HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Exam
1. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
- A. Loss of reflexes in the legs
- B. Decreased peripheral sensation
- C. Respiratory distress
- D. Muscle weakness in the arms
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory distress. In Guillain-Barre syndrome, respiratory distress is the most concerning finding as it can indicate progression to respiratory failure, which is a life-threatening complication. Loss of reflexes in the legs and muscle weakness in the arms are common manifestations of the condition but may not be as immediately life-threatening as respiratory distress. Decreased peripheral sensation is also a common symptom but is not as critical as respiratory distress in terms of immediate patient safety and management.
2. During a tonic-clonic seizure, what is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Insert an oral airway
- B. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
- C. Restrain the client's arms and legs
- D. Protect the client's head from injury
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During a tonic-clonic seizure, the nurse's priority intervention is to protect the client's head from injury. This is crucial to prevent trauma, as head injuries can be severe during a seizure. Inserting an oral airway may cause injury or obstruction during the seizure and is not recommended. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula can be done after ensuring the client's safety. Restraining the client's arms and legs is also not recommended as it can lead to further injury or harm.
3. Which individual is making a food choice based on negative association?
- A. A tourist from China who rejects a hamburger due to unfamiliarity
- B. A child who spits out his mashed potatoes because they taste too salty
- C. A teenager who grudgingly accepts an offer for an ice cream cone to avoid offending a close friend
- D. An elderly gentleman who refuses a peanut butter and jelly sandwich because he considers it a child's food
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is the correct answer because the elderly gentleman is refusing the peanut butter and jelly sandwich due to his negative association of considering it a child's food. This negative association influences his food choice. Choices A, B, and C do not involve negative associations with the food being consumed. Choice A is based on unfamiliarity, Choice B is due to taste preference, and Choice C is driven by social considerations rather than negative food association.
4. The nurse is preparing a client for discharge after a major surgical procedure. What is the priority instruction to include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Signs of infection to monitor for
- B. Pain management techniques
- C. Activity restrictions and safety measures
- D. All of the above
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Providing comprehensive discharge instructions covering signs of infection to monitor for, pain management techniques, activity restrictions, and safety measures is crucial after a major surgical procedure. Each of these components plays a vital role in the client's recovery and well-being. It is important for the client to understand how to identify signs of infection, manage pain effectively, and adhere to activity restrictions to prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery process. While each instruction is important on its own, combining all aspects into the discharge teaching ensures that the client has a holistic understanding of their post-operative care, empowering them to take charge of their health and know when to seek further assistance if needed. Choices A, B, and C are essential components of discharge teaching and should all be included to provide the client with comprehensive care instructions.
5. What should be included in the teaching plan for parents of an infant diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU)?
- A. Mental retardation occurs if PKU is untreated.
- B. Testing for PKU is done immediately after birth.
- C. Treatment for PKU includes lifelong dietary management.
- D. PKU is transmitted by an autosomal recessive gene.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Mental retardation occurs if PKU is untreated.' Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder that, if left untreated with dietary management, can lead to severe mental retardation due to the accumulation of phenylalanine. It is crucial for parents to understand the potential consequences of untreated PKU to emphasize the importance of early and consistent treatment. Choice B is incorrect because testing for PKU is typically done through newborn screening shortly after birth, not immediately. Choice C is incorrect as treatment for PKU primarily involves strict dietary management that restricts phenylalanine intake, not lifelong medications. Choice D is incorrect as PKU is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that both parents must pass on a mutated gene for the disorder to manifest.