HESI LPN
HESI Fundamental Practice Exam
1. A client requires an NG tube for stomach decompression. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when inserting the NG tube?
- A. Help the client take sips of water to promote insertion of the NG tube.
- B. Insert the tube without asking the client to swallow.
- C. Advance the tube continuously without pausing.
- D. Use a large-bore tube for insertion.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action when inserting an NG tube is to help the client take sips of water. This helps facilitate the insertion of the tube by promoting swallowing and passage through the esophagus. Asking the client to swallow assists in guiding the tube into the stomach. Inserting the tube without asking the client to swallow may lead to incorrect placement or discomfort. Advancing the tube continuously without pausing can cause the tube to coil in the esophagus, leading to complications. Using a large-bore tube for insertion is unnecessary and may increase the risk of injury or discomfort for the client.
2. After a hip replacement surgery, a client is instructed to use an abduction pillow while in bed. What is the primary purpose of this device?
- A. To reduce the risk of blood clots.
- B. To prevent hip dislocation.
- C. To improve circulation in the legs.
- D. To alleviate pain and discomfort.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of using an abduction pillow after hip replacement surgery is to prevent hip dislocation. The abduction pillow keeps the legs separated, which reduces the risk of hip dislocation by preventing excessive internal rotation and adduction of the hip joint. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the main goal of using the abduction pillow is to maintain proper positioning and stability of the hip joint to prevent dislocation, rather than addressing blood clots, circulation, or pain relief.
3. A client is admitted to the medical unit during an exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is most important to report which assessment finding to the healthcare provider?
- A. Low-grade fever.
- B. Muscle atrophy.
- C. Hematuria.
- D. Joint pain.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Hematuria is the most important assessment finding to report to the healthcare provider in a client with SLE during an exacerbation. Hematuria indicates kidney involvement, a serious complication of SLE that requires prompt medical attention. While low-grade fever, muscle atrophy, and joint pain are symptoms that can occur in SLE, hematuria signifies potential renal damage, which is a critical concern in SLE exacerbations.
4. You are teaching a client about the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) planned for post-operative care. Which statement indicates further teaching may be needed by the client?
- A. ''I will be receiving continuous doses of medication.''
- B. ''I should call the nurse before I take additional doses.''
- C. ''I will call for assistance if my pain is not relieved.''
- D. ''The machine will prevent an overdose.''
Correct answer: B
Rationale: PCA allows patients to self-administer pain medication within prescribed limits, without the need to call the nurse before taking an additional dose. Choice B suggests a misunderstanding of how PCA works, as the patient should be educated that they can self-administer doses within the safety parameters set by the healthcare provider. Choices A, C, and D demonstrate proper understanding of PCA, hence are not indicative of needing further teaching.
5. Why does a cleft lip predispose an infant to infection?
- A. Waste products accumulate along the defect.
- B. There is evidence of inadequate circulation in the defective area.
- C. Nutrition is inadequate due to ineffective feeding.
- D. Mouth breathing dries the oropharyngeal mucous membranes.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Mouth breathing due to a cleft lip can dry the mucous membranes, making them more susceptible to infection. Choice A is incorrect because waste products do not accumulate along the defect to predispose the infant to infection. Choice B is incorrect as there is no evidence of inadequate circulation being a primary factor in infection predisposition in cleft lip cases. Choice C is incorrect because although ineffective feeding may lead to other issues, it is not the main reason for infection predisposition in infants with a cleft lip.