HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Exam
1. A client with a terminal illness and approaching death has noisy respirations and is short of breath. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Elevate the head of the client's bed
- B. Administer an opioid medication
- C. Perform oral suctioning
- D. Place the client in a prone position
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Elevating the head of the client's bed is the most appropriate action in this situation. It helps reduce noisy respirations and improves comfort for clients with terminal illnesses by facilitating better air exchange. Administering an opioid medication may not address the immediate issue of noisy respirations and shortness of breath caused by secretions in the airway. Performing oral suctioning without proper assessment and indication can be uncomfortable for the client and may not be necessary. Placing the client in a prone position can further compromise breathing and is not recommended for a client with respiratory distress.
2. While caring for the client during the first hour after delivery, the nurse determines that the uterus is boggy and there is vaginal bleeding. What should be the nurse's first action?
- A. Check vital signs
- B. Massage the fundus
- C. Offer a bedpan
- D. Check for perineal lacerations
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when encountering a boggy uterus and vaginal bleeding after delivery is to massage the fundus. Massaging the fundus helps the uterus contract, which can reduce vaginal bleeding. Checking vital signs may be important but addressing the uterine atony and bleeding takes precedence. Offering a bedpan or checking for perineal lacerations are not the immediate actions needed to manage postpartum hemorrhage.
3. A child with a diagnosis of asthma is being evaluated for medication management. What is an important assessment for the nurse to perform?
- A. Assess the child's sleep patterns
- B. Assess the child's dietary intake
- C. Assess the child's academic performance
- D. Assess the child's behavior at home
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the child's dietary intake is crucial in managing asthma as certain foods can trigger symptoms or exacerbate the condition. By evaluating the child's diet, the nurse can identify potential triggers, ensure the child receives proper nutrition, and help manage symptoms effectively. Assessing sleep patterns, academic performance, or behavior at home, while important in a holistic assessment, are not as directly related to managing asthma symptoms as dietary intake.
4. What additional assessment is required for the postoperative care of a pregnant woman who undergoes abdominal surgery for appendicitis?
- A. Intake and output (I&O) and intravenous (IV) site.
- B. Signs and symptoms of infection.
- C. Vital signs and incision.
- D. Fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine activity.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct additional assessment for postoperative care of a pregnant woman requiring abdominal surgery for appendicitis is monitoring the fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine activity. This is crucial due to the presence of the fetus. Continuous fetal and uterine monitoring should be prioritized to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. While assessing I&O levels and the IV site are common postoperative care procedures, they are not specific to the unique needs of a pregnant woman. Evaluating for signs and symptoms of infection is important for any postoperative patient but is not the additional assessment required specifically for a pregnant woman in this scenario. Routine vital signs and incision evaluation are standard components of postoperative care but do not address the specific needs related to the fetus and the uterus in this case.
5. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is resistant to learning self-injection of insulin. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
- A. Ask, 'Tell me what I can do to help you overcome your fear of giving yourself injections.'
- B. Instruct, 'You need to learn how to give yourself insulin injections immediately.'
- C. State, 'Insulin injections are important for managing your diabetes, so you must learn them.'
- D. Mention, 'Many people with diabetes manage well with insulin injections.'
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Asking the client what can be done to help overcome the fear of self-injections demonstrates empathy, understanding, and a willingness to support the client in addressing their barriers. This approach facilitates open communication, acknowledges the client's feelings, and involves them in the decision-making process. Choices B and C are authoritarian and may increase resistance in the client by being directive and not considering the client's perspective. Choice D, while positive, does not directly address the client's fear and resistance to self-injections, missing the opportunity to explore the underlying issues.