HESI LPN
Maternity HESI Practice Questions
1. A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a term newborn who is 24 hours old. Which of the following results require intervention by the nurse?
- A. WBC count 10,000/mm3
- B. Platelets 180,000/mm3
- C. Hemoglobin 20g/dL
- D. Glucose 20 mg/dL
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A glucose level of 20 mg/dL is critically low for a newborn and requires immediate intervention. Hypoglycemia in a newborn can lead to serious complications such as neurologic deficits. The normal range for glucose levels in a newborn is typically 40-60 mg/dL. Choices A, B, and C represent normal or acceptable values for a term newborn and do not require immediate intervention. A WBC count of 10,000/mm3, platelets of 180,000/mm3, and hemoglobin of 20g/dL are all within normal ranges for a term newborn and do not raise immediate concerns.
2. Tim, a 27-year-old man, has unusually narrow shoulders, low muscle mass, and has no facial and body hair. His doctor recently prescribed testosterone replacement therapy to him. Tim is most likely suffering from:
- A. Phenylketonuria (PKU).
- B. Cystic fibrosis.
- C. Klinefelter syndrome.
- D. Huntington’s disease (HD).
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Tim's physical characteristics, such as narrow shoulders, low muscle mass, and lack of facial and body hair, are typical signs of Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic condition where males have an extra X chromosome (XXY). This leads to underdeveloped testes and reduced testosterone production, resulting in features like gynecomastia, sparse facial and body hair, and reduced muscle mass. Testosterone replacement therapy is commonly used to address the hormonal imbalance in individuals with Klinefelter syndrome. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder unrelated to the symptoms described in Tim's case. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic respiratory condition that does not present with the physical characteristics mentioned. Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting motor function and cognition, not physical appearance and muscle mass.
3. Which client information indicates the need for the nurse to use the CAGE questionnaire during the admission interview?
- A. Reports difficulties with short-term memory since experiencing a traumatic brain injury.
- B. Client's medication history includes frequent use of antidepressants.
- C. Describes self as a social drinker who consumes alcoholic beverages daily.
- D. Medical history includes that the client was recently sexually assaulted.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Describing oneself as a social drinker who consumes alcoholic beverages daily raises concerns about potential alcohol abuse issues. The CAGE questionnaire is a tool used to screen for alcohol use disorder. Choice A is incorrect as memory difficulties post-traumatic brain injury do not directly indicate a need for the CAGE questionnaire. Choice B is incorrect as the use of antidepressants, while important to note, does not specifically warrant the use of the CAGE questionnaire. Choice D is incorrect as a recent sexual assault, while significant, does not directly relate to the need for alcohol abuse screening using the CAGE questionnaire.
4. When working with a client who does not speak the same language as the nurse and an interpreter is present, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Talk directly to the client, instead of the interpreter, when speaking.
- B. Speak loudly to the interpreter.
- C. Use gestures to communicate with the client.
- D. Avoid using an interpreter and rely on family members.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When caring for a client who speaks a different language, it is essential to communicate through an interpreter. Talking directly to the client, rather than the interpreter, ensures clear and respectful interaction. Speaking loudly to the interpreter (choice B) is not necessary and may be perceived as disrespectful. Using gestures (choice C) alone may lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Avoiding the use of an interpreter and relying solely on family members (choice D) can compromise the accuracy and confidentiality of the communication.
5. While ambulating in the hallway following an appendectomy yesterday, a client complains of chest tightness and shortness of breath. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
- B. Assist the client back to the room
- C. Have the client sit down in the hall
- D. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Having the client sit down in the hallway is the first action the nurse should implement. This is crucial to prevent further strain on the heart and to provide a safer environment for assessment and potential emergency intervention. Administering sublingual nitroglycerin (Choice A) may be appropriate later but should not precede ensuring the client's immediate safety. Assisting the client back to the room (Choice B) may not be advisable if the client is experiencing chest tightness and shortness of breath. Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (Choice D) is important but would not be the initial action to address the client's immediate symptoms.