HESI LPN
Practice HESI Fundamentals Exam
1. A nurse in a provider's office is collecting information from an older adult who reports that he has been taking acetaminophen 500 mg/day for severe joint pain. The nurse should instruct the client that large doses of acetaminophen could cause which of the following adverse effects?
- A. Liver damage
- B. Renal failure
- C. Gastric bleeding
- D. Heart attack
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: Large doses of acetaminophen can cause liver damage, which is a known adverse effect of the medication. Acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver, and excessive amounts can overwhelm the liver's ability to process it, leading to hepatotoxicity. Renal failure (Choice B) is not typically associated with acetaminophen use. Gastric bleeding (Choice C) is more commonly linked to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) rather than acetaminophen. Heart attack (Choice D) is not a recognized adverse effect of acetaminophen, which primarily affects the liver when taken in large amounts.
2. A child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance
- B. Encouraging regular exercise
- C. Administering antipyretics
- D. Administering antibiotics
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract leading to diarrhea and vomiting, which can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, the priority nursing intervention is to monitor and maintain the child's fluid and electrolyte balance to prevent complications. Encouraging regular exercise (Choice B) may not be appropriate initially for a child with gastroenteritis who needs rest and fluid replacement. Administering antipyretics (Choice C) is not the priority unless the child has a fever. Administering antibiotics (Choice D) is not indicated for viral gastroenteritis, which is the most common cause of the condition.
3. A client is prescribed cyclobenzaprine for muscle spasms. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which substance while taking this medication?
- A. Alcohol
- B. Caffeine
- C. Nicotine
- D. Dairy products
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alcohol. When taking cyclobenzaprine, it is important to avoid alcohol as it can potentiate the central nervous system depressant effects of the medication. This interaction can lead to increased drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Therefore, it is essential for the client to refrain from alcohol consumption while on cyclobenzaprine to prevent these adverse effects and ensure their safety. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because caffeine, nicotine, and dairy products do not have significant interactions with cyclobenzaprine. While caffeine and nicotine may have stimulant effects that could theoretically counteract some of the sedative effects of cyclobenzaprine, they are not contraindicated. Dairy products, on the other hand, do not interact with cyclobenzaprine and can be consumed safely.
4. The patient diagnosed with diabetes is reporting severe foot pain due to corns and has been using oval corn pads to self-treat the corns. Which information will the nurse share with the patient?
- A. Corn pads are an adequate treatment and should be continued.
- B. The patient should avoid soaking the feet before using a pumice stone.
- C. The current self-treatment is likely impeding circulation to the toes.
- D. Tighter shoes would help compress the corns and make them smaller.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should inform the patient that using oval corn pads can increase pressure on the toes and impede circulation, which may exacerbate foot problems in patients with diabetes. It is important to avoid practices that restrict blood flow to the feet, as poor circulation can lead to serious complications. Soaking the feet and using a pumice stone can be beneficial for corns, but in this case, the current self-treatment with corn pads is not recommended. Tighter shoes would further increase pressure on the corns and should be avoided. Therefore, the nurse should emphasize the importance of proper foot care and recommend alternative treatments to promote foot health and prevent complications.
5. What is the softening and thinning of the cervix during labor known as?
- A. Dilation
- B. Symphysis
- C. Effacement
- D. Hyperplasia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Effacement is the correct term for the softening and thinning of the cervix during labor. It is the process where the cervix becomes thinner, allowing it to stretch and open as labor progresses. Choice A, 'Dilation,' is incorrect as it refers to the opening of the cervix. Choice B, 'Symphysis,' is incorrect as it refers to the joint that connects the two pubic bones. Choice D, 'Hyperplasia,' is incorrect as it refers to an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue.