HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Study Guide
1. A nurse in a provider's office is preparing to assess a young adult client's musculoskeletal system as part of a comprehensive physical examination. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Concave thoracic spine posteriorly
- B. Exaggerated lumbar curvature
- C. Concave lumbar spine posteriorly
- D. Exaggerated thoracic curvature
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When assessing a young adult's musculoskeletal system, the nurse should expect an exaggerated lumbar curvature (lordosis). This is a normal finding in young adults due to the natural curvature of the spine. Concave thoracic spine posteriorly (choice A) and concave lumbar spine posteriorly (choice C) are not typical findings as the spine should have normal curvatures. Exaggerated thoracic curvature (choice D) is also not a typical finding in young adults.
2. The nurse observes that a post-operative client's surgical wound has reddened edges and is oozing. What is the appropriate nursing action?
- A. Apply an antibiotic ointment
- B. Clean the wound with sterile saline
- C. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing
- D. Notify the surgeon immediately
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct action when a post-operative client's surgical wound has reddened edges and is oozing is to notify the surgeon immediately. Reddened, oozing wound edges can indicate an infection that requires prompt evaluation and intervention by the surgical team. Applying an antibiotic ointment (Choice A) without proper assessment and guidance can be inappropriate. Cleaning the wound with sterile saline (Choice B) and covering it with a sterile dressing (Choice C) may not address the potential infection adequately, and the client may require more specialized care that the surgeon can provide.
3. A client requires a 24-hour urine collection. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. "I had a bowel movement, but I was able to save the urine."
- B. "I have a specimen in the bathroom from about 30 minutes ago."
- C. "I flushed what I urinated at 7 a.m. and have saved all urine since."
- D. "I drink a lot, so I will fill up the bottle and complete the test quickly."
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because for a 24-hour urine collection, the first void is discarded, and all subsequent urine should be saved. Choice A is incorrect because bowel movements do not contribute to a urine collection. Choice B indicates a single specimen rather than continuous collection over 24 hours. Choice D is incorrect as it incorrectly suggests rushing the test by drinking excessively.
4. A child with a diagnosis of appendicitis is scheduled for surgery. What preoperative intervention is important for the nurse to perform?
- A. Administering antibiotics
- B. Maintaining strict NPO status
- C. Encouraging fluid intake
- D. Monitoring for signs of infection
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct preoperative intervention for a child with appendicitis scheduled for surgery is maintaining strict NPO (nothing by mouth) status. This is crucial to reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia induction and prevent potential complications during surgery. Administering antibiotics may be a part of the treatment plan but is not a preoperative intervention. Encouraging fluid intake is contraindicated preoperatively to avoid delays in surgery and complications related to anesthesia. Monitoring for signs of infection is important postoperatively to assess for any complications that may arise due to the surgical procedure.
5. A child is admitted with extensive burns. The nurse notes burns on the child’s lips and singed nasal hairs. The nurse should suspect that the child has a(n)
- A. chemical burn
- B. inhalation injury
- C. electrical burn
- D. hot-water scald
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Burns on the lips and singed nasal hairs are indicative of an inhalation injury. This suggests that the child has likely inhaled hot gases or smoke, leading to damage in the respiratory tract. Choice A, chemical burn, is incorrect because the symptoms described are more aligned with inhalation rather than direct contact with chemicals. Choice C, electrical burn, is incorrect as there are no mentions of contact with an electrical source. Choice D, hot-water scald, is also incorrect as the presentation of burns on the lips and singed nasal hairs is not characteristic of scald injuries.