HESI LPN
Practice HESI Fundamentals Exam
1. A client with chronic kidney disease is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen). Which laboratory value should the LPN/LVN monitor to determine the effectiveness of this medication?
- A. Serum potassium
- B. Hemoglobin
- C. Serum creatinine
- D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hemoglobin. Monitoring hemoglobin levels is essential to assess the effectiveness of epoetin alfa in clients with chronic kidney disease. Epoetin alfa is a medication that stimulates red blood cell production, aiming to increase hemoglobin levels and improve symptoms of anemia in these patients. Monitoring serum potassium (Choice A) is important in clients with kidney disease, but it is more related to assessing electrolyte balance rather than the direct effectiveness of epoetin alfa. Serum creatinine (Choice C) and blood urea nitrogen (Choice D) are kidney function tests that help evaluate kidney health but do not specifically reflect the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy.
2. When caring for a client prescribed a blood transfusion that parents refuse due to religious beliefs, what should the nurse do?
- A. Examine personal values about the issue.
- B. Proceed with the transfusion if medically necessary.
- C. Refer the issue to the ethics committee.
- D. Administer the blood transfusion without informing the parents.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When faced with a situation where parents refuse a prescribed treatment due to religious beliefs, the nurse should first examine personal values, understand the client's or family’s beliefs, and respect their rights. Proceeding with the transfusion against the parents' wishes without exploring alternatives or understanding their perspective would violate the principle of respect for autonomy and could damage the therapeutic relationship. Referring the issue to the ethics committee should be considered if a resolution cannot be reached through open communication and negotiation with the family.
3. A client returns from surgery with two Penrose drains in place. Anticipating frequent dressing changes, what should the nurse use around the incision site?
- A. Montgomery straps
- B. Sterile gauze
- C. Adhesive tape
- D. Elastic bandages
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Montgomery straps are the correct choice in this scenario. They are specifically designed to secure dressings around drain sites, like Penrose drains, and are ideal for frequent dressing changes. Sterile gauze (Choice B) is commonly used for wound dressings but may not provide the best securement for drains. Adhesive tape (Choice C) can cause skin irritation and may not be suitable for securing drains. Elastic bandages (Choice D) are typically used for compression or support but are not appropriate for securing dressings around drain sites.
4. When preparing a 2-year-old child for surgery, what preoperative teaching should be provided to help them understand the procedure?
- A. Explaining the procedure in simple terms
- B. Using a doll to demonstrate the procedure
- C. Showing pictures of the hospital environment
- D. Allowing the child to play with medical equipment
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct preoperative teaching for a 2-year-old child undergoing surgery involves using a doll to demonstrate the procedure. This method helps the child understand what to expect in a non-threatening and visual way, making the experience less intimidating. Explaining the procedure in simple terms (Choice A) may not effectively convey the details to a young child. Showing pictures of the hospital environment (Choice C) may not directly address the surgical procedure itself. Allowing the child to play with medical equipment (Choice D) can be unsafe and may not effectively prepare the child for the surgery.
5. Three days following surgery, a male client observes his colostomy for the first time. He becomes quite upset and tells the LPN that it is much bigger than he expected. What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. Reassure the client that he will become accustomed to the stoma's appearance in time.
- B. Instruct the client that the stoma will become smaller when the initial swelling diminishes.
- C. Offer to contact a member of the local ostomy support group to help him with his concerns.
- D. Encourage the client to handle the stoma equipment to gain confidence with the procedure.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is to instruct the client that the stoma will become smaller when the initial swelling diminishes. This explanation helps reassure the client about the temporary appearance of the stoma. Choice A is incorrect because simply reassuring the client that he will become accustomed to the stoma's appearance does not address the immediate concern about the stoma size. Choice C is incorrect because offering to contact a support group does not directly address the client's current distress about the stoma size. Choice D is incorrect because encouraging the client to handle stoma equipment does not directly address the client's concern about the stoma size and may not be appropriate at this time.