HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Practice Questions
1. A client with cirrhosis of the liver is experiencing ascites. The nurse should implement which of the following interventions?
- A. Restrict fluid intake
- B. Increase sodium intake
- C. Encourage high-protein diet
- D. Administer diuretics
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, is a common complication of cirrhosis. Diuretics are the primary intervention to manage ascites by promoting the excretion of excess fluid from the body, thus reducing abdominal swelling. Restricting fluid intake (Choice A) would not be appropriate as it may lead to dehydration. Increasing sodium intake (Choice B) is contraindicated as it can worsen fluid retention. Encouraging a high-protein diet (Choice C) is not directly related to managing ascites.
2. When working with a client who does not speak the same language as the nurse and an interpreter is present, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Talk directly to the client, instead of the interpreter, when speaking.
- B. Speak loudly to the interpreter.
- C. Use gestures to communicate with the client.
- D. Avoid using an interpreter and rely on family members.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When caring for a client who speaks a different language, it is essential to communicate through an interpreter. Talking directly to the client, rather than the interpreter, ensures clear and respectful interaction. Speaking loudly to the interpreter (choice B) is not necessary and may be perceived as disrespectful. Using gestures (choice C) alone may lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Avoiding the use of an interpreter and relying solely on family members (choice D) can compromise the accuracy and confidentiality of the communication.
3. The client with Parkinson's disease spends over 1 hour to dress for scheduled therapies. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation?
- A. Ask family members to dress the client
- B. Encourage the client to dress more quickly
- C. Allow the client the time needed to dress
- D. Demonstrate methods on how to dress more quickly
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse is to allow the client the time needed to dress. Patients with Parkinson's disease may experience difficulties with activities of daily living due to their condition. Allowing the client sufficient time to dress promotes independence and dignity, which are essential aspects of patient-centered care. Asking family members to dress the client may undermine the client's autonomy and self-esteem. Encouraging the client to dress more quickly may lead to frustration and feelings of inadequacy. Demonstrating methods on how to dress more quickly may not address the underlying challenges the client faces and could be perceived as insensitive or dismissive of the client's needs.
4. A client with chronic kidney disease is being evaluated for dialysis. Which laboratory value would be most concerning to the nurse?
- A. Hemoglobin 9.5 g/dL
- B. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
- C. Creatinine 3.5 mg/dL
- D. BUN 50 mg/dL
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potassium 6.2 mEq/L. In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys struggle to regulate potassium levels, leading to hyperkalemia. A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is dangerously high and can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Hemoglobin of 9.5 g/dL may indicate anemia, which is common in chronic kidney disease but is not immediately life-threatening. Creatinine and BUN levels are markers of kidney function; although elevated levels indicate kidney impairment, they are not acutely life-threatening like severe hyperkalemia.
5. What action should the LPN/LVN take to prevent postoperative complications in a client who has undergone abdominal surgery?
- A. Encourage the client to use an incentive spirometer regularly.
- B. Assist the client in ambulating as soon as possible.
- C. Position the client in high Fowler's position.
- D. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe regularly.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging the client to use an incentive spirometer regularly is crucial in preventing postoperative complications after abdominal surgery. This action helps prevent atelectasis by promoting lung expansion and improving air exchange in the lungs, reducing the risk of respiratory complications. Assisting the client in ambulating early is important for preventing issues like deep vein thrombosis but may not directly address respiratory concerns postoperatively. Positioning the client in high Fowler's position can help with respiratory distress but is not as specific to preventing postoperative respiratory complications as using an incentive spirometer. While encouraging the client to cough and deep breathe is generally beneficial for lung expansion, using an incentive spirometer is more effective and targeted in preventing atelectasis after abdominal surgery.