HESI LPN
Practice HESI Fundamentals Exam
1. A client with a terminal illness is expected to pass away within 24 hours. The family asks the nurse about what to expect at this time. Which of the following findings should the nurse include?
- A. Regular breathing pattern
- B. Warm extremities
- C. Increased urine output
- D. Decreased muscle tone
Correct answer: D
Rationale: As death approaches, decreased muscle tone and other signs like decreased blood pressure, irregular breathing patterns, cold extremities, and decreased urine output are common. Warm extremities (choice B) would not be expected as circulation may be compromised. Increased urine output (choice C) is unlikely as organ function declines. A regular breathing pattern (choice A) is also unlikely as irregular breathing patterns are common near death.
2. A 10-year-old girl is living with a foster family. Which intervention is the priority for the child in this family structure?
- A. Determining if the child is being bullied at school
- B. Dealing with mixed expectations of parents
- C. Establishing who is the child's actual caretaker
- D. Performing a comprehensive health assessment
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Performing a comprehensive health assessment is crucial for a child living with a foster family as they may have moved between different homes, leading to incomplete medical records. This assessment helps identify any existing health issues, ensure appropriate care, and address any unmet health needs. While addressing issues like bullying or parental expectations is important, the immediate priority should be ensuring the child's overall health and well-being. Establishing the actual caretaker is also important but may not be as urgent as addressing potential health concerns.
3. A client with chronic kidney disease is prescribed cinacalcet. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Hypocalcemia
- B. Hypercalcemia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hyperphosphatemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Cinacalcet is a medication that can lower calcium levels, leading to hypocalcemia. Monitoring for signs of low calcium levels such as muscle cramps, tingling sensations, and abnormal heart rhythms is crucial to prevent complications in clients with chronic kidney disease.\nIncorrect Choices Rationale: B) Hypercalcemia is the opposite effect of cinacalcet; C) Hyperkalemia and D) Hyperphosphatemia are not typically associated with cinacalcet use.
4. In an emergency department, a nurse is assessing a client who reports right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting for the past 48 hours. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Auscultate bowel sounds.
- B. Administer an antiemetic.
- C. Offer pain medication.
- D. Palpate the abdomen.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take first is to auscultate bowel sounds. This step is crucial to assess bowel activity before proceeding with palpation or administering medications. Assessing bowel sounds can provide valuable information about bowel motility and potential obstructions. Administering an antiemetic or offering pain medication may be necessary but should come after assessing bowel sounds to ensure appropriate treatment. Palpating the abdomen should be avoided initially to prevent potential discomfort or complications, especially if there is suspected abdominal pathology.
5. A child is injured on the school playground and appears to have a fractured leg. What action should the school nurse take first?
- A. Call for emergency transport to the hospital
- B. Immobilize the limb and joints above and below the injury
- C. Assess the child and the extent of the injury
- D. Apply cold compresses to the injured area
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct first action for the school nurse to take when a child is injured and appears to have a fractured leg is to assess the child and the extent of the injury. This initial assessment is crucial to determine the severity of the injury before proceeding with further interventions. Option A, calling for emergency transport, should only be done after assessing the extent of the injury. Option B, immobilizing the limb and joints, is important but should come after the initial assessment. Option D, applying cold compresses, is not recommended for suspected fractures as it can exacerbate swelling and pain.