risk of falling.

Discussion Section

Posting as Anonymous or Login Here

0 Pulse Checks

No comments

Question 3:

The school nurse is teaching a group of female students about the female reproductive system. A student asks how she will know she is starting puberty. Which information should the nurse discuss?

A. A dark line of pigmentation occurs along the midline of the abdomen. B. Weight gain becomes obvious as the hip circumference increases. C. The areolar color of the nipples changes from pink to dark brown. D. The development of breast buds will form under the nipples.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

A dark line of pigmentation occurs along the midline of the abdomen: This refers to linea nigra, which is more commonly associated with hormonal changes during pregnancy rather than puberty. It is not a typical sign of puberty in adolescent females.

Choice B:

Weight gain becomes obvious as the hip circumference increases: While changes in body shape and fat distribution occur during puberty especially with increased fat around the hips and thighs, it is usually a gradual process and not the first noticeable sign.

Choice C:

The areolar color of the nipples changes from pink to dark brown: Areolar pigmentation may darken with puberty in some individuals, but it varies by skin tone and is not a reliable or universal first sign of puberty.

Choice D:

The development of breast buds will form under the nipples: The appearance of breast buds or thelarche, small, firm lumps form under the nipples, which can sometimes be tender, is typically the first visible sign of puberty in girls, usually occurring around ages 8–13. It signals the beginning of hormonal changes and physical development.

Discussion Section

Posting as Anonymous or Login Here

0 Pulse Checks

No comments

Question 4:

The nurse plans to assess a client's ability to think abstractly. Which question or statement is likely to provide the best information about the client's abstract thinking?

A. "Count backwards by 7, starting with 100." B. "Has anyone come to visit you today?" C. "In what year were you born?" D. "What does, "The early bird catches the worm," mean?"

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

"Count backwards by 7, starting with 100.": This question assesses concentration, attention span, and mathematical ability but does not evaluate abstract thinking. It is typically used in cognitive or mental status exams to assess focus and processing speed.

Choice B:

"Has anyone come to visit you today?": This is a straightforward question assessing recent memory or orientation but has no abstract component. It provides little insight into higher-order thinking or interpretation skills.

Choice C:

"In what year were you born?": This question evaluates remote memory, not abstract reasoning. It is factual and concrete, requiring only recollection, not interpretation or deeper thought.

Choice D:

"What does, 'The early bird catches the worm,' mean?": This is a proverb that requires interpretation beyond its literal meaning. Asking for its meaning helps assess abstract thinking by evaluating the client’s ability to understand figurative language and draw broader conclusions.

Discussion Section

Posting as Anonymous or Login Here

0 Pulse Checks

No comments

Question 5:

The nurse is performing a head-to-toe physical examination on a known victim of intimate partner violence. The visual exam reveals several round, flat, pinpoint, red spots. How should the nurse document this finding?

A. Ecchymosis. B. Hematoma. C. Petechiae. D. Vesicle.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Ecchymosis: Ecchymosis refers to larger areas of bruising or discoloration due to bleeding under the skin, typically caused by trauma. It appears as purple or bluish patches but does not present as tiny pinpoint spots.

Choice B:

Hematoma: A hematoma is a localized collection of blood under the skin or tissue that results in swelling and discoloration. It is typically raised and larger than petechiae, often caused by blunt force trauma.

Choice C:

Petechiae: Petechiae are small, pinpoint, round red or purple spots caused by minor bleeding under the skin. They are flat, do not blanch with pressure, and are often associated with pressure or trauma. In the context of intimate partner violence, petechiae can be a sign of strangulation or other abuse-related injuries.

Choice D:

Vesicle: A vesicle is a small, fluid-filled blister on the skin, commonly associated with infections like herpes or chickenpox. They appear as a raised lesion containing clear fluid. It is not red or pinpoint in appearance and would not match the described findings in this scenario.

Discussion Section

Posting as Anonymous or Login Here

0 Pulse Checks

No comments

Question 6:

The nurse observes that the lower legs of a client with diabetes mellitus are shiny, and with no hair growth. To obtain additional data to support these findings, which assessment should the nurse perform?

A. Ask if the client often feels weak or hungry. B. Compare the range of motion of both legs. C. Measure the client's capillary glucose. D. Palpate the client's dorsalis pedis pulses.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Ask if the client often feels weak or hungry: While important in overall diabetes assessment, weakness or hunger are more related to poor glucose control and they do not specifically indicate peripheral vascular changes such as shiny skin and hair loss.

Choice B:

Compare the range of motion of both legs: Assessing range of motion can be useful in evaluating joint or muscular issues but does not provide specific information about vascular status or circulation, which is the primary concern here.

Choice C:

Measure the client's capillary glucose: Blood glucose levels are essential in managing diabetes but do not assess the presence or severity of peripheral vascular disease, which can lead to changes in skin and hair growth on the lower legs.

Choice D:

Palpate the client's dorsalis pedis pulses: Shiny skin and hair loss on the legs suggest poor peripheral circulation, often related to peripheral arterial disease, a common complication of diabetes mellitus. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time, leading to narrowing and reduced blood flow, particularly in the lower extremities. Palpating dorsalis pedis pulses helps assess arterial blood flow and supports evaluation of vascular insufficiency.

Discussion Section

Posting as Anonymous or Login Here

0 Pulse Checks

No comments

Question 7:

When performing a skin and nail exam on an older adult female client, the nurse notes that she has longitudinal ridges on her fingernails. Which does this finding indicate?

