HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Study Guide
1. A healthcare professional is preparing to inject heparin subcutaneously for a client who is postoperative. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?
- A. Use a 25-gauge needle.
- B. Select a site on the client’s abdomen.
- C. Use the Z-track technique to displace the skin on the injection site.
- D. Observe for bleb formation to confirm proper placement.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: For subcutaneous injections like heparin, a 25-27 gauge needle is recommended, making choice A incorrect. The abdomen is a commonly used site for heparin injection due to its consistent absorption and convenience, making choice B the correct answer. The Z-track technique is not necessary for subcutaneous injections, making choice C unnecessary. Observing for bleb formation is not a standard practice for confirming proper placement of subcutaneous heparin, making choice D incorrect. Therefore, the correct action is to select a site on the client's abdomen for the injection.
2. The client with congestive heart failure (CHF) is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which laboratory value should the healthcare provider monitor closely?
- A. Potassium
- B. Sodium
- C. Calcium
- D. Magnesium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Correct! When a client is taking furosemide (Lasix), monitoring potassium levels is crucial due to the potential for hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss through increased urine output. Low potassium levels can predispose the client to cardiac dysrhythmias. Sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels are not typically affected by furosemide to the same extent as potassium, making them less critical to monitor in this scenario.
3. A community health nurse is conducting a neighborhood discussion group about disaster planning. What information regarding the transmission of anthrax should the nurse provide to the group?
- A. Infection is acquired when anthrax spores enter a host.
- B. Mature anthrax bacteria live dormant on inanimate objects.
- C. Spores cannot survive for extended periods outside of a living host.
- D. Anthrax is transmitted by respiratory droplets from person to person.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct information that the nurse should provide to the group is that anthrax infection occurs when spores enter a host. Choice B is incorrect because mature anthrax bacteria do not live dormant on inanimate objects. Choice C is incorrect because anthrax spores can survive for extended periods outside of a living host. Choice D is incorrect because anthrax is not transmitted by respiratory droplets from person to person; it is acquired through spores entering a host.
4. In the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which of the following bases combines with thymine?
- A. Cytosine
- B. Adenine
- C. Rhodamine
- D. Serine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adenine. In the structure of DNA, adenine pairs with thymine through hydrogen bonding, forming one of the complementary base pairs that make up the double helix structure of DNA. Cytosine pairs with guanine, not thymine. Rhodamine and serine are not DNA bases and do not participate in DNA base pairing. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
5. What is the primary rationale for thoroughly drying the infant immediately after birth?
- A. Stimulates crying and lung expansion.
- B. Removes maternal blood from the skin surface.
- C. Reduces heat loss from evaporation.
- D. Increases blood supply to the hands and feet.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The primary rationale for thoroughly drying the infant immediately after birth is to reduce heat loss from evaporation. This helps maintain the infant's body temperature and prevent hypothermia. Choice A (Stimulates crying and lung expansion) is incorrect because drying the infant is not primarily done to stimulate crying but rather to prevent heat loss. Choice B (Removes maternal blood from the skin surface) is incorrect as the main reason is to prevent heat loss, not to remove maternal blood. Choice D (Increases blood supply to the hands and feet) is also incorrect as drying the infant is not intended to increase blood supply but rather to regulate body temperature.