HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Exam Test Bank
1. A nurse is collecting data from a client who is receiving IV therapy and reports pain in the arm, chills, and 'not feeling well.' The nurse notes warmth, edema, induration, and red streaking on the client’s arm close to the IV insertion site. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?
- A. Obtain a specimen for culture.
- B. Apply a warm compress.
- C. Administer analgesics.
- D. Discontinue the infusion.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Discontinuing the infusion is the first step in addressing potential complications such as phlebitis or infection. It is crucial to prevent further infusion-related damage by stopping the source of the issue. Obtaining a specimen for culture (Choice A) can be considered later to identify the specific microorganism causing the infection. Applying a warm compress (Choice B) or administering analgesics (Choice C) may provide comfort but do not address the underlying issue of infection or phlebitis, which requires immediate intervention by discontinuing the infusion.
2. A 19-year-old client is paralyzed in a car accident. Which statement used by the client would indicate to the nurse that the client was using the mechanism of 'suppression'?
- A. "I don't remember anything about what happened to me."
- B. "I'd rather not talk about it right now."
- C. "It's all the other guy's fault! He was going too fast."
- D. "My mother is heartbroken about this."
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the statement "I'd rather not talk about it right now" indicates that the client is consciously choosing to avoid discussing the distressing issue, which aligns with the mechanism of suppression. Choice A does not involve active avoidance but rather memory loss, which is not suppression. Choice C involves blaming others, which is a defense mechanism known as projection. Choice D involves expressing emotions rather than avoiding them, which does not align with suppression.
3. A client in a provider’s office tells the nurse that, 'I fast for several days each week to help control my weight.' The client takes several medications for various chronic issues. The nurse should explain to the client that which of the following mechanisms that result from fasting puts her at risk for medication toxicity?
- A. Increasing the metabolism of the medications over time
- B. Increasing the protein-binding response
- C. Increasing medications’ transit time through the intestines
- D. Decreasing the excretion of medications
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Fasting can lead to an increased protein-binding response of medications. This can result in a higher concentration of bound medications in the bloodstream, potentially causing toxicity as the medications may not be readily available for metabolism or excretion. Choice A is incorrect because fasting typically doesn't increase medication metabolism. Choice C is incorrect as fasting usually decreases transit time through the intestines. Choice D is incorrect since fasting generally does not decrease medication excretion.
4. An example of the continuum health model of health and wellness would be:
- A. a person is either well or not, and the emphasis is on continuously and aggressively treating people who are ill
- B. predicting that a person will most likely continue good health practices, based on his or her health practices in the past, such as getting flu shots
- C. using acupuncture and therapeutic touch to cure disease instead of traditional medical therapies
- D. none of the above
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The continuum health model emphasizes ongoing health practices based on past behaviors. Choice A is incorrect as it describes a more binary approach to health. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on alternative therapies rather than the continuity of health practices.
5. A healthcare professional is administering 1 L of 0.9% sodium chloride to a client who is postoperative and has fluid-volume deficit. Which of the following changes should the healthcare professional identify as an indication that the treatment was successful?
- A. Increase in hematocrit
- B. Increase in respiratory rate
- C. Decrease in heart rate
- D. Decrease in capillary refill time
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Fluid-volume deficit causes tachycardia. With correction of the imbalance, the heart rate should return to the expected range. An increase in hematocrit (Choice A) would indicate hemoconcentration, not a successful fluid replacement. An increase in respiratory rate (Choice B) could indicate respiratory distress or hypoxia, not improvement in fluid volume status. A decrease in capillary refill time (Choice D) may indicate improved peripheral perfusion but is not a direct indicator of fluid replacement success.