HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test for Fundamentals
1. A client with a diagnosis of hypertension is being assessed. Which symptom would be most concerning?
- A. Headache
- B. Blurred vision
- C. Dizziness
- D. Chest pain
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Chest pain in a client with hypertension is the most concerning symptom as it may indicate a myocardial infarction or other serious cardiac event related to hypertension. Immediate intervention is required to address potential life-threatening conditions. Headache, blurred vision, and dizziness are common symptoms associated with hypertension but are not typically indicative of an acute cardiac event requiring urgent attention.
2. A child with a cardiac malformation associated with left-to-right shunting. What does this type of congenital disorder lead to primarily?
- A. Elevated hematocrit
- B. Severe growth retardation
- C. Clubbing of the fingers and toes
- D. Increased blood flow to the lungs
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Left-to-right shunting in a cardiac malformation results in increased blood flow to the lungs. This increased blood flow can lead to pulmonary hypertension and heart failure if left untreated. Elevated hematocrit (Choice A) is not a characteristic directly associated with left-to-right shunting. Severe growth retardation (Choice B) is not a typical manifestation of this type of congenital disorder. Clubbing of the fingers and toes (Choice C) is more commonly seen in conditions like chronic respiratory or cardiac diseases, not specifically with left-to-right shunting and associated cardiac malformations.
3. On admission to the Emergency Department, a female client who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 3 years ago reports that this morning she took a handful of medications and left a suicide note for her family. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?
- A. Which family member has the client's suicide note?
- B. When the client last took medications for bipolar disorder?
- C. What medications the client used for the suicide attempt?
- D. Whether the client has ever attempted suicide in the past?
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Identifying the specific medications taken during a suicide attempt is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment and assessing the potential toxicity or interactions. This information helps healthcare providers initiate the necessary interventions promptly. Option A is not as critical as knowing the medications used. Option B focuses on the timing of the last medication intake rather than the specific drugs taken for the overdose. Option D, while relevant, does not provide immediate actionable information compared to identifying the substances involved in the suicide attempt.
4. A client is receiving 0.9% sodium chloride IV at 125 mL/hr. The nurse notes that the client has received only 80 mL over the last 2 hr. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Reposition the client
- B. Document the client's IV intake in the medical record
- C. Request a new IV fluid prescription
- D. Check the IV tubing for obstruction
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the IV tubing for obstruction. The first step in the nursing process is assessment. By checking the IV tubing for obstruction, the nurse can assess and potentially correct any issues affecting the flow rate. This action may help to ensure that the prescribed infusion rate is maintained. Repositioning the client is not the priority at this stage as the issue seems related to the IV tubing. Documenting the intake or requesting a new prescription are not immediate actions needed to address the current situation with the IV fluid flow.
5. What is one of the most important factors that a healthcare professional must consider when parents of a toddler request to be present at a procedure occurring on the hospital unit?
- A. Type of procedure to be performed
- B. Individual assessment of the parents
- C. Whether the toddler wants the parents present
- D. Probable reaction to the toddler’s response to pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When parents of a toddler request to be present during a procedure, an individual assessment of the parents is crucial. This assessment helps healthcare professionals understand the parents' ability to cope with the situation, provide support to their child, and ensure a conducive environment for the procedure. Choice A is not as critical because the focus is on the parents' readiness rather than the specific procedure. Choice C, considering the toddler's desire, is important but not as crucial as assessing the parents. Choice D, anticipating the toddler's response to pain, is relevant but secondary to assessing the parents' readiness and support capabilities.