HESI LPN
HESI Maternal Newborn
1. A client tells the nurse that she thinks she's pregnant. Which signs or symptoms provide the best indication that the client is pregnant?
- A. Morning sickness.
- B. Breast tenderness.
- C. Amenorrhea.
- D. Hegar's sign.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Hegar's sign, which is a softening of the lower uterine segment, is considered a probable sign of pregnancy as it indicates changes in the cervix and uterus that occur during pregnancy. Amenorrhea, the absence of menstruation, is a common early sign of pregnancy but can also be due to other factors. Morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, can be a sign of early pregnancy but is not as specific as Hegar's sign. Breast tenderness is a common symptom in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes, but it is not as definitive as Hegar's sign in indicating pregnancy.
2. The nurse instructs the mother of a child with a ventricular septal defect that she can expect the child to become cyanotic when the child does what?
- A. Experiences an elevation in temperature.
- B. Sleeps on the left side.
- C. Cries vigorously.
- D. Eats.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cries vigorously. When the child cries vigorously, it increases the pressure in the right ventricle, allowing unoxygenated blood to enter the circulating volume, leading to cyanosis. This occurs due to the shunting of blood from the right side of the heart to the left side through the ventricular septal defect. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly impact the pressure in the right ventricle, which is crucial in causing cyanosis in this scenario.
3. The nurse is teaching a client how to collect a sputum specimen. Which steps should the nurse instruct the client to follow when collecting sputum?
- A. Breathe deeply, followed by swallowing.
- B. Breathe deeply, followed by spitting into a cup.
- C. Breathe deeply, followed by coughing up the sputum.
- D. Breathe deeply, followed by clearing the throat.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to breathe deeply followed by coughing up the sputum. This method ensures that the specimen is collected from the lower respiratory tract and is not contaminated by saliva. Choice A (swallowing) does not result in sputum collection, while choice B (spitting into a cup) may lead to saliva contamination. Choice D (clearing the throat) is not an effective way to collect sputum as it may involve getting rid of saliva, not sputum.
4. When demonstrating an empathic presence to a client, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Use an open posture
- B. Write down what the client says for accurate documentation
- C. Establish and maintain eye contact
- D. Nod in agreement with the client throughout the conversation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Using an open posture is crucial when demonstrating empathy to a client. This body language conveys openness, understanding, and a willingness to listen, creating a safe space for the client to express themselves. Establishing and maintaining eye contact is also important as it fosters a sense of connection and validation for the client. Writing down what the client says is essential for accurate documentation and memory but does not directly contribute to demonstrating empathic presence. Nodding in agreement with the client throughout the conversation may show attentiveness, but it does not necessarily reflect empathy or active listening as it could be misinterpreted as simply agreeing with what is being said.
5. A child is brought to the clinic after tripping over a rock. The child states, 'I twisted my ankle,' and is given a diagnosis of a sprain. What intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge instructions for this child?
- A. For the first 24 hours, apply ice for 20 minutes and then remove for 60 minutes.
- B. Bed rest with the leg elevated for 36 hours.
- C. May take an NSAID for pain as needed.
- D. Use a compression dressing for 72 hours.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct intervention for a sprained ankle is to apply ice for 20 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours, then remove for 60 minutes to prevent tissue damage. This regimen helps reduce swelling and pain. Bed rest with the leg elevated for an extended period (36 hours) may lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion. While NSAIDs can be used for pain, they may not be necessary if pain is manageable with ice and rest. Using a compression dressing for 72 hours continuously may impede proper circulation and delay healing by restricting blood flow.