HESI LPN
HESI Fundamental Practice Exam
1. A client with pneumonia has a decrease in oxygen saturation from 94% to 88% while ambulating. Based on these findings, which intervention should the LPN/LVN implement first?
- A. Assist the ambulating client back to the bed.
- B. Encourage the client to ambulate to resolve pneumonia.
- C. Obtain a prescription for portable oxygen while ambulating.
- D. Move the oximetry probe from the finger to the earlobe.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct intervention is to assist the client back to bed. A decrease in oxygen saturation while ambulating indicates hypoxemia, and the immediate priority is to stabilize oxygen levels. Returning the client to bed allows for rest and decreased oxygen demand, potentially preventing further desaturation. Encouraging continued ambulation (Choice B) may worsen the hypoxemia by increasing oxygen demand. Obtaining portable oxygen (Choice C) is essential but should not delay addressing the low oxygen saturation. Moving the oximetry probe (Choice D) may not address the underlying cause of decreased oxygen saturation and should not be the first intervention.
2. A healthcare professional is preparing to insert an IV catheter into a client’s arm prior to initiating IV fluid therapy. Which of the following interventions should the healthcare professional implement to prevent infection?
- A. Thread the catheter up to the hub
- B. Use a sterile technique throughout the procedure
- C. Clean the insertion site with alcohol only
- D. Use gloves but not a mask during the procedure
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Using a sterile technique throughout the procedure is essential to prevent infection when inserting an IV catheter. This includes maintaining aseptic conditions, using sterile equipment, and following proper hand hygiene practices. Choice A is incorrect because threading the catheter up to the hub does not specifically address infection prevention. Choice C is incorrect as cleaning the insertion site with alcohol only may not provide adequate disinfection, as it is essential to use an antiseptic solution to reduce microbial load. Choice D is incorrect as wearing gloves alone is not sufficient protection against infection; a mask should also be worn to prevent the spread of microorganisms through respiratory secretions.
3. When interviewing the parents of a child with asthma, what information about the child's environment should be gathered most importantly?
- A. Household pets
- B. New furniture
- C. Lead-based paint
- D. Plants such as cactus
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When assessing a child with asthma, it is crucial to gather information about potential triggers in their environment. Household pets, such as cats or dogs, are common triggers for asthma attacks due to pet dander and saliva. This information is essential to identify if exposure to pets at home could be exacerbating the child's asthma symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are less relevant in the context of asthma triggers. New furniture, lead-based paint, and plants like cactus are not typically primary triggers for asthma attacks compared to common allergens like pet dander.
4. A client is expressing anger about his diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Reassure the client that this is an expected response to grief.
- B. Ignore the client’s anger and continue with the plan of care.
- C. Tell the client that anger is not going to help his situation.
- D. Encourage the client to express his anger.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a client is expressing anger about a diagnosis, it is essential for the nurse to validate the client's feelings. Choice A is correct because reassuring the client that anger is an expected response to grief acknowledges the client's emotions and encourages expression, fostering a therapeutic relationship. This validation helps the client feel understood and supported during a challenging time. Choice B is incorrect as ignoring the client's anger can lead to feelings of neglect and hinder effective communication, which is crucial for providing holistic care. Choice C is inappropriate because telling the client that anger is not helpful dismisses the client's emotions and can further escalate the situation, potentially damaging the nurse-client relationship. Choice D is not the best option as it does not involve acknowledging the client's feelings or providing support and validation, which are vital in promoting emotional well-being and trust between the client and the nurse.
5. During a dressing change, a healthcare professional observes granulation tissue in a client's wound. Which of the following findings should be documented?
- A. Stringy, white tissue
- B. Translucent, red tissue
- C. Soft, yellow tissue
- D. Thick, black tissue
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Granulation tissue is a hallmark of healing in wounds. It appears as translucent and red, indicating angiogenesis and the formation of new blood vessels in the wound bed. This tissue is vital for wound healing as it provides a scaffold for cell migration and promotes re-epithelialization. Choices A, C, and D do not describe granulation tissue accurately. Stringy, white tissue may suggest fibrin, soft, yellow tissue could indicate slough, and thick, black tissue may imply necrotic tissue, all of which are not synonymous with granulation tissue and do not signify the healing process.
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