HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Practice Questions
1. 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.
2. When preparing to apply dressing to a stage 2 pressure injury, which type of dressing should the nurse use?
- A. Hydrocolloid
- B. Gauze
- C. Transparent film
- D. Alginate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hydrocolloid. Hydrocolloid dressings are recommended for stage 2 pressure injuries as they help maintain a moist wound environment, which supports the healing process. Gauze (choice B) is not ideal for stage 2 pressure injuries as it can stick to the wound bed and disrupt the healing process. Transparent film dressings (choice C) are more suitable for superficial wounds or as a secondary dressing. Alginate dressings (choice D) are typically used for wounds with heavy exudate, which is not typically seen in stage 2 pressure injuries.
3. Based on the information provided in this client’s medical record during labor, which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Apply oxygen at 10 L per minute via mask
- B. Stop the oxytocin infusion
- C. Turn the client to the right lateral position
- D. Continue monitoring the progress of labor
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Turning the client to the right lateral position is essential as it can improve fetal oxygenation and uterine blood flow, promoting better labor outcomes. This intervention helps relieve pressure on blood vessels, enhancing blood flow to the placenta and improving oxygen supply to the fetus. Applying oxygen at a specific rate may not address the underlying issue of compromised blood flow and oxygenation. Stopping the oxytocin infusion is not the priority unless medically indicated as it can affect labor progression. While monitoring the progress of labor is important, actively addressing the compromised fetal oxygenation and uterine blood flow by changing the client's position takes precedence in this scenario.
4. During assessment, what is an indication of thrombophlebitis in a client who has been on bed rest for the past month?
- A. Calf swelling
- B. Elevated blood pressure
- C. Decreased urine output
- D. Generalized rash
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Calf swelling is a common sign of thrombophlebitis, which is inflammation of a vein due to a blood clot. Prolonged immobility can predispose individuals to thrombophlebitis. Calf swelling occurs due to the obstruction of blood flow, causing localized edema. This condition can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism if not promptly addressed. Elevated blood pressure, decreased urine output, and a generalized rash are not typically associated with thrombophlebitis. Elevated blood pressure may be linked to other conditions like hypertension, decreased urine output to kidney dysfunction, and a generalized rash to allergic reactions or skin conditions. Therefore, in a client on bed rest, calf swelling should raise suspicion of thrombophlebitis and prompt further evaluation and intervention.
5. When entering a client’s room to administer an 0900 IV antibiotic, the nurse finds that the client is engaged in sexual activity with a visitor. Which actions should the nurse implement?
- A. Ignore the behavior and administer the IV antibiotic
- B. Tell the client to stop the inappropriate behavior
- C. Leave the room and close the door quietly
- D. Complete an unusual occurrence report
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse in this situation is to leave the room and close the door quietly. This response respects the client's privacy, maintains professionalism, and avoids interrupting the client's personal moment. Choice A is incorrect because ignoring the behavior is not appropriate and may invade the client's privacy further. Choice B is incorrect as it can embarrass the client and the visitor, breaching their privacy and dignity. Choice D is also incorrect as the immediate priority is to respect the client's privacy and address the situation discreetly.