HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Exam
1. A client with a history of diabetes mellitus is experiencing polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. What is the most important action for the nurse 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 critical action for the nurse to take when a client with diabetes mellitus presents with symptoms of hyperglycemia such as polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia is to monitor the client's blood glucose level. This action helps in assessing the client's current glycemic status and guides further interventions. Encouraging increased fluid intake (Choice B) may be beneficial in managing dehydration caused by polyuria, but it does not address the underlying cause of hyperglycemia. Administering insulin as prescribed (Choice C) may be necessary based on the blood glucose monitoring results, but monitoring should precede any medication administration. Assessing the client's urine output (Choice D) is important but does not directly address the primary concern of evaluating and managing hyperglycemia in a client with diabetes.
2. A client who had a cerebrovascular accident has persistent problems with dysphagia. The nurse caring for the client should initiate a referral with which of the following members of the interprofessional care team?
- A. Social worker
- B. Certified nursing assistant
- C. Occupational therapist
- D. Speech-language pathologist
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Speech-language pathologist. Speech-language pathologists specialize in assessing and treating dysphagia, which is a common issue following a cerebrovascular accident. They are trained to evaluate swallowing function and provide appropriate interventions to help clients improve their ability to swallow safely. Choice A, Social worker, is incorrect as their role does not typically involve addressing dysphagia specifically. Choice B, Certified nursing assistant, is not the appropriate professional to address dysphagia concerns as they do not have the training or scope of practice for this specialized area. Choice C, Occupational therapist, focuses more on activities of daily living and functional abilities rather than the specialized treatment of dysphagia.
3. The client is assessing a client who was recently diagnosed with heart failure and is on a low-sodium diet. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. “I will use lemon juice and herbs for flavoring.”
- B. “I will not eat canned soups or frozen dinners.”
- C. “I can have salt substitutes to enhance the taste of my food.”
- D. “I will check the food labels for sodium content before buying.”
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Some salt substitutes can be high in potassium, which may not be suitable for clients with heart failure. Option A is correct as using lemon juice and herbs for flavoring is a good low-sodium alternative. Option B is also correct as canned soups and frozen dinners are typically high in sodium content. Option D is correct as checking food labels for sodium content is an essential part of managing a low-sodium diet. Therefore, the client's statement about using salt substitutes needs correction as it can introduce high levels of potassium, which may not be recommended for individuals with heart failure.
4. When caring for a child with Reye's Syndrome, which action should the nurse give the highest priority?
- A. Monitor intake and output
- B. Provide good skin care
- C. Assess level of consciousness
- D. Assist with range of motion
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Assessing the level of consciousness is crucial when caring for a child with Reye's Syndrome. Changes in neurological status can indicate deterioration of the condition, necessitating immediate medical attention. Monitoring intake and output is important but not the highest priority compared to assessing the child's level of consciousness. Providing good skin care and assisting with range of motion are also important aspects of care but take a lower priority than assessing the child's neurological status in this critical condition.
5. Under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, what are nurse managers required to do?
- A. Maintain an environment free from associated hazards
- B. Provide reasonable accommodations for disabled individuals
- C. Make all necessary accommodations for disabled individuals
- D. Consider both mental and physical disabilities
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Provide reasonable accommodations for disabled individuals.' The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates nurse managers to offer reasonable accommodations for disabled individuals to ensure equal opportunities in the workplace. Choice A is incorrect because although maintaining a hazard-free environment is essential, the focus of the ADA is on accommodations for disabled individuals. Choice C is incorrect as it overly generalizes the accommodations without specifying the need for them to be 'reasonable.' Choice D is incorrect because the ADA does not specify a requirement to consider both mental and physical disabilities; instead, it emphasizes providing reasonable accommodations regardless of the disability type.