HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Questions
1. A cerebrovascular accident patient is placed on a ventilator. The client’s daughter arrives with a durable power of attorney and a living will that indicates no extraordinary life-saving measures. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Refer to the risk manager
- B. Notify the healthcare provider
- C. Discontinue the ventilator
- D. Review the medical record
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to notify the healthcare provider. In this situation, involving the healthcare provider ensures appropriate review and adherence to legal and ethical standards based on the living will and durable power of attorney. Referring to the risk manager may not be directly related to the immediate decision-making process regarding the ventilator. Discontinuing the ventilator without proper authorization from the healthcare provider could lead to legal and ethical implications. Reviewing the medical record alone may not provide guidance on how to proceed with the specific instructions from the living will and durable power of attorney.
2. _____ is a type of estrogen, prescribed in the 1940s and 1950s to pregnant women, that is said to have caused testicular, vaginal, and cervical cancer in some offspring.
- A. Androsterone
- B. Adiponectin
- C. Progestin
- D. Diethylstilbestrol
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic estrogen that was prescribed to pregnant women in the 1940s and 1950s to prevent miscarriages. However, it was later discovered that DES exposure in utero could lead to health issues in offspring, including an increased risk of testicular, vaginal, and cervical cancer. Choice A, Androsterone, is a steroid hormone produced in small amounts in humans and unlikely to be associated with the adverse effects described. Choice B, Adiponectin, is a protein hormone that plays a role in regulating glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown, not related to the adverse effects mentioned. Choice C, Progestin, is a synthetic form of progesterone used in birth control and hormone therapy, not linked to the specific health concerns associated with DES exposure.
3. The nurse is monitoring a client who started taking a new medication for rheumatoid arthritis. What is the most important aspect to monitor?
- A. Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
- B. Liver function tests
- C. Renal function tests
- D. All necessary monitoring based on the medication prescribed
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When a client starts a new medication for rheumatoid arthritis, it is crucial to monitor all necessary aspects based on the specific medication prescribed. Different medications can have varying side effects and impacts on different organ systems. Monitoring all relevant parameters ensures the early detection of any adverse effects and helps to maintain the client's safety. While monitoring for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, liver function tests, and renal function tests are all important in certain situations, the priority is to conduct comprehensive monitoring based on the medication's known effects.
4. Which of the following statements is true of mutations?
- A. Mutations can only occur by chance.
- B. Mutations produce sperm and ova cells.
- C. Mutations occur through radiation or other environmental influences.
- D. Mutations help adenine combine with guanine to form the single spiral structure of DNA.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Mutations can occur due to environmental influences such as radiation, chemicals, or other external factors, leading to changes in the DNA sequence. Choice A is incorrect because mutations can also occur due to errors in DNA replication, not solely by chance. Choice B is incorrect as mutations affect the DNA sequence itself, not the production of specific cells. Choice D is incorrect because mutations involve changes in the DNA sequence and do not specifically involve the formation of the DNA structure.
5. A client with brain cancer is transferring to hospice care. The client's son tells the nurse, 'I don’t know what to tell my dad if he asks how he is going to die.' Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. “Let’s talk more about your dad’s condition.”
- B. “The social worker will help you answer those questions.”
- C. “I think that you should discuss this with the hospice nurse.”
- D. “Try to help your dad enjoy this time as much as he can.”
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Choosing option D, 'Try to help your dad enjoy this time as much as he can,' is the most appropriate response by the nurse. This response shows empathy and compassion towards the client and their family during this difficult transition. The focus on supporting the client in enjoying their remaining time reflects a holistic approach to care. Options A, B, and C are not the best responses in this situation. Option A could lead to unnecessary details that might be overwhelming for the family. Option B shifts the responsibility to the social worker without providing immediate support. Option C deflects the son's concerns to another healthcare professional when emotional support is needed.