HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Study Guide
1. A nurse in a health clinic is caring for a 20-year-old client who tells the nurse that their last physical exam was in high school. Which of the following health screenings should the nurse expect the provider to perform for this client?
- A. Testicular examination
- B. Blood glucose
- C. Fecal occult blood
- D. Prostate-specific antigen
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A testicular examination is appropriate for a 20-year-old male to screen for testicular cancer, which is more common in younger age groups. Testicular cancer is most frequently diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 15 and 40. Blood glucose screening is typically recommended for older individuals or those at risk for diabetes. Fecal occult blood testing is used for colorectal cancer screening, usually starting at age 50. Prostate-specific antigen testing is commonly considered for prostate cancer screening in older males, typically around age 50. Therefore, the most appropriate screening for the 20-year-old client is the testicular examination.
2. What is the primary purpose of a placebo in an experiment?
- A. To reduce the cost of the experiment.
- B. To make the experiment double-blind.
- C. To increase the number of participants.
- D. To serve as a control for comparison with the treatment group.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A placebo serves as a control for comparison with the treatment group, helping to eliminate bias and ensure the results are due to the treatment itself. Placebos are crucial in research to distinguish the actual effect of the treatment from psychological or subjective factors. Choice A is incorrect because the purpose of a placebo is not related to reducing the cost of the experiment. Choice B is incorrect because while placebos are used in double-blind studies, their primary purpose is not to make the experiment double-blind. Choice C is incorrect because the purpose of a placebo is not to increase the number of participants but rather to serve as a comparison group for the treatment being tested.
3. The family of a newly admitted child with cystic fibrosis is educated by the nurse that the treatment will be centered on what therapy?
- A. Chest physiotherapy
- B. Mucus-drying agents
- C. Prevention of diarrhea
- D. Insulin therapy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chest physiotherapy. In cystic fibrosis, chest physiotherapy and aerosol medications are fundamental components of treatment to help clear mucus from the lungs, reduce the risk of infections, and improve breathing. Mucus-drying agents (Choice B) are not typically used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Prevention of diarrhea (Choice C) is not a primary focus in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Insulin therapy (Choice D) is not relevant to cystic fibrosis, as it is a treatment for diabetes.
4. The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Which finding should the nurse expect to observe?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Heat intolerance
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Frequent diarrhea
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is weight gain. In hypothyroidism, there is a decrease in metabolic rate, which can lead to weight gain. Heat intolerance (choice B) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism. Increased appetite (choice C) and frequent diarrhea (choice D) are not typical findings in hypothyroidism. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect.
5. The healthcare provider is caring for a client with a wound infection. Which type of dressing is most appropriate to use to promote healing by secondary intention?
- A. Dry gauze dressing
- B. Wet-to-dry dressing
- C. Transparent film dressing
- D. Hydrocolloid dressing
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Hydrocolloid dressings are ideal for promoting healing by secondary intention in wound infections. These dressings create a moist environment that supports autolytic debridement and facilitates the healing process. Dry gauze dressings (Option A) may lead to adherence, causing trauma upon removal and disrupting the wound bed. Wet-to-dry dressings (Option B) are primarily used for mechanical debridement and can be painful during dressing changes. Transparent film dressings (Option C) are more suitable for superficial wounds with minimal exudate and are not typically used for wound infections requiring healing by secondary intention.