HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Questions
1. A nurse receives a prescription for an antibiotic for a client with cellulitis. The nurse checks the client’s medical record, discovers the client's allergy to the antibiotic, and calls the provider for a different prescription. Which of the following critical thinking attitudes did the nurse demonstrate?
- A. Fairness
- B. Responsibility
- C. Risk-taking
- D. Creativity
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The nurse demonstrated responsibility by recognizing the potential harm of administering an antibiotic the client is allergic to and taking the necessary steps to ensure the client's safety. Choice A, 'Fairness,' is not applicable in this scenario as it does not involve treating individuals equitably. Choice C, 'Risk-taking,' is incorrect as the nurse's actions aimed to minimize risks rather than taking them. Choice D, 'Creativity,' is not the best fit as the nurse's actions focused on following established protocols and ensuring patient safety rather than thinking innovatively.
2. After administering a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which action should the nurse take to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication?
- A. Ask the client about gastrointestinal pain
- B. Measure the client’s fluid intake and output
- C. Monitor the client’s serum electrolyte levels
- D. Auscultate for bowel sounds in all quadrants
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ask the client about gastrointestinal pain. The effectiveness of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is best evaluated by assessing the relief of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as heartburn, acid reflux, or stomach pain. These medications work by reducing the production of stomach acid, so improvement in these symptoms indicates the effectiveness of the PPI. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly reflect the effectiveness of a PPI. Measuring fluid intake and output, monitoring serum electrolyte levels, and auscultating for bowel sounds are important for assessing hydration status, electrolyte balance, and gastrointestinal motility, respectively. However, they are not specific to evaluating PPI effectiveness.
3. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which laboratory finding is most indicative of this condition?
- A. Serum glucose of 180 mg/dL
- B. Blood pH of 7.30
- C. Positive urine ketones
- D. Serum bicarbonate of 25 mEq/L
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Positive urine ketones. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the body breaks down fat for energy due to a lack of insulin, leading to ketone production. Positive urine ketones are a hallmark laboratory finding in DKA as they directly reflect the presence of ketosis. Choice A, serum glucose of 180 mg/dL, may be elevated in DKA, but it is not specific to this condition. Choice B, blood pH of 7.30, often shows acidosis in DKA, but urine ketones are more specific to the presence of ketosis. Choice D, serum bicarbonate of 25 mEq/L, would typically be low in DKA due to acidosis rather than elevated.
4. During an admission assessment, a nurse is documenting a client's medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Counsel the client on medication adherence.
- B. Assess the client for medication reactions.
- C. Compile a list of the client's current medications.
- D. Evaluate the client's understanding of medications.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During an admission assessment, compiling a list of the client's current medications is crucial for accurate documentation and planning. This information helps prevent medication errors, identify potential interactions, and ensure continuity of care. While counseling the client on medication adherence (Choice A) is important, it is not the primary action when documenting medications. Assessing the client for medication reactions (Choice B) is relevant for monitoring side effects but not the immediate focus during documentation. Evaluating the client's understanding of medications (Choice D) is essential for education but does not address the immediate need for compiling a list of current medications.
5. Which of the following is a voluntary organization?
- A. NIH
- B. FDA
- C. CDC
- D. ADA
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a voluntary organization that relies on voluntary contributions and membership fees. NIH (National Institutes of Health), FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) are governmental agencies and not voluntary organizations. Therefore, the correct answer is D.