HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Questions
1. When planning to insert a peripheral IV catheter for an older adult client, which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
- A. Insert the catheter at a 45° angle
- B. Place the client's arm in a dependent position
- C. Shave excess hair from the insertion site
- D. Initiate IV therapy in the veins of the hand
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Placing the client's arm in a dependent position is the correct action when inserting a peripheral IV catheter for an older adult client. This position helps veins dilate due to gravity, facilitating easier insertion of the IV catheter. Choice A is incorrect because catheters are typically inserted at a lower angle, around 10-30 degrees. Choice C is unnecessary unless excessive hair impedes the insertion process. Choice D is incorrect as veins in the hand are generally smaller and more prone to complications, making them less ideal for IV therapy in older adults.
2. Steven John has type 1 diabetes mellitus and receives insulin. Which laboratory test will the nurse assess?
- A. Potassium
- B. AST (aspartate aminotransferase)
- C. Serum amylase
- D. Sodium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. Patients with type 1 diabetes receiving insulin are at risk of developing hypokalemia due to insulin's effects on potassium levels. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because AST, serum amylase, and sodium levels are not directly impacted by insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes and are not the primary concern that needs monitoring in this scenario.
3. A nurse is caring for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. In which of the following situations does the nurse demonstrate the ethical principle of veracity?
- A. A client unaware of her recent cancer diagnosis asks the nurse if she has cancer, and the nurse responds affirmatively.
- B. The nurse avoids discussing the client's diagnosis to prevent emotional distress.
- C. The nurse provides a vague answer about the client's condition.
- D. The nurse promises to provide information only if it is requested by the client.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Veracity involves telling the truth, a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare. In this scenario, the nurse demonstrates veracity by responding honestly when the client directly asks about her cancer diagnosis. Choice B is incorrect as avoiding discussing the diagnosis to prevent emotional distress does not align with veracity and transparency. Choice C is incorrect as providing a vague answer does not uphold the principle of truthfulness. Choice D is incorrect because promising to provide information only upon client request does not address the immediate question about the cancer diagnosis and lacks transparency.
4. A client is recovering from gallbladder surgery performed under general anesthesia. How many times per hour should the nurse encourage the client to use the incentive spirometer?
- A. 4-5 times per hour
- B. 2-3 times per hour
- C. 6-7 times per hour
- D. 8-10 times per hour
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging the client to use the incentive spirometer 4-5 times per hour is the correct approach post-gallbladder surgery under general anesthesia. This frequency helps prevent respiratory complications, such as atelectasis, by promoting lung expansion. Choices B, C, and D suggest either too few or too many sessions per hour, which may not be optimal for the client's respiratory recovery needs. It is important to strike a balance between ensuring adequate lung expansion and not overexerting the client, which is why 4-5 times per hour is the recommended frequency.
5. An 86-year-old female client with Alzheimer's disease is wandering the busy halls of the extended care facility and asks the nurse, "Where should I stand for the parade?" Which response is best for the LPN/LVN to provide?
- A. Anywhere you want to stand as long as you do not get hurt by those in the parade.
- B. You are confused because of all the activity in the hall. There is no parade.
- C. Let us go back to the activity room and see what is going on in there.
- D. Remember I told you that this is a nursing home and I am your nurse.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Redirecting the client to a less confusing environment can help reduce anxiety and reorient her to reality.