HESI LPN
HESI Focus on Maternity Exam
1. A new mother who is a lacto-ovo vegetarian plans to breastfeed her infant. Which information should the nurse provide prior to discharge?
- A. Continue prenatal vitamins with B12 while breastfeeding
- B. Avoid using Lanolin-based nipple cream or ointment
- C. Offer iron-fortified supplemental formula daily
- D. Weigh the baby weekly to evaluate the newborn's growth
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Continue prenatal vitamins with B12 while breastfeeding.' Vitamin B12 is crucial for lacto-ovo vegetarian mothers to prevent deficiencies in both the mother and the infant. Choice B is incorrect as Lanolin-based nipple cream is safe for use during breastfeeding. Choice C is not necessary unless there are specific indications for iron supplementation. Choice D, weighing the baby weekly, is important for monitoring growth but not specifically related to the mother's diet.
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. Before administering the prescribed morphine sulfate to a client post-op following laparotomy who reports pain and dry mouth, what should the nurse do first?
- A. Measure the client's vital signs.
- B. Assess the client's pain level.
- C. Verify the morphine order with another nurse.
- D. Check the client's last dose of morphine.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Before administering morphine sulfate, it is crucial to measure the client's vital signs to ensure that the client is stable and safe to receive the medication. This step helps identify any contraindications or abnormalities that could affect the administration of morphine. Assessing the client's pain level (choice B) is important, but ensuring the client's physiological stability takes precedence. Verifying the morphine order with another nurse (choice C) and checking the client's last dose of morphine (choice D) are important steps but are not the priority before administering the medication.
4. What pathophysiologic process is producing the symptoms of gout in a client with sudden onset of big toe joint pain and swelling?
- A. Deposition of crystals in the synovial space of the joints produces inflammation and irritation.
- B. Degeneration of joint cartilage causing inflammation.
- C. Infection of the joint space leading to inflammation.
- D. Increased synovial fluid causing joint swelling and pain.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Gout is characterized by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the synovial fluid of joints, which triggers inflammation and pain. This process is known as crystal-induced arthritis. Choice B is incorrect as gout does not involve degeneration of joint cartilage. Choice C is incorrect as gout is not caused by an infection of the joint space. Choice D is incorrect as gout does not result from increased synovial fluid but rather from the deposition of uric acid crystals.
5. There has been a serious explosion at a local factory, and many of the injured are arriving at the hospital. Which of the following patients should a nurse attend to first?
- A. A 30-year-old male who is able to walk into the hospital on his own but has numerous lacerations on the chest and face
- B. A 45-year-old male who was brought in on a stretcher, has been assessed as having respiration and circulation within normal limits, and can follow simple commands
- C. A 50-year-old woman who can walk but has a broken arm and numerous lacerations
- D. A 19-year-old man who has numerous lacerations all over the body and whose respiration exceeds 30 breaths per minute
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The 19-year-old man with a respiration rate exceeding 30 breaths per minute is showing signs of respiratory distress, indicating a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Patients with respiratory distress should be prioritized as it is a critical condition. Choices A, B, and C describe patients with injuries that are less immediately life-threatening or who are more stable based on the provided information, so they can be attended to after the patient with respiratory distress. Therefore, the nurse should attend to the 19-year-old man first to address his respiratory distress and ensure his condition does not deteriorate further.