HESI LPN
HESI Fundamental Practice Exam
1. A client with a history of coronary artery disease is experiencing chest pain. What is the priority action for the nurse to take?
- A. Administer oxygen via a nasal cannula.
- B. Measure the client's vital signs.
- C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
- D. Encourage the client to use pursed-lip breathing.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering oxygen via a nasal cannula is the priority action for a client experiencing chest pain due to coronary artery disease. Oxygen therapy helps improve oxygenation, reduce myocardial workload, and relieve chest pain by increasing oxygen delivery to the heart muscle. While measuring vital signs, obtaining a 12-lead ECG, and encouraging pursed-lip breathing are important interventions, administering oxygen takes precedence in this situation to address the potential hypoxemia associated with chest pain in a client with a history of coronary artery disease.
2. What should be monitored in a child receiving chemotherapy?
- A. Blood glucose levels
- B. Blood cell counts
- C. Weight gain
- D. Skin elasticity
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring blood cell counts. During chemotherapy, it is crucial to monitor blood cell counts to detect potential side effects such as neutropenia (low white blood cell count) and anemia (low red blood cell count). These conditions can increase the risk of infections and fatigue. Monitoring blood glucose levels (Choice A) is not typically a primary concern in children receiving chemotherapy unless they have pre-existing conditions like diabetes. Weight gain (Choice C) and skin elasticity (Choice D) are not directly related to monitoring the effects of chemotherapy in children. Therefore, the most important parameter to monitor in a child receiving chemotherapy is blood cell counts.
3. A client who is post-operative from a carotid endarterectomy is experiencing difficulty swallowing. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer a prescribed antiemetic.
- B. Assess the client’s airway and respiratory status.
- C. Elevate the head of the bed.
- D. Encourage the client to take small sips of water.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the client’s airway and respiratory status (Choice B). Difficulty swallowing after carotid endarterectomy could indicate swelling or nerve damage affecting swallowing, which may compromise the airway. Assessing the airway and respiratory status is crucial to ensure the client's ability to breathe. Administering an antiemetic (Choice A) is not the priority as the primary concern is airway patency. Elevating the head of the bed (Choice C) can help with swallowing difficulties but does not address the immediate risk to the airway. Encouraging the client to take small sips of water (Choice D) is contraindicated if there is a risk of compromised airway due to swallowing difficulties.
4. A client with major depressive disorder is being treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Which client statement indicates that CBT is having a positive effect?
- A. "I understand now that my negative thoughts are not always true."
- B. "I still feel down, but I am able to go to work."
- C. "I have stopped taking my antidepressant medication."
- D. "I avoid situations that make me feel anxious."
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Recognizing and challenging negative thoughts is a fundamental aspect of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In this statement, the client demonstrates insight into the fact that their negative thoughts may not always be accurate, showing progress in reframing their thoughts. Choice B indicates some improvement in functioning but does not directly relate to the core principles of CBT. Choice C is concerning as abruptly stopping antidepressant medication can be detrimental to the client's well-being. Choice D reflects avoidance behavior, which is typically a target for intervention in CBT rather than a sign of positive progress.
5. How should hydration status be assessed in a child with vomiting and diarrhea?
- A. Check skin turgor and mucous membranes
- B. Measure blood glucose levels
- C. Assess heart rate and blood pressure
- D. Evaluate bowel sounds
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Checking skin turgor and mucous membranes is the appropriate method to assess hydration status in a child with vomiting and diarrhea. Skin turgor is an indicator of skin elasticity, which decreases when an individual is dehydrated. Mucous membranes, such as the inside of the mouth, can also show signs of dehydration like dryness. Measuring blood glucose levels (choice B) is not relevant to assessing hydration status in this scenario. Assessing heart rate and blood pressure (choice C) is important in evaluating the overall condition of a child but may not directly indicate hydration status. Evaluating bowel sounds (choice D) is more related to assessing gastrointestinal function rather than hydration status.