HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Exam
1. After abdominal surgery, a client has not urinated since the urinary catheter was removed 8 hours ago. What action should the LPN take first?
- A. Perform a bladder scan to assess for urinary retention.
- B. Encourage the client to drink fluids.
- C. Insert a straight catheter to drain the bladder.
- D. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Performing a bladder scan is the initial step to assess for urinary retention in a postoperative client. This non-invasive technique helps determine the volume of urine in the bladder, guiding further interventions. Encouraging the client to drink fluids (Choice B) may be beneficial but is not the priority when assessing for urinary retention. Inserting a straight catheter (Choice C) should not be the initial action without first assessing for retention. Administering a diuretic (Choice D) should not be done without confirming the need through assessment.
2. A client with schizophrenia is receiving haloperidol (Haldol). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Hypotension
- C. Extrapyramidal symptoms
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Extrapyramidal symptoms. Haloperidol is a first-generation antipsychotic that can lead to extrapyramidal symptoms such as tardive dyskinesia and akathisia. These side effects are common with the use of typical antipsychotics. Choice A, Tachycardia, is not a common side effect of haloperidol. Choice B, Hypotension, is also not a typical side effect associated with haloperidol use. Choice D, Hyperglycemia, is not directly linked to haloperidol administration, as it is more commonly associated with other medications like atypical antipsychotics or certain medical conditions.
3. A nurse is caring for two clients who report following the same religion. Which of the following information should the nurse consider when planning care for these clients?
- A. Members of the same religion may have varying feelings about their religion.
- B. A shared religion background does not guarantee identical beliefs.
- C. The same religious beliefs can influence individuals differently.
- D. Discussing differences and commonalities in beliefs may not always be relevant.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Religious beliefs can vary widely even among individuals of the same faith. It is essential for the nurse to recognize that the impact and interpretation of religious beliefs can differ from person to person. Choice A is incorrect as individuals within the same religion can have diverse feelings and interpretations. Choice B is incorrect because a shared religious background does not necessarily mean that individuals hold the same beliefs. Choice D is not the best course of action as discussing differences and commonalities in beliefs may not always be necessary or appropriate for providing care.
4. At 0345, you receive a call for a woman in labor. Upon arriving at the scene, you are greeted by a very anxious man who tells you that his wife is having her baby 'now.' This man escorts you into the living room where a 25-year-old woman is lying on the couch in obvious pain. After determining that delivery is not imminent, you begin transport. While en route, the mother tells you that she feels the urge to push. You assess her and see the top of the baby's head bulging from the vagina. What is your most appropriate first action?
- A. Allow the head to deliver and check for the location of the cord.
- B. Advise your partner to stop the ambulance and assist with the delivery.
- C. Tell the mother to take short, quick breaths until you arrive at the hospital.
- D. Prepare the mother for an emergency delivery and open the obstetrics kit.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate first action is to advise your partner to stop the ambulance and assist with the delivery. When the baby's head is visible and delivery is imminent, it is crucial to provide immediate assistance to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Allowing the head to deliver and checking for the location of the cord (Choice A) may delay necessary actions during an imminent delivery. Instructing the mother to take short, quick breaths (Choice C) is not suitable as active delivery is already in progress. Preparing the mother for an emergency delivery and opening the obstetrics kit (Choice D) is not the most immediate action needed when the baby's head is already visible and delivery is imminent.
5. As a client who is terminally ill has been receiving high doses of an opioid analgesic for the past month and becomes unresponsive to verbal stimuli as death approaches, what orders would the nurse expect from the healthcare provider?
- A. Decrease the analgesic dosage by half
- B. Discontinue the analgesic
- C. Continue the same analgesic dosage
- D. Prescribe a less potent drug
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Continuing the same dosage of analgesic is appropriate to manage pain effectively as death nears and the client becomes unresponsive. The primary goal of palliative care in end-of-life situations is to ensure comfort, regardless of the client's level of consciousness. Decreasing the analgesic dosage or discontinuing it could lead to inadequate pain relief, which goes against the principles of palliative care. Prescribing a less potent drug may also compromise pain management in this critical stage. Therefore, maintaining the same analgesic dosage is the most appropriate action to provide comfort and alleviate suffering.