HESI LPN
Fundamentals of Nursing HESI
1. A nurse is counseling an older adult who describes having difficulty with several issues. Which of the following problems verbalized by the client should the nurse identify as the priority?
- A. “I spent my whole life dreaming about retirement, and now I wish I had my job back.”
- B. “It’s been so stressful for me to have to depend on my child to help around the house.”
- C. “I just heard my friend Al die. That’s the third one in 3 months.”
- D. “I keep forgetting which medications I have taken during the day.”
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The statement expressing the loss of friends is the priority issue as it indicates potential grief and emotional distress. Losing multiple friends within a short period can have a profound impact on an older adult's emotional well-being. Option A expresses regret but does not indicate an immediate emotional crisis. Option B focuses on stress related to dependence, which is important but not as urgent as coping with loss. Option D highlights a memory concern, which is significant but does not address the emotional impact of loss.
2. What dietary recommendation is essential for a child with phenylketonuria (PKU)?
- A. High-protein diet
- B. Low-fat diet
- C. Low-phenylalanine diet
- D. High-fiber diet
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Low-phenylalanine diet.' Children with phenylketonuria (PKU) need to follow a low-phenylalanine diet to manage the condition. Phenylalanine is an amino acid found in protein-containing foods, and individuals with PKU have difficulty metabolizing it, leading to neurological damage and other complications. Therefore, restricting phenylalanine intake is crucial. Choice A, 'High-protein diet,' is incorrect because high protein intake would increase phenylalanine levels, worsening the condition. Choice B, 'Low-fat diet,' and Choice D, 'High-fiber diet,' are not the primary focus for PKU patients. The key dietary intervention for PKU is controlling phenylalanine intake, which is best achieved through a low-phenylalanine diet.
3. A nurse is discussing the care of an infant with colic with the parents. What should the nurse explain is the cause of colicky behavior?
- A. Inadequate peristalsis
- B. Paroxysmal abdominal pain
- C. An allergic response to certain proteins in milk
- D. A protective mechanism designed to eliminate foreign proteins
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Paroxysmal abdominal pain. Colic in infants is characterized by paroxysmal abdominal pain, leading to excessive crying and fussiness. It is not caused by inadequate peristalsis (Choice A), an allergic response to certain proteins in milk (Choice C), or a protective mechanism designed to eliminate foreign proteins (Choice D). Understanding that colic is primarily associated with abdominal pain helps healthcare providers provide appropriate care and support to parents dealing with colicky infants.
4. A client is postoperative following knee arthroplasty and requires the use of a thigh-length sequential compression device. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Ensure two fingers can fit under the sleeves.
- B. Ensure the device is not too tight to impede circulation.
- C. Position the client comfortably before applying the device.
- D. Use the device continuously to prevent blood clots.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when applying a thigh-length sequential compression device to a postoperative client is to ensure that two fingers can fit under the sleeves. This action helps prevent the device from being too tight, which could impede circulation. Choice B is incorrect because the device should not be too tight, as it could lead to circulation issues. Choice C is incorrect as the client should be in a comfortable position, not necessarily supine. Choice D is incorrect as sequential compression devices are typically used continuously to prevent blood clots.
5. What does the infant mortality rate measure?
- A. dying for every thousand of the population
- B. dying from 0-5 years old in every thousand population
- C. dying in the first 4 weeks in every thousand children born alive that year
- D. dying before 1 year old in every thousand children born alive that year
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The infant mortality rate measures the number of deaths occurring before 1 year old per 1000 live births. This is a crucial indicator of a population's health status and access to healthcare for infants. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the infant mortality rate specifically focuses on deaths within the first year of life, not the entire population or different age ranges.