HESI LPN
Fundamentals of Nursing HESI
1. During an assessment, a healthcare professional is evaluating the body alignment of a standing patient. Which finding will the healthcare professional report as normal?
- A. When observed laterally, the spinal curves align in a reversed 'S' pattern.
- B. When observed posteriorly, the hips and shoulders form an 'S' pattern.
- C. The arms should be crossed over the chest or in the lap.
- D. The feet should be close together with toes pointed out.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During a standing assessment, the healthcare professional should observe the patient laterally. In a normal body alignment, the head is erect, and the spinal curves align in a reversed 'S' pattern, aiding in maintaining balance and posture. Choice B is incorrect because hips and shoulders should be level and not form an 'S' pattern when observed posteriorly. Choice C is incorrect as the position of the arms is not a key indicator of body alignment. Choice D is incorrect as the feet should be shoulder-width apart with toes pointing forward for optimal balance and stability.
2. A 54-year-old male client and his wife were informed this morning that he has terminal cancer. Which nursing intervention is likely to be most appropriate?
- A. Ask the wife how she would like to participate in the client's care
- B. Provide the wife with information about hospice
- C. Encourage the wife to visit during the treatment process
- D. Refer her to a support group for family members of those with terminal cancer
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this situation, it is crucial to involve the wife in the care of the client to provide support and empower her. Asking the wife how she would like to participate allows her to be actively involved in decision-making and caregiving. Providing information about hospice (choice B) might be premature as the couple may still be digesting the diagnosis. Encouraging the wife to visit during the treatment process (choice C) may not address her immediate need for involvement and support. Referring her to a support group for family members (choice D) is helpful but involving her directly in the client's care is a more immediate and personalized approach.
3. What is an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?
- A. Order an immediate electrocardiogram
- B. Count the radial pulse every minute for five times
- C. Count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and compare the rate with the radial pulse rate
- D. Have someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously with the apical pulse
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, it is important for nurses to count the apical pulse for a full minute and compare it with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias because discrepancies between the apical and radial pulse rates can indicate irregular heart rhythms. Option A is incorrect because ordering an immediate electrocardiogram may not always be feasible or necessary as a first step. Option B, counting the radial pulse multiple times, is less accurate than comparing the apical and radial pulse rates. Option D involves an unnecessary step of having another person take simultaneous pulses when the nurse can do it effectively alone.
4. When planning home care for a 72-year-old client with osteomyelitis requiring a 6-week course of intravenous antibiotics, what is the most important action by the nurse?
- A. Investigating the client's insurance coverage for home IV antibiotic therapy
- B. Determining if there are adequate hand washing facilities in the home
- C. Assessing the client's ability to participate in self-care and/or the reliability of a caregiver
- D. Selecting the appropriate venous access device
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Assessing the client's ability to participate in self-care or evaluating the reliability of a caregiver is crucial in ensuring adherence to the treatment plan. This action helps determine if the client can manage the intravenous antibiotics at home independently or if assistance is needed. Investigating insurance coverage, ensuring hand washing facilities, and selecting the venous access device are important aspects of care but assessing the client's ability for self-care and caregiver reliability takes precedence to promote treatment success and safety.
5. The pediatric clinic nurse examines a toddler with a tentative diagnosis of neuroblastoma. Findings observed by the nurse that are associated with this problem include which of these?
- A. Lymphedema and nerve palsy
- B. Hearing loss and ataxia
- C. Headaches and vomiting
- D. Abdominal mass and weakness
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Neuroblastoma, a common solid tumor in children, often presents with symptoms related to the mass effect it causes. Abdominal mass and weakness are classic signs of neuroblastoma due to the tumor originating in the adrenal glands near the kidneys and potentially compressing nearby structures. Lymphedema and nerve palsy (Choice A) are not typically associated with neuroblastoma. Hearing loss and ataxia (Choice B) are more common in conditions affecting the central nervous system rather than neuroblastoma. Headaches and vomiting (Choice C) are nonspecific symptoms and are less commonly linked to neuroblastoma compared to the characteristic abdominal findings.