HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Study Guide
1. A client has been on bed rest for several weeks. Which finding should the nurse identify as the priority during assessment?
- A. Musculoskeletal weakness
- B. Loss of appetite
- C. Increased heart rate during physical activity
- D. Left lower extremity tenderness
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should prioritize assessing left lower extremity tenderness as it could indicate deep vein thrombosis, a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Musculoskeletal weakness, loss of appetite, and increased heart rate during physical activity are important but not as critical as a potential thrombotic event that could lead to life-threatening complications. Deep vein thrombosis is a common risk for individuals on prolonged bed rest due to reduced mobility and blood stasis.
2. What is a common complication of uncontrolled type 1 diabetes in children?
- A. Hyperactivity
- B. Ketoacidosis
- C. Hypertension
- D. Hypoglycemia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Ketoacidosis is a prevalent complication of uncontrolled type 1 diabetes in children. It is a serious condition characterized by high levels of ketones in the blood, leading to acidosis. Prompt medical attention is necessary to manage this potentially life-threatening condition. Choice A, hyperactivity, is not a typical complication of uncontrolled type 1 diabetes. Choice C, hypertension, is not a direct complication of type 1 diabetes in children. Choice D, hypoglycemia, is more commonly associated with low blood sugar levels, which can occur due to excessive insulin administration or inadequate food intake in diabetic individuals, rather than uncontrolled type 1 diabetes.
3. A client with chronic kidney disease is prescribed calcium acetate. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Hypercalcemia
- B. Hypocalcemia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hypokalemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a client with chronic kidney disease is prescribed calcium acetate, the nurse must monitor for hypercalcemia, not hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, or hypokalemia. Calcium acetate can increase calcium levels in the blood, leading to hypercalcemia. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include fatigue, confusion, constipation, and muscle weakness. Regular monitoring of calcium levels is crucial to prevent complications associated with elevated calcium levels.
4. The caregiver is teaching parents about accidental poisoning in children. Which point should be emphasized?
- A. Call the Poison Control Center as soon as the situation is identified
- B. Empty the child's mouth in any case of possible poisoning
- C. Have the child move minimally if a toxic substance was inhaled
- D. Do not induce vomiting if the poison is a hydrocarbon
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to emphasize emptying the child's mouth in any case of possible poisoning. This action is crucial to prevent further ingestion of the poisonous substance. Choice A is incorrect because calling the Poison Control Center should be one of the first steps, not waiting until the situation is identified. Choice C is incorrect as moving the child may spread or exacerbate the effects of the toxic substance. Choice D is incorrect because inducing vomiting can be harmful if the poison is a hydrocarbon, as it may lead to aspiration.
5. After assessing an older adult with a suspected cerebrovascular accident (CVA), the nurse documents the client's right upper arm weakness and slurred speech. When the client complains of a severe headache and nausea, and the neurological assessment remains unchanged, which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer an oral analgesic with antiemetic
- B. Collect blood for coagulation times
- C. Send the client for a computed tomography scan of the brain
- D. Obtain a history of medication use, recent surgery, or injury
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority action for the nurse is to send the client for a computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain. A CT scan is crucial in assessing acute changes or bleeding that could influence treatment decisions in a suspected cerebrovascular accident (CVA). While addressing symptoms like headache and nausea is important, ruling out acute changes in the brain with a CT scan takes precedence in this situation. Collecting blood for coagulation times may be necessary but is not the initial priority. Obtaining a history of medication use, recent surgery, or injury is also important but not the first action to take when a CVA is suspected.