HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Questions
1. A client is receiving continuous IV fluid therapy via a peripheral vein in the left forearm. Which of the following findings indicates that the client has developed phlebitis at the IV site?
- A. Erythema along the path of the vein
- B. Pitting edema at the insertion site
- C. Coolness of the client’s left forearm
- D. Pallor of the client’s left forearm
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Erythema (redness) along the path of the vein is a classic sign of phlebitis, indicating inflammation of the vein. This occurs due to irritation or infection at the IV site. Pitting edema (choice B) is not typically associated with phlebitis but suggests fluid overload or poor circulation. Coolness (choice C) and pallor (choice D) of the forearm are not characteristic signs of phlebitis but may indicate impaired circulation or reduced blood flow to the area.
2. What is the first action a healthcare professional should take when a patient’s nasogastric (NG) tube becomes clogged?
- A. Flush the tube with water
- B. Reposition the patient
- C. Attempt to aspirate the clog with a syringe
- D. Administer a medication to dissolve the clog
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a patient's nasogastric (NG) tube becomes clogged, the first action to take is to attempt to aspirate the clog with a syringe. This is a standard and initial step to clear the blockage in the tube. Flushing the tube with water (Choice A) may not address the specific clog; repositioning the patient (Choice B) is not directly related to clearing the tube. Administering a medication to dissolve the clog (Choice D) should only be considered after simpler methods like aspiration have been attempted.
3. A client with Addison's disease started taking hydrocortisone in a divided daily dose last week. It is most important for the nurse to monitor which serum laboratory value?
- A. Osmolarity
- B. Glucose
- C. Albumin
- D. Platelets
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glucose. Hydrocortisone can lead to increased blood glucose levels, so monitoring glucose is crucial to assess for hyperglycemia, a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Monitoring osmolarity (choice A) is not typically indicated in this scenario. Albumin (choice C) and platelets (choice D) are not directly affected by hydrocortisone therapy and are not the primary focus of monitoring in this case.
4. During an IV catheter insertion demonstration, which statement by a nurse indicates understanding of the procedure?
- A. “I will thread the needle into the vein at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees with the bevel up.”
- B. “I will insert the needle into the client’s skin at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees with the bevel up.”
- C. “I will apply pressure approximately 1.2 inches below the insertion site before removing the needle.”
- D. “I will select a vein in the antecubital fossa for IV insertion based on its size and easily accessible location.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct technique for IV catheter insertion involves inserting the needle at a 10 to 30-degree angle with the bevel up. This angle facilitates proper vein puncture, reduces the risk of complications, and minimizes trauma to the vein. Choice A is incorrect because threading the needle into the vein at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees with the bevel up is the correct technique, not threading it all the way into the vein. Choice C is incorrect because applying pressure 1.2 inches below the insertion site before removing the needle is not a standard step in IV catheter insertion. Choice D is incorrect because selecting the antecubital fossa vein solely based on its size and accessibility may not be the most appropriate criterion; vein selection should also consider factors like vein condition and patient comfort.
5. What is the key to preventing recurrent respiratory infections in children with cystic fibrosis?
- A. Routine use of antibiotics
- B. Daily chest physiotherapy
- C. Increased fluid intake
- D. Dietary supplements
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Daily chest physiotherapy. Daily chest physiotherapy is essential in cystic fibrosis as it helps in clearing mucus from the lungs, reducing the frequency of respiratory infections. Antibiotics (Choice A) may treat infections but are not the key preventive measure. Increased fluid intake (Choice C) and dietary supplements (Choice D) can be beneficial for overall health but do not directly prevent recurrent respiratory infections in children with cystic fibrosis.