HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals 2023 Test Bank
1. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is washing her hands prior to assisting with a surgical procedure. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates proper surgical hand-washing technique?
- A. The nurse washes with her hands held higher than her elbows.
- B. The nurse uses an alcohol-based hand rub for 30 seconds.
- C. The nurse scrubs hands and forearms for 2 minutes with soap and water.
- D. The nurse washes her hands with soap and water for only 15 seconds.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Proper surgical hand-washing technique involves washing with the hands held higher than the elbows. This positioning is essential to ensure proper rinsing and to prevent the risk of contamination. Option B, using an alcohol-based hand rub for 30 seconds, is not specific to surgical hand-washing and is more commonly used for routine hand hygiene. Option C, scrubbing hands and forearms for 2 minutes with soap and water, is excessive and not typically required for routine hand-washing. Option D, washing hands with soap and water for only 15 seconds, is insufficient for thorough surgical hand-washing.
2. An example of secondary prevention strategy would be:
- A. Screening for breast cancer in women who have no symptoms
- B. Using pain control medications for terminal cancer patients
- C. Educating teenagers about using condoms to prevent STDs
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Screening for breast cancer is a secondary prevention strategy aimed at early detection, which falls under secondary prevention as it focuses on early identification and intervention before the disease progresses. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to palliative care for symptom management in terminal cancer patients, which is not a secondary prevention strategy. Choice C is incorrect as educating teenagers about condom use is a primary prevention strategy to prevent the initial occurrence of STDs rather than intervening after exposure, making it a primary, not a secondary prevention strategy. Choice D is incorrect as there is a valid example of a secondary prevention strategy provided in choice A.
3. When applying an ice bag to a client's ankle following a sports injury, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Fill the bag two-thirds full with ice.
- B. Apply the ice bag directly to the skin with a barrier.
- C. Keep the ice bag on for more than 30 minutes at a time.
- D. Use a frozen gel pack instead of ice.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Filling the ice bag two-thirds full is the correct action as it ensures the effectiveness of the ice application while allowing some space for the ice to move and conform to the injury. Choice B is incorrect because the ice bag should be applied with a barrier like a cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin, which can lead to ice burns. Choice C is wrong as ice should typically be applied for 20 minutes at a time to avoid tissue damage. Choice D is also incorrect as ice is preferred over frozen gel packs for immediate sports injury management.
4. A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed fluvoxamine. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication may have which potential side effect?
- A. Drowsiness
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Insomnia
- D. Headache
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Drowsiness. Fluvoxamine is known to cause drowsiness as a potential side effect. Patients should be advised to avoid activities like driving that require alertness until they understand how the medication affects them. Dry mouth, insomnia, and headache are potential side effects of other medications used for anxiety disorders but are not typically associated with fluvoxamine.
5. Nurses on an inpatient care unit are working to help reduce unit costs. Which of the following actions is appropriate to include in the cost-containment plan?
- A. Store opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
- B. Return unused supplies from the bedside to the unit's supply stock.
- C. Wait to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full.
- D. Use clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Using clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care is a cost-effective measure without compromising care quality. This choice helps in reducing costs without compromising patient safety. Storing opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours (Choice A) may lead to contamination risks. Returning unused supplies to the unit's supply stock (Choice B) can be inefficient and lead to potential waste. Waiting to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full (Choice C) may pose safety hazards and not directly impact cost savings.