HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test for Fundamentals
1. A healthcare professional is admitting a client who has influenza. Which of the following types of transmission precautions should the healthcare professional initiate?
- A. Airborne
- B. Droplet
- C. Contact
- D. Protective environment
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Droplet precautions should be initiated for clients with infections that spread via droplet nuclei larger than 5 microns in diameter, such as influenza, rubella, meningococcal pneumonia, and streptococcal pharyngitis. In the case of influenza, the virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Airborne precautions are used for pathogens that remain infectious over long distances, typically smaller than 5 microns, like tuberculosis. Contact precautions are for diseases transmitted by direct or indirect contact, and protective environment precautions are for immunocompromised individuals to protect them from environmental pathogens.
2. What is the primary source of energy for the brain and nervous system?
- A. Protein
- B. Fat
- C. Carbohydrate
- D. Glucose
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Glucose is the correct answer as it is the primary source of energy for the brain and nervous system. The brain relies heavily on glucose to function optimally. While protein and fat play essential roles in the body, they are not the primary sources of energy for the brain and nervous system. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, are broken down into glucose, which is then used as fuel by the brain and nervous system.
3. A child has been admitted to the pediatric unit with a severe asthma attack. What type of acid-base imbalance should the nurse expect the child to develop?
- A. metabolic alkalosis caused by decreased acid metabolites production
- B. respiratory alkalosis caused by decreased respiratory rate and carbon dioxide retention
- C. respiratory acidosis caused by impaired respirations and increased carbonic acid formation
- D. metabolic acidosis caused by the kidneys' inability to compensate for increased carbonic acid production
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a severe asthma attack, the child is likely to develop respiratory acidosis due to impaired respirations leading to the retention of carbon dioxide, which combines with water to form carbonic acid. This results in the pH imbalance characterized by an excess of carbonic acid. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Metabolic alkalosis (Choice A) is not typically associated with severe asthma attacks; respiratory alkalosis (Choice B) would involve a decrease, not an increase, in carbon dioxide levels; and metabolic acidosis (Choice D) is not the primary acid-base imbalance seen in severe asthma attacks.
4. A nurse manager is assigning care of a client who is being admitted from the PACU following thoracic surgery. The nurse manager should assign the client to which of the following staff members?
- A. Charge nurse
- B. Registered nurse (RN)
- C. Practical nurse (PN)
- D. Assistive personnel (AP)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, a client who has undergone thoracic surgery and is being admitted from the PACU requires a high level of nursing care. Registered nurses (RNs) have the education and training necessary to provide the complex care and monitoring needed for a post-thoracic surgery client. Charge nurses may oversee units but may not always be directly involved in providing bedside care. Practical nurses (PNs) have a different scope of practice compared to RNs and may not have the advanced skills needed for post-thoracic surgery care. Assistive personnel (AP) provide valuable support but do not have the qualifications to manage the care of a client following thoracic surgery.
5. After implementing a new fall prevention protocol on the nursing unit, which action by the nurse-manager best evaluates the protocol’s effectiveness?
- A. Compare the number of falls that occurred before and after protocol implementation
- B. Analyze data that reflects the unit’s costs incurred due to the new protocol
- C. Conduct a chart review on the unit to determine the number of clients at risk for falling
- D. Consult with the physical therapist to evaluate the benefits of the new fall protocol
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The best way to evaluate the effectiveness of a new fall prevention protocol is by comparing the number of falls that occurred before and after its implementation. This direct comparison helps in assessing the impact of the protocol on reducing fall rates. Choices B, C, and D do not directly measure the effectiveness of the protocol. Analyzing costs incurred (Choice B), conducting a chart review (Choice C), or consulting with a physical therapist (Choice D) may provide valuable information but do not specifically evaluate the protocol's effectiveness in preventing falls.