HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Study Guide
1. Before administering the prescribed morphine sulfate to a client post-op following laparotomy who reports pain and dry mouth, what should the nurse do first?
- A. Measure the client's vital signs.
- B. Assess the client's pain level.
- C. Verify the morphine order with another nurse.
- D. Check the client's last dose of morphine.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Before administering morphine sulfate, it is crucial to measure the client's vital signs to ensure that the client is stable and safe to receive the medication. This step helps identify any contraindications or abnormalities that could affect the administration of morphine. Assessing the client's pain level (choice B) is important, but ensuring the client's physiological stability takes precedence. Verifying the morphine order with another nurse (choice C) and checking the client's last dose of morphine (choice D) are important steps but are not the priority before administering the medication.
2. A client with a diagnosis of osteoporosis is prescribed alendronate (Fosamax). What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?
- A. Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach.
- B. Take the medication at bedtime.
- C. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
- D. Take the medication with a full glass of water.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most important instruction the nurse should provide to a client prescribed alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis is to take the medication with a full glass of water. This is crucial to help prevent esophageal irritation. Option A is correct as alendronate should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Option C is incorrect because the client should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication, not lie down. Option B is incorrect and a duplicate of Option A.
3. Which of the following is considered an internal disaster?
- A. A patient fall
- B. The massive spread of pneumonia
- C. A computer hacking episode
- D. Unexpected staff absences due to illness
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A computer hacking episode is considered an internal disaster as it disrupts the internal operations of the healthcare facility, compromising data security and potentially impacting patient care. Choices A, B, and D do not directly relate to internal disasters in a healthcare setting. A patient fall is a patient safety issue, the massive spread of pneumonia is a public health concern, and unexpected staff absences due to illness may affect staffing levels but are not typically classified as internal disasters.
4. A child has undergone a tonsillectomy, and a nurse is providing postoperative care. What is an important nursing intervention?
- A. Encouraging deep breathing exercises
- B. Encouraging the child to eat
- C. Administering antibiotics
- D. Applying ice to the throat
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Administering antibiotics is a crucial nursing intervention after a tonsillectomy because it helps prevent infections, which are a common postoperative complication. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (Choice A) is also important for promoting lung expansion and preventing respiratory complications. Encouraging the child to eat (Choice B) may not be appropriate immediately after a tonsillectomy due to the risk of throat irritation and discomfort. Applying ice to the throat (Choice D) is generally not recommended post-tonsillectomy as it may cause vasoconstriction and hinder the healing process.
5. A client with metastatic breast cancer refuses to participate in a clinical trial and further treatments. Her children ask the nurse to convince their mother to reconsider. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Ask the client if she fully understands the decision she has made with her children present.
- B. Discuss the success of clinical trials and ask the client to consider participating for one month.
- C. Explain to the family that they must accept their mother’s decision.
- D. Explore the client’s decision to refuse treatment and offer support.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is to explore the client's decision to refuse treatment and offer support. In this situation, it is crucial for the nurse to respect the client's autonomy and decisions regarding her own health. By exploring the client's reasons for refusal, the nurse can better understand her perspective and provide appropriate support. Option A is incorrect as it focuses on questioning the client in front of her children, potentially pressuring her. Option B is inappropriate as it disregards the client's autonomy and tries to persuade her to participate. Option C is also incorrect as it dismisses the client's decision and fails to address the family's concerns in a supportive manner.