A. An expected variation. B. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). C. Psoriasis. D. Fungal infection.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

An expected variation: Longitudinal ridges (Onychorrhexis) on the fingernails are common in older adults and are typically considered a normal part of aging. As we age, the nail matrix can become less smooth, leading to the development of these ridges. These ridges tend to become more pronounced with age and do not usually indicate any underlying pathology.

Choice B:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Nail changes associated with COPD often include clubbing, increased angle between the nail bed and the nail fold, not longitudinal ridging. The presence of ridges is not a characteristic sign of this respiratory condition.

Choice C:

Psoriasis: Psoriasis can cause nail pitting, thickening, discolouration and separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis), but it does not commonly cause regular longitudinal ridging as seen in aging.

Choice D:

Fungal infection: Fungal infections typically result in discoloration (yellowish, whitish, or brownish), thickening, crumbling, or irregular texture of the nail. Longitudinal ridges without these changes are not consistent with a fungal etiology.

Discussion Section

Posting as Anonymous or Login Here

0 Pulse Checks

No comments

Question 8:

The nurse is assessing older adult clients in a community health clinic. Which assessment finding is an indicator for immediate medical follow-up?

A. A change in awareness of surroundings. B. Reduced fine motor skills. C. A negative Babinski reflex. D. Diminished short term memory over the past year.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

A change in awareness of surroundings: Altered awareness or sudden changes in level of consciousness can signal acute neurological issues such as stroke, brain injury, infection, or metabolic imbalances. This is a serious red flag requiring immediate medical evaluation to prevent potential deterioration.

Choice B:

Reduced fine motor skills: While reduced fine motor skills can indicate a neurological issue, it typically develops gradually due to conditions like arthritis, neurological disorders, or aging and may be monitored unless associated with other acute symptoms. It is not usually an emergency unless sudden in onset.

Choice C:

A negative Babinski reflex: A negative Babinski reflex is a normal finding in adults, indicating intact central nervous system function. It does not suggest the need for medical follow-up in the absence of other abnormal signs.

Choice D:

Diminished short term memory over the past year: Gradual memory decline may indicate cognitive changes like dementia, stress or early signs of cognitive impairment but it typically requires routine, not immediate, follow-up unless there's a rapid worsening or associated concerning symptoms.

Discussion Section

Posting as Anonymous or Login Here

0 Pulse Checks

No comments

Question 9:

An older adult client is being evaluated for admission to an assisted living facility. During the health assessment, the nurse implements which technique to determine the client's ability to reside in this environment?

A. Instruct client to demonstrate activities of daily living. B. Screen client for alcohol or controlled drug abuse. C. Focus questions to evaluate long term memory. D. Evaluate client for side effects of routine medications.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Instruct client to demonstrate activities of daily living: Assessing the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and feeding is essential when determining if an older adult can safely live in an assisted living environment. ADL performance directly impacts the level of care and support required.

Choice B:

Screen client for alcohol or controlled drug abuse: While substance use screening is important for overall health evaluation, it is not the primary assessment when determining suitability for assisted living. It may be part of a broader psychosocial evaluation.

Choice C:

Focus questions to evaluate long term memory: Long-term memory evaluation is relevant in assessing cognitive function, but it does not fully reflect the client’s ability to manage daily tasks required for independent or semi-independent living.

Choice D:

Evaluate client for side effects of routine medications: Monitoring medication side effects is important for safety, but it does not directly measure functional capacity to live in an assisted setting. ADL capability remains the most critical factor for admission decisions.

Discussion Section

Posting as Anonymous or Login Here

0 Pulse Checks

No comments

Question 10:

An older adult male client reports nocturia with difficulty starting his urine stream. Which additional assessment should the nurse perform to obtain further data related to this information?

A. Observe the scrotum for swelling. B. Inspect the urethral meatus for discharge. C. Question the client about related symptoms. D. Palpate the inguinal area for a bulge.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Observe the scrotum for swelling: Scrotal swelling might indicate issues such as a hydrocele, varicocele, or hernia, but it is not directly linked to urinary difficulties like nocturia or trouble initiating urination. It’s not the most targeted assessment in this context.

Choice B:

Inspect the urethral meatus for discharge: Discharge can suggest infection, such as urethritis or sexually transmitted infections, but it’s not a common finding in cases of nocturia and hesitancy typically associated with prostate issues.

Choice C:

Question the client about related symptoms: Asking about related symptoms such as weak stream, dribbling, incomplete emptying, or urgency helps the nurse assess for conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This focused history provides critical insight into urinary function and guides further evaluation or referral.

Choice D:

Palpate the inguinal area for a bulge: This checks for inguinal hernias, which can cause groin discomfort but are not typically linked with urinary hesitancy or nocturia. It's a useful exam, but not the most relevant first step based on the symptoms presented.

Discussion Section

Posting as Anonymous or Login Here

0 Pulse Checks

No comments

Sign Up or Login to view all the 50 Questions on this Exam

Join over 100,000+ nursing students using Naxlex’s science-backend flashcards, practice tests and expert solutions to improve their grades and reach their goals.

Exam Review

HESI RN health assessment Share this Share This Link Share on social media Facebook Messager WhatsApp Share URL Copy Close

Total Questions : 50

Sign Up or Login to view all the 50 Questions on this Exam

HESI RN health assessment

Share This Link

Share on social media

Facebook

Messager

WhatsApp

Share URL
Copy