HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Study Guide
1. When reviewing a client’s fluid and electrolyte status, what should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Potassium 5.4
- B. Sodium 140
- C. Calcium 8.6
- D. Magnesium 2.0
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Potassium 5.4'. A potassium level of 5.4 is elevated (normal range is typically 3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and may indicate hyperkalemia, which can have serious cardiac implications. Elevated potassium levels can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, so immediate reporting and intervention are necessary. Choice B, 'Sodium 140', falls within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) and does not require immediate reporting. Choice C, 'Calcium 8.6', falls within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) and is not an immediate concern. Choice D, 'Magnesium 2.0', is within the normal range (1.5-2.5 mEq/L) and does not need urgent reporting. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize reporting the elevated potassium level as it poses the most immediate risk.
2. The nurse is providing care for a client with a wound infection. Which type of precautions should the nurse implement?
- A. Airborne precautions
- B. Droplet precautions
- C. Contact precautions
- D. Standard precautions
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Contact precautions are necessary when caring for a client with a wound infection to prevent the spread of infection. Contact precautions involve practices such as wearing gloves and gowns, and ensuring proper hand hygiene. Airborne precautions are for diseases transmitted by small droplet nuclei that can remain suspended in the air, like tuberculosis. Droplet precautions are for diseases transmitted through respiratory droplets larger than 5 microns, such as influenza. Standard precautions are used for all clients to prevent the spread of infection and include practices like hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and safe injection practices. In this case, since the client has a wound infection, the nurse should focus on implementing contact precautions to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to themselves or others.
3. A client has C-diff infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Give the client chlorhexidine gluconate for hand hygiene.
- B. Remove the protective gown first when exiting the client's room.
- C. Use alcohol-based hand rub when caring for the client.
- D. Initiate contact precautions when providing client care.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate contact precautions when providing client care. C-diff (Clostridium difficile) is highly contagious, and contact precautions are necessary to prevent its spread. Giving the client chlorhexidine gluconate for hand hygiene (Choice A) is not specific to managing C-diff. Removing the protective gown first when exiting the client's room (Choice B) may increase the risk of contaminating oneself and the environment. Using alcohol-based hand rub when caring for the client (Choice C) is not sufficient to prevent the transmission of C-diff, as soap and water are more effective against this particular pathogen.
4. The client has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which symptom would be most concerning?
- A. Pain in the affected leg
- B. Redness and warmth in the affected leg
- C. Shortness of breath
- D. Swelling in the affected leg
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Shortness of breath is the most concerning symptom in a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) because it could indicate a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication where a blood clot travels to the lungs. This condition requires immediate medical attention. While pain, redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected leg are common symptoms of DVT, shortness of breath suggests a more critical situation that necessitates urgent intervention.
5. A client who has recently started using a behind-the-ear hearing aid is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands the use of assistive devices?
- A. “I will be sure to remove my hearing aid before taking a shower.”
- B. “I will keep my hearing aid in at all times, even when sleeping.”
- C. “I will clean my hearing aid with alcohol.”
- D. “I will turn off my hearing aid when not in use.”
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. It is crucial for the client to remove the hearing aid before showering to prevent damage from moisture. Choice B is incorrect as wearing the hearing aid all the time, including during sleep, is not recommended and can cause discomfort or harm. Choice C is incorrect as alcohol can damage hearing aids; they should be cleaned with a solution recommended by the manufacturer to prevent harm. Choice D is incorrect because hearing aids should not be turned off when not in use; instead, they should be stored properly following the manufacturer's instructions to maintain functionality and battery life.
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