HESI LPN
HESI Fundamental Practice Exam
1. A client with a terminal illness is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following findings indicates that the client's death is imminent?
- A. Cold extremities
- B. Increased appetite
- C. Elevated blood pressure
- D. Increased level of consciousness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cold extremities are a common sign observed in clients nearing death. This occurs due to decreased blood circulation as the body's systems begin to shut down. Cold extremities indicate poor perfusion and reduced function of vital organs. Increased appetite (Choice B) is not typically seen in clients approaching death; instead, a decreased appetite is more common. Elevated blood pressure (Choice C) is not a typical finding in clients nearing the end of life, as blood pressure tends to decrease. An increased level of consciousness (Choice D) is also not indicative of imminent death, as clients near death often experience decreased level of consciousness or become unresponsive.
2. A nurse manager is preparing to review medication documentation with a group of newly licensed nurses. Which of the following statements should the nurse manager plan to include in the teaching?
- A. Use the complete name of the medication magnesium sulfate.
- B. Delete the space between the numerical dose and the unit of measure.
- C. Write the letter U when noting the dosage of insulin.
- D. Use the abbreviation SC when indicating an injection.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to use the complete name of the medication magnesium sulfate. This is important to prevent confusion with morphine sulfate, which is abbreviated as MSO4. Choice B is incorrect as it is essential to maintain a space between the numerical dose and the unit of measure for clarity in medication documentation. Choice C is incorrect as the standard abbreviation for units is 'U' for international units, not for the dosage of insulin. Choice D is incorrect as the appropriate abbreviation for subcutaneous injection is 'SC,' not just 'SC.' Therefore, the nurse manager should emphasize using the full name of medications to avoid errors and ensure patient safety.
3. _________ is self-propulsion.
- A. Mitosis
- B. Meiosis
- C. Motility
- D. Mutation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Motility.' Motility refers to the ability of cells or organisms to move by themselves, often through the use of specialized structures like flagella or cilia. Mitosis (Choice A) and Meiosis (Choice B) are processes related to cell division and genetic recombination, respectively, not self-propulsion. Mutation (Choice D) refers to changes in the DNA sequence and is not related to self-propulsion.
4. A client is prescribed diazepam for muscle spasms. What instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?
- A. Avoid drinking alcohol
- B. Take with food to avoid gastrointestinal upset
- C. Increase fluid intake
- D. Take medication with grapefruit juice
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed diazepam for muscle spasms is to avoid drinking alcohol. Diazepam can cause drowsiness and enhance the effects of alcohol, leading to increased sedation and impaired cognitive function. Clients should be advised to avoid alcohol consumption while taking diazepam to prevent these adverse effects and ensure their safety.
5. The nurse is teaching a client about the healthy use of ego defense mechanisms. An appropriate goal for this client would be
- A. Reduce fear and protect self-esteem
- B. Minimize anxiety and delay apprehension
- C. Avoid conflict and leave unpleasant situations
- D. Increase independence and communicate more effectively
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Reduce fear and protect self-esteem.' When teaching a client about the healthy use of ego defense mechanisms, the goal is to help the individual manage emotions effectively without denying reality. Using defense mechanisms in a healthy way aims to reduce fear and protect self-esteem while still addressing underlying issues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not focus on the core principles of using defense mechanisms in a healthy manner. Minimizing anxiety and delaying apprehension, avoiding conflict and leaving unpleasant situations, and increasing independence and communicating more effectively do not directly align with the goal of utilizing ego defense mechanisms in a constructive way.