HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Study Guide
1. A client who is postoperative and has paralytic ileus is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following abdominal assessments should the nurse expect?
- A. Absent bowel sounds with distention
- B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
- C. Normal bowel sounds
- D. High-pitched bowel sounds
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a client with paralytic ileus, absent bowel sounds with distention are expected due to decreased or absent bowel motility. This is a key characteristic of paralytic ileus, where the bowel is unable to contract and move contents along the digestive tract. Hyperactive bowel sounds (choice B) are more indicative of increased peristalsis, which is not typically seen in paralytic ileus. Normal bowel sounds (choice C) may not be present in a client with paralytic ileus. High-pitched bowel sounds (choice D) are not typically associated with paralytic ileus. Therefore, the correct assessment finding in this scenario is absent bowel sounds with distention.
2. What is an important nursing consideration for a child with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) being treated with methotrexate?
- A. Monitor liver function tests regularly
- B. Encourage regular exercise
- C. Provide high-calorie snacks
- D. Encourage frequent handwashing
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring liver function tests regularly is crucial when a child with JIA is on methotrexate due to the potential hepatotoxicity associated with this medication. Methotrexate can lead to liver damage, hence monitoring helps in early detection and intervention. Encouraging regular exercise (Choice B) is generally good for children with JIA to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength, but it is not directly related to methotrexate therapy. Providing high-calorie snacks (Choice C) is not a priority consideration for a child on methotrexate. Encouraging frequent handwashing (Choice D) is important for infection control, but it is not specifically associated with methotrexate therapy in a child with JIA.
3. What information should be included in the preoperative plan of care for an infant with myelomeningocele?
- A. Positioning the infant supine with a pillow under the buttocks
- B. Covering the sac with saline-soaked nonadhesive gauze
- C. Wrapping the infant snugly in a blanket
- D. Applying a diaper to prevent fecal soiling of the sac
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Covering the sac with saline-soaked nonadhesive gauze is essential in the preoperative care of an infant with myelomeningocele. This practice helps prevent infection and maintains moisture around the sac before surgery, promoting optimal healing outcomes. Positioning the infant supine with a pillow under the buttocks may be uncomfortable and unnecessary. Wrapping the infant snugly in a blanket does not address the specific care needs of the myelomeningocele. Applying a diaper over the sac can increase the risk of infection and should be avoided in this case.
4. A client who had an abdominal hysterectomy is experiencing minimal urine output despite adequate fluid intake. What should the nurse assess first?
- A. The client's bladder for distension.
- B. The IV catheter insertion site.
- C. The patency of the urinary catheter.
- D. The client's vital signs.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Assessing the patency of the urinary catheter is crucial in this situation. A blocked catheter could be a common cause of decreased urine output following surgery. While checking the IV catheter insertion site (Choice B) is important, it is not the priority in this case. Examining the client's bladder for distension (Choice A) is relevant, but assessing the patency of the catheter takes precedence in resolving the issue of decreased urine output. Monitoring vital signs (Choice D) is a routine nursing task but not the priority when dealing with decreased urine output post-surgery.
5. The client has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which symptom would be most concerning?
- A. Pain in the affected leg
- B. Redness and warmth in the affected leg
- C. Shortness of breath
- D. Swelling in the affected leg
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Shortness of breath is the most concerning symptom in a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) because it could indicate a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication where a blood clot travels to the lungs. This condition requires immediate medical attention. While pain, redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected leg are common symptoms of DVT, shortness of breath suggests a more critical situation that necessitates urgent intervention.