HESI LPN
Medical Surgical HESI 2023
1. A postoperative client reports incisional pain. The client has two prescriptions for PRN analgesia that accompanied the client from the post-anesthesia unit. Before selecting which medication to administer, which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Document the client's report of pain in the electronic medical record.
- B. Determine which prescription will have the quickest onset of action.
- C. Compare the client's pain scale rating with the prescribed dosing.
- D. Ask the client to choose which medication is needed for the pain.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action the nurse should implement before selecting which medication to administer to a postoperative client who reports incisional pain is to compare the client's pain scale rating with the prescribed dosing. This ensures that the client receives the appropriate medication based on their pain level. Documenting the client's report of pain in the electronic medical record (Choice A) is important but should come after ensuring the right medication is given. Determining which prescription will have the quickest onset of action (Choice B) may not be the most relevant factor to consider when choosing the appropriate medication. Asking the client to choose the medication needed for the pain (Choice D) may not be appropriate as the nurse should rely on the pain scale rating and prescribed dosing to make a clinical decision.
2. A nurse is caring for a 60-year-old man who is scheduled to have coronary bypass surgery in the morning. He tells the nurse that he is afraid that he will die and he is scared of the surgery. What is the best reply for this nurse to give him?
- A. There is no reason to be scared. My father had this surgery, and now he’s playing tennis with his friends almost every day.
- B. I would be scared too. It’s a natural thing to feel. Don’t worry. Everything will be alright.
- C. You’re scared?
- D. The doctor has performed hundreds of successful bypass surgeries. I have a lot of faith in him.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The best reply for the nurse to give the patient is option C: 'You’re scared?' This response reflects empathy and understanding, acknowledging the patient's feelings of fear. By directly addressing the patient's emotions, the nurse encourages further expression of concerns, which is crucial in providing emotional support. Choices A and D may come off as dismissive of the patient's feelings by downplaying his fear or shifting the focus to others' experiences. Choice B, although acknowledging the patient's fear, does not actively engage with the patient's emotions or encourage further discussion.
3. What is a key assessment the nurse should perform for a 5-year-old child diagnosed with acute glomerulonephritis?
- A. Monitor blood glucose levels
- B. Monitor respiratory rate
- C. Monitor urine output
- D. Monitor for signs of infection
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Monitoring urine output is crucial in assessing kidney function in a child with acute glomerulonephritis. In this condition, there is inflammation in the glomeruli of the kidneys, affecting their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. Monitoring urine output helps evaluate the kidneys' ability to excrete waste and maintain fluid balance. Options A, B, and D are less relevant in the context of acute glomerulonephritis. Monitoring blood glucose levels is more pertinent in conditions like diabetes, monitoring respiratory rate is important for respiratory conditions, and monitoring for signs of infection is crucial in cases of suspected infections but is not the primary assessment focus in acute glomerulonephritis.
4. A clinical instructor teaches a class for the public about diabetes mellitus. Which individual does the nurse assess as being at highest risk for developing diabetes?
- A. The 50-year-old client who does not engage in any physical exercise
- B. The 56-year-old client who drinks three glasses of wine daily
- C. The 42-year-old client who is 50 pounds overweight
- D. The 38-year-old client who smokes one pack of cigarettes daily
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The 42-year-old client who is 50 pounds overweight is at the highest risk for developing diabetes. Excess weight is a significant risk factor for diabetes as it can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities. Choices A, B, and D are also risk factors for diabetes, but being overweight has a stronger association with the development of the condition compared to lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, or smoking.
5. What is the best response when a two-year-old boy begins to cry when his mother starts to leave?
- A. Say, 'Let's wave bye-bye to Mommy.'
- B. Say, 'Let me read this book to you.'
- C. Say, 'Two-year-olds usually stop crying the minute the parent leaves.'
- D. Say, 'Now, now, be a big boy, Mommy will be back soon.'
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The best response in this situation is to offer a distraction to the child. Reading a book can help soothe the child during separation from the parent by redirecting their attention. Choice A might not be as effective as providing a distraction like reading a book. Choice C dismisses the child's feelings and generalizes behavior, which is not helpful. Choice D diminishes the child's emotions and does not provide a constructive way to help the child cope with the separation anxiety.