HESI LPN
HESI Fundamental Practice Exam
1. A nurse is caring for an older, immobile patient whose condition requires a supine position. Which metabolic alteration will the nurse monitor for in this patient?
- A. Increased appetite
- B. Increased diarrhea
- C. Increased metabolic rate
- D. Increased pulse rate
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When an older, immobile patient is in a supine position, it increases cardiac workload, leading to an increased pulse rate. This is because the heart rate in older adults may not tolerate the additional workload. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because an increased appetite, increased diarrhea, and increased metabolic rate are not directly associated with being immobile in a supine position. Increased appetite is more related to nutritional needs or certain medical conditions, increased diarrhea could be due to various causes, and an increased metabolic rate is not typically a direct consequence of lying supine.
2. A patient has damage to the cerebellum. Which disorder is most important for the nurse to assess?
- A. Impaired balance
- B. Hemiplegia
- C. Muscle sprain
- D. Lower extremity paralysis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When the cerebellum is damaged, it leads to impaired balance. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating movements and maintaining balance. Therefore, assessing the patient's balance is essential in determining the extent of cerebellar damage. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because hemiplegia refers to paralysis of one side of the body, muscle sprain is a soft tissue injury, and lower extremity paralysis involves loss of function in the lower limbs. These conditions are not directly associated with damage to the cerebellum.
3. The nurse is caring for a patient who needs to be placed in the prone position. Which action will the nurse take?
- A. Place a pillow under the patient's lower legs.
- B. Turn the head toward one side with a large, soft pillow.
- C. Position legs flat against the bed.
- D. Raise the head of the bed to 45 degrees.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Placing a pillow under the patient's lower legs when in the prone position is essential to allow dorsiflexion of the ankles and some knee flexion, which promote relaxation. This position also helps in maintaining proper alignment of the spine. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because turning the head, positioning legs flat against the bed, and raising the head of the bed to 45 degrees are not appropriate actions for a patient in the prone position. Turning the head to one side with a large, soft pillow is commonly done for patients in the supine position to maintain proper alignment and airway patency. Positioning legs flat against the bed is more suitable for a patient in a supine or semi-fowler's position. Raising the head of the bed to 45 degrees is typically done for patients who need semi-fowler's positioning for respiratory support or to prevent aspiration.
4. The patient has been diagnosed with a spinal cord injury and needs to be repositioned using the logrolling technique. Which technique will the healthcare team use for logrolling?
- A. Involve at least three to four people.
- B. Instruct the patient not to reach for the opposite side rail when turning.
- C. Move the bottom part of the patient’s torso first and then the top part.
- D. Use pillows for support before turning.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct technique for logrolling involves at least three to four people to ensure the safety and proper alignment of the patient's spine. Logrolling requires coordinated effort from multiple individuals to prevent twisting or bending of the spine, hence option A is correct. Option B is incorrect as patients with spinal cord injuries should not be instructed to reach for the opposite side rail due to the risk of causing harm. Option C is incorrect as moving the bottom part of the patient's torso first could lead to spinal misalignment. Option D is incorrect as pillows should be used for support and comfort after the patient has been successfully turned, not before.
5. The patient has undergone surgery for a broken leg and has a cast in place. What should the nurse do to prevent skin impairment?
- A. Assess surfaces exposed to the edges of the cast for pressure areas.
- B. Keep the patient's blood pressure low to prevent overperfusion of tissue.
- C. Allow turning in bed to prevent complications.
- D. Encourage the patient's dietary intake to maintain hydration.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To prevent skin impairment in a patient with a cast, the nurse should assess surfaces exposed to the edges of the cast for pressure areas. This is important to prevent pressure ulcers or skin breakdown. Keeping the patient's blood pressure low (Choice B) is not directly related to preventing skin impairment in this scenario. Allowing turning in bed (Choice C) is essential for preventing complications like pressure ulcers and is not contraindicated. Encouraging the patient's dietary intake (Choice D) to maintain hydration is not directly related to preventing skin impairment associated with a cast.
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