HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Exam
1. A nurse is preparing to review medication documentation with a group of newly licensed nurses. Which of the following statements should the nurse manager plan to include in the teaching?
- A. Use the complete name of the medication magnesium sulfate
- B. Maintain the space between the numerical dose and the unit of measure
- C. Note the dosage of insulin in units
- D. Use 'subcut' for indicating a subcutaneous injection
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices recommends using the complete medication name magnesium sulfate when documenting medications to prevent misinterpretation. Choice B is incorrect because spaces should be maintained between the numerical dose and unit of measure for clarity. Choice C is incorrect as the standard notation for insulin dosage is in units, not using the letter U. Choice D is incorrect as the abbreviation for subcutaneous injection is commonly written as 'subcut' or 'subcutaneous,' not as SC.
2. A client reports feeling dizzy and light-headed when standing up. What is the nurse's best initial action?
- A. Instruct the client to sit or lie down
- B. Monitor blood pressure and pulse
- C. Administer an anti-dizziness medication
- D. Increase fluid intake
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor blood pressure and pulse. When a client reports feeling dizzy and light-headed when standing up, the nurse's best initial action should be to monitor the client's blood pressure and pulse. These symptoms are indicative of orthostatic hypotension, which can be confirmed by changes in blood pressure and pulse when moving from lying to standing positions. Instructing the client to sit or lie down may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause. Administering an anti-dizziness medication should not be the initial action without assessing vital signs first. Increasing fluid intake is important for overall health but is not the priority in this situation where vital sign monitoring is needed to assess for orthostatic hypotension.
3. A client with lower extremity weakness is being taught a four-point crutch gait by a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Bear weight on both legs.
- B. Move the crutches and the weak leg in unison.
- C. Advance the crutches and the strong leg simultaneously.
- D. Move the crutches forward, then move one leg at a time.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct technique for a four-point crutch gait involves moving the crutches forward, then moving one leg at a time. This method provides stability and support by alternating movement between the crutches and legs. Choice A is incorrect because bearing weight on both legs simultaneously is not the correct method for a four-point gait. Choice B is incorrect as moving the crutches and weak leg together does not provide the required stability. Choice C is incorrect as advancing the crutches and strong leg together does not promote the alternating movement needed for a four-point gait.
4. _____ is a life-threatening disease, characterized by high blood pressure that may afflict women late in the second or early in the third trimester.
- A. Rubella
- B. Syphilis
- C. Preeclampsia
- D. Phenylketonuria
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure that typically occurs in the second half of pregnancy. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the baby. Rubella (choice A) is a viral infection that can harm the developing fetus but is not directly related to high blood pressure in pregnancy. Syphilis (choice B) is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect pregnancy but does not specifically cause high blood pressure. Phenylketonuria (choice D) is a genetic disorder that affects metabolism and is not associated with high blood pressure in pregnancy.
5. Which of the following is the best argument for lower patient-to-nurse ratio?
- A. The more patients a nurse has, the better the nurse will be at catching early warning signs.
- B. Greater patient-to-nurse ratios decrease patient mortality.
- C. Adequate nurse levels do not impact the prevalence of urinary tract infections.
- D. Community nursing ratios do not impact Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The best argument for lower patient-to-nurse ratios is that they decrease patient mortality. Choice A is incorrect because having more patients can lead to increased workload and decreased attention per patient. Choice C is incorrect as adequate nurse levels can indeed impact the prevalence of infections. Choice D is incorrect as community nursing ratios can impact MRSA rates due to potential transmission risks in healthcare settings.