HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Study Guide
1. A client with a history of diabetes mellitus is experiencing polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. What is the most important action for the LPN/LVN to take?
- A. Monitor the client's blood glucose level.
- B. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
- C. Administer insulin as prescribed.
- D. Assess the client's urine output.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most important action for the LPN/LVN to take when a client with a history of diabetes mellitus experiences symptoms of hyperglycemia such as polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia is to monitor the client's blood glucose level. This action helps assess the severity of hyperglycemia and guides further interventions. Encouraging the client to increase fluid intake (Choice B) may exacerbate the symptoms by further diluting the blood glucose concentration. Administering insulin as prescribed (Choice C) should be done based on the healthcare provider's orders and after assessing the blood glucose levels. Assessing the client's urine output (Choice D) is important but not the most immediate action needed in this scenario.
2. The nurse is assigned to administer medications in a long-term care facility. A disoriented resident has no identification band or picture. What is the best nursing action for the nurse to take prior to administering the medications to this resident?
- A. Ask a regular staff member to confirm the resident's identity
- B. Hold the medication until a family member can confirm identity
- C. Re-orient the resident to name, place, and situation
- D. Confirm the room and bed numbers with those on the medication record
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a long-term care facility, when a disoriented resident lacks identification, it is crucial to confirm the resident's identity before administering medication to prevent errors. Asking a regular staff member who is familiar with the resident to confirm their identity is the best course of action. This ensures accuracy and safety in medication administration. Holding the medication until a family member can confirm the identity could delay necessary treatment. Re-orienting the resident is important for their well-being but does not address the immediate medication safety concern. Confirming room and bed numbers, though important for administration logistics, does not verify the resident's identity.
3. A client with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Administer glucagon intramuscularly.
- B. Provide a complex carbohydrate snack.
- C. Administer 50% dextrose intravenously.
- D. Give 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to give 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate as the priority intervention in a client experiencing hypoglycemia. This helps quickly raise the blood glucose level. Administering glucagon intramuscularly (Choice A) is typically reserved for severe hypoglycemia where the client is unable to take oral carbohydrates. Providing a complex carbohydrate snack (Choice B) is not the priority in an acute hypoglycemic episode where immediate action is needed. Administering 50% dextrose intravenously (Choice C) is more invasive and usually reserved for cases where the client is unable to take anything by mouth.
4. What is an important aspect of managing a child with ADHD?
- A. Increasing academic workload
- B. Consistent behavior management strategies
- C. Restricting all physical activity
- D. Encouraging solitary activities
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Consistent behavior management strategies are crucial when managing a child with ADHD. By implementing consistent strategies, such as clear rules, positive reinforcement, and structure, it helps the child improve focus, manage impulsivity, and regulate their behavior. Choice A, 'Increasing academic workload,' is incorrect as overwhelming a child with ADHD with more academic tasks can exacerbate their symptoms. Choice C, 'Restricting all physical activity,' is also incorrect as physical activity is beneficial for children with ADHD to release excess energy and improve focus. Choice D, 'Encouraging solitary activities,' is not ideal as social interaction and engagement with others are important for a child's development and well-being.
5. The LPN/LVN is caring for a client who was recently diagnosed with a mental illness. The client asks, 'Will I be able to live a normal life?' What is the best response for the nurse to provide?
- A. Yes, you will be able to live a normal life.
- B. Many people with mental illness lead full and productive lives.
- C. It will depend on your treatment and the choices you make.
- D. There is no normal; everyone is unique in their own way.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The best response for the nurse is to provide the client with hope while acknowledging the importance of their treatment and choices. Choice C addresses the client's concern by highlighting the impact of their treatment and personal choices on their future. It encourages personal responsibility and active participation in their recovery. Choices A and B may sound reassuring, but they do not empower the client to take an active role in their well-being. Choice D, while promoting individuality, does not directly address the client's question about living a normal life after a mental illness diagnosis.