HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test for Fundamentals
1. A nurse is planning to insert a nasogastric tube for a client after explaining the procedure. The client states, 'You are not putting that hose down my throat.' Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
- A. 'I can see that this is upsetting you.'
- B. 'It is necessary for your treatment.'
- C. 'It will be over quickly, and you will feel better.'
- D. 'Let me explain again why this procedure is important.'
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this situation, the nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings by stating, 'I can see that this is upsetting you.' This response validates the client's emotions and demonstrates empathy, which can help build trust and rapport. Choice B is too direct and might not address the client's emotional state. Choice C focuses on the outcome rather than the client's current distress. Choice D does not directly address the client's feelings of distress and may not effectively alleviate their anxiety.
2. A client has C-diff infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Give the client chlorhexidine gluconate for hand hygiene.
- B. Remove the protective gown first when exiting the client's room.
- C. Use alcohol-based hand rub when caring for the client.
- D. Initiate contact precautions when providing client care.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate contact precautions when providing client care. C-diff (Clostridium difficile) is highly contagious, and contact precautions are necessary to prevent its spread. Giving the client chlorhexidine gluconate for hand hygiene (Choice A) is not specific to managing C-diff. Removing the protective gown first when exiting the client's room (Choice B) may increase the risk of contaminating oneself and the environment. Using alcohol-based hand rub when caring for the client (Choice C) is not sufficient to prevent the transmission of C-diff, as soap and water are more effective against this particular pathogen.
3. What is the most common cause of seizures in children?
- A. An abrupt rise in body temperature
- B. An inflammatory process in the brain
- C. A temperature greater than 102°F
- D. A life-threatening infection
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Seizures in children most often result from a temperature greater than 102°F, known as febrile seizures. Febrile seizures are commonly triggered by a rapid increase in body temperature due to infections or other causes. Choice A is incorrect as febrile seizures are not necessarily caused by the abrupt rise in body temperature alone. Choice B is incorrect as inflammatory processes in the brain may lead to other types of seizures but are not the most common cause in children. Choice D is incorrect as not all seizures in children are due to life-threatening infections.
4. A child has been admitted to the pediatric unit with a severe asthma attack. What type of acid-base imbalance should the nurse expect the child to develop?
- A. metabolic alkalosis due to insufficient production of acid metabolites
- B. respiratory alkalosis due to depressed respirations and retention of carbon dioxide
- C. respiratory acidosis due to impaired respirations and increased formation of carbonic acid
- D. metabolic acidosis due to the kidneys' inability to compensate for decreased carbonic acid formation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a severe asthma attack, the child is likely to develop respiratory acidosis. This occurs due to impaired respirations, leading to the retention of carbon dioxide and the formation of carbonic acid. Choice A is incorrect as metabolic alkalosis is not expected in this situation. Choice B is incorrect as respiratory alkalosis does not align with the scenario of impaired respirations in severe asthma attacks. Choice D is also incorrect as it describes metabolic acidosis, which is not typically associated with severe asthma attacks.
5. A nurse is planning to teach a group of clients who are breastfeeding after returning to work. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. “Thawed breast milk can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.”
- B. “Breast milk can be stored in a deep freezer for 12 months.”
- C. “Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours.”
- D. “Thawed breast milk that is unused cannot be refrozen.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: “Breast milk can be stored in a deep freezer for 12 months.” This instruction is important for mothers returning to work to ensure a long-term storage option for breast milk. Choice A is incorrect because thawed breast milk should be used within 24 hours if stored in the refrigerator. Choice C is incorrect as breast milk can be kept at room temperature for only up to 4 hours. Choice D is incorrect as thawed breast milk that is unused should not be refrozen due to safety concerns.