HESI LPN
Medical Surgical HESI 2023
1. A client with asthma is prescribed a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with albuterol. Which instruction is essential for the nurse to provide?
- A. Use the inhaler only before bedtime
- B. Shake the inhaler well before use
- C. Exhale fully before inhaling the medication
- D. Take two puffs every hour
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Shake the inhaler well before use.' This instruction is crucial as shaking the inhaler ensures the proper mixing of the medication, which is essential for its effective delivery. Option A is incorrect because using the inhaler only before bedtime may not provide adequate relief during the day. Option C is incorrect as exhaling fully is a good practice but not the most essential instruction. Option D is incorrect as taking two puffs every hour may exceed the recommended dosage and lead to adverse effects.
2. A client with a history of hypertension is admitted with a blood pressure of 220/120 mm Hg. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Administer antihypertensive medication as prescribed.
- B. Place the client in a supine position.
- C. Obtain a detailed health history.
- D. Monitor urine output.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering antihypertensive medication is the priority nursing action in this situation. The extremely high blood pressure of 220/120 mm Hg puts the client at risk of severe complications such as stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage. Lowering the blood pressure promptly is crucial to prevent these complications. Placing the client in a supine position or obtaining a detailed health history are not immediate actions needed to address the hypertensive crisis. Monitoring urine output, although important, is not the priority when the client's blood pressure is critically high.
3. A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is admitted with swelling and pain in the left leg. What is the most appropriate action for the LPN/LVN to take?
- A. Apply warm compresses to the affected leg.
- B. Elevate the left leg above the level of the heart.
- C. Measure the circumference of the left leg.
- D. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Measuring the circumference of the left leg is the most appropriate action for an LPN/LVN when assessing a client with a history of DVT and presenting with swelling and pain in the left leg. This measurement helps to assess the extent of swelling objectively and monitor changes in the client's condition. Applying warm compresses (Choice A) may worsen the condition by potentially promoting clot development. Elevating the left leg above the level of the heart (Choice B) is generally recommended for DVT to improve venous return, but measuring the circumference is more appropriate in this scenario. Administering pain medication (Choice D) does not address the underlying issue and should not be the initial action taken.
4. While caring for the client during the first hour after delivery, the nurse determines that the uterus is boggy and there is vaginal bleeding. What should be the nurse's first action?
- A. Check vital signs
- B. Massage the fundus
- C. Offer a bedpan
- D. Check for perineal lacerations
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when encountering a boggy uterus and vaginal bleeding after delivery is to massage the fundus. Massaging the fundus helps the uterus contract, which can reduce vaginal bleeding. Checking vital signs may be important but addressing the uterine atony and bleeding takes precedence. Offering a bedpan or checking for perineal lacerations are not the immediate actions needed to manage postpartum hemorrhage.
5. Which of the following changes was enacted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act?
- A. Creation of national health insurance exchanges for affordable insurance coverage
- B. Expansion of school-based health centers
- C. Free preventative services for all
- D. Medically managed clinics eligible for federal funding
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act expanded school-based health centers to provide additional healthcare services to students. Choice A is incorrect because the creation of national health insurance exchanges was a key provision of the Affordable Care Act, but it was not the only change enacted by the legislation. Choice C is incorrect as while the Affordable Care Act did include provisions for free preventative services for certain groups, it was not applicable to all individuals. Choice D is incorrect as the Act did not specifically address medically managed clinics eligible for federal funding.