HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Study Guide
1. When teaching the guardian of a 12-year-old male client about manifestations of puberty, which of the following physical changes typically occurs first?
- A. Appearance of downy hair on the upper lip
- B. Hair growth in the axillae
- C. Enlargement of the testes and scrotum
- D. Deepening of the voice
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During puberty in males, the first physical change that typically occurs is the enlargement of the testes and scrotum. This change is due to increased production of testosterone, which stimulates growth and development of the genital organs. The appearance of downy hair on the upper lip (Choice A) and hair growth in the axillae (Choice B) usually follow the enlargement of the testes and scrotum. Deepening of the voice (Choice D) is a later stage change that occurs during puberty as the larynx (voice box) grows and the vocal cords lengthen and thicken.
2. The nurse is implementing care for a school-age child admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which prescribed intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Begin 0.9% saline solution intravenously as prescribed
- B. Administer regular insulin intravenously as prescribed
- C. Place the child on a cardiac monitor
- D. Place the child on a pulse oximetry monitor
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct first intervention when managing a child with diabetic ketoacidosis is to begin intravenous saline solution to address dehydration and restore electrolyte balance. Rehydration is essential to improve perfusion and correct electrolyte imbalances. Administering insulin without addressing dehydration can potentially lead to further complications. Placing the child on a cardiac monitor or pulse oximetry monitor is important but not the initial priority in managing DKA.
3. An adult female client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of major depression. After 2 weeks of antidepressant medication therapy, the nurse notices the client has more energy, is giving her belongings away to her visitors, and is in an overall better mood. Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?
- A. Tell the client to keep her belongings because she will need them at discharge
- B. Ask the client if she has had any recent thoughts of harming herself
- C. Reassure the client that the antidepressant drugs are apparently effective
- D. Support the client by telling her what wonderful progress she is making
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should ask the client if she has had any recent thoughts of harming herself. Sudden mood improvements and behavioral changes, like giving away belongings, can be concerning signs of possible suicidal ideation. Assessing for suicidal thoughts is crucial to ensure the client's safety. Choice A is incorrect as it does not address the potential risk of harm or assess for suicidal ideation. Choice C is incorrect because simply reassuring the client about the effectiveness of antidepressants does not address the immediate concern of suicidal ideation. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on praising progress without addressing the potential risk of harm the client may pose to herself.
4. The nurse is assessing a 9-year-old girl with a history of tuberculosis at age 6 years. She has been losing weight and has no appetite. The nurse suspects Addison disease based on which assessment findings?
- A. Arrested height and increased weight
- B. Thin, fragile skin and multiple bruises
- C. Hyperpigmentation and hypotension
- D. Blurred vision and enuresis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hyperpigmentation and hypotension. These findings are classic signs of Addison disease, caused by adrenal insufficiency. Hyperpigmentation results from increased ACTH stimulating melanin production, and hypotension occurs due to mineralocorticoid deficiency. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Arrested height and increased weight are not typical of Addison disease. Thin, fragile skin and multiple bruises are seen in conditions like Cushing's syndrome, not Addison disease. Blurred vision and enuresis are not characteristic symptoms of Addison disease.
5. The client has expressive aphasia and needs assistance to communicate. Which method should the LPN use to best support the client's ability to express basic needs?
- A. Use a picture board with common needs.
- B. Encourage the client to speak slowly.
- C. Write down what the client says.
- D. Use hand gestures to communicate.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to use a picture board with common needs. Clients with expressive aphasia have difficulty speaking but can often understand and use visual aids effectively. Using a picture board helps the client communicate basic needs more easily. Encouraging the client to speak slowly (choice B) may not be effective as the issue lies with expressive language, not speed. Writing down what the client says (choice C) may not always be possible or helpful for immediate communication as it does not address the communication barrier directly. Using hand gestures (choice D) may not be as clear or universally understood as a picture board, which can cause confusion and misinterpretation.