HESI LPN
Medical Surgical HESI 2023
1. An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reports to the nurse that a client with a postoperative wound infection has a temperature of 103.8°F, blood pressure 90/70, pulse 124 beats/min, and respirations of 28 breaths/min. When the nurse assesses the client's findings, they include a mottled skin appearance and confusion. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Obtain a wound specimen for culture.
- B. Initiate an infusion of intravenous (IV) fluids.
- C. Transfer the client to the ICU.
- D. Assess the client's core temperature.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to initiate an infusion of intravenous (IV) fluids. In this scenario, the client is showing signs of sepsis, indicated by a high temperature, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and increased respiratory rate. Mottled skin appearance and confusion are also signs of poor perfusion. Initiating IV fluids is crucial in treating sepsis to maintain blood pressure and perfusion. Obtaining a wound specimen for culture (Choice A) can be important but is not the priority at this moment. Transferring the client to the ICU (Choice C) can be considered after stabilizing the client. Assessing the client's core temperature (Choice D) is not the immediate priority compared to addressing the signs of sepsis and poor perfusion.
2. A child develops a strong dislike of noodle soup after consuming a bowl while sick with the flu. Her reaction is an example of a food-related ___.
- A. habit
- B. social interaction
- C. emotional turmoil
- D. negative association
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'negative association.' A negative association occurs when a person develops a dislike for a food due to a past negative experience, such as getting sick after eating it. In this case, the child's dislike of noodle soup is specifically linked to the negative experience of consuming it while sick with the flu. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the situation described does not relate to habit formation, social interactions, or emotional turmoil, but rather to a learned aversion based on a specific negative event.
3. When is a depressed client at highest risk for attempting suicide?
- A. Immediately after admission, during one-to-one observation
- B. 7 to 14 days after initiation of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy
- C. Following an angry outburst with family
- D. When the client is removed from the security room
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Depressed clients are at the highest risk of attempting suicide 7 to 14 days after starting antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. During this time, they may start to regain energy but still feel hopeless, which can increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because immediate post-admission, after an angry outburst with family, or when removed from a security room are not specific periods known to be associated with the highest risk of suicide in depressed clients.
4. Which of the following measures the proportion of the population that exhibits a particular disease at a particular time and includes both new and old cases?
- A. proportionate morbidity rate
- B. case fatality rate
- C. incidence ratio
- D. prevalence ratio
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, prevalence ratio. Prevalence ratio measures the proportion of the population with a particular disease at a specific time, including both new and existing cases. Choice A, proportionate morbidity rate, is not a standard term and might confuse students. Choice B, case fatality rate, measures the proportion of deaths from a specific disease compared to the total number of cases but does not include both new and old cases. Choice C, incidence ratio, measures the rate of new cases of a disease in a specific population over a defined period, not considering existing cases.
5. To prevent keratitis in an unconscious client, where should the nurse apply moisturizing ointment?
- A. Finger and toenail quicks
- B. Eyes
- C. Perianal area
- D. External ear canals
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eyes. Applying moisturizing ointment to the eyes helps prevent keratitis, a condition that can occur due to inadequate blinking in unconscious clients, leading to corneal dryness and potential damage. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as moisturizing ointment should not be applied to finger and toenail quicks, perianal area, or external ear canals to prevent keratitis.