HESI LPN
HESI Fundamental Practice Exam
1. A client is scheduled to have his alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level checked. The client asks the nurse to explain the laboratory test. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. “This test will indicate if you are at risk for developing blood clots.”
- B. “This test will determine if your heart is performing properly.”
- C. “This test will provide information about the function of your liver.”
- D. “This test is used to check how your kidneys are working.”
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: “This test will provide information about the function of your liver.” Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme mainly found in the liver. An elevated ALT level may indicate liver damage or disease. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because ALT is specifically related to liver function and not indicative of blood clot risk, heart performance, or kidney function.
2. The nurse manager is reviewing medication documentation. Which of the following statements should the nurse plan to include in teaching?
- A. Use the complete name of the medication magnesium sulfate.
- B. Avoid abbreviating medication names to prevent errors.
- C. Use generic names only for medications.
- D. Document the dosage, route of administration, and complete medication name.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Use the complete name of the medication magnesium sulfate.' When documenting medications, it is crucial to use the complete name to avoid confusion and errors. Abbreviating medication names (choice B) can lead to misinterpretation and errors in medication administration. Using generic names only for medications (choice C) may not provide enough specificity, leading to potential medication errors. While documenting the dosage and route of administration is important, it is also vital to include the complete medication name (choice D) for accurate record-keeping and to ensure clarity in medication administration.
3. A healthcare professional is admitting a client who has decreased circulation in his left leg. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take first?
- A. Evaluate pedal pulses
- B. Assess skin temperature
- C. Check for capillary refill
- D. Measure the leg circumference
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Evaluating pedal pulses should be the first action taken as it provides immediate information about circulation. This assessment helps in determining the adequacy of blood flow in the client's leg. Assessing skin temperature, checking for capillary refill, and measuring leg circumference are important assessments; however, evaluating pedal pulses is the most crucial initial step in this scenario. Skin temperature assessment and capillary refill check can provide additional valuable information about perfusion, while measuring leg circumference is useful in monitoring for edema. Therefore, for a client with decreased circulation in the left leg, evaluating pedal pulses takes precedence over the other assessments.
4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parent of a toddler who has a new diagnosis of asthma. The parent states she is unable to afford the nebulizer prescribed for the child. Which of the following referrals should the nurse recommend?
- A. Social worker
- B. Pharmacist
- C. Respiratory therapist
- D. Child protective services
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Social worker. A social worker can assist the parent in finding resources to afford the nebulizer. While a pharmacist may provide information about medications and devices, they may not have direct resources to address financial concerns. A respiratory therapist focuses on respiratory care but may not specialize in financial assistance. Referring to child protective services is not appropriate in this scenario as the parent's inability to afford a nebulizer does not indicate neglect or abuse.
5. A woman with gestational diabetes has had little or no experience reading and interpreting glucose levels. The client shows the nurse her readings for the past few days. Which reading signals the nurse that the client may require an adjustment of insulin or carbohydrates?
- A. 75 mg/dl before lunch. This is low; better eat now.
- B. 115 mg/dl 1 hour after lunch. This is a little high; maybe eat a little less next time.
- C. 115 mg/dl 2 hours after lunch. This is too high; it is time for insulin.
- D. 50 mg/dl just after waking up from a nap. This is too low; maybe eat a snack before going to sleep.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: 50 mg/dl after waking from a nap is too low. During hours of sleep, glucose levels should not be less than 60 mg/dl. Snacks before sleeping can be helpful. The premeal acceptable range is 60 to 99 mg/dl. The readings 1 hour after a meal should be less than 129 mg/dl. Two hours after eating, the readings should be less than 120 mg/dl.