HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Study Guide
1. An infant has just returned from surgery for placement of a gastrostomy tube as an initial treatment for tracheoesophageal fistula. The mother asks, 'When can the tube be used for feeding?' The nurse's best response would be which of these comments?
- A. "Feedings can begin in 5 to 7 days."
- B. "The use of the feeding tube can begin immediately."
- C. "The stomach contents and air must be drained first."
- D. "The incision healing must be complete before feeding."
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The stomach contents and air must be drained first.' Before starting feedings through a gastrostomy tube, it is essential to drain the stomach contents and air. This process helps prevent complications and ensures the proper functioning of the tube after placement. Choice A is incorrect because initiating feedings within 5 to 7 days may lead to complications if the stomach is not adequately prepared. Choice B is incorrect as feeding should not begin immediately to allow for proper preparation of the tube and the stomach. Choice D is incorrect because although incision healing is important, draining the stomach contents and air is a more immediate concern to prevent complications.
2. The nurse volunteering at a homeless shelter to assist families with children identifies homelessness as a risk preventing families from achieving positive outcomes in life. What family theory encompasses this approach to assessing family dynamics?
- A. Duvall's developmental theory
- B. Friedman's structural functional theory
- C. Von Bertalanffy's general system theory applied to families
- D. Resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The Resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation focuses on identifying the elements of risks and protective factors that help families achieve positive outcomes. In this scenario, the nurse recognizing homelessness as a risk aligns with the resiliency model, which emphasizes how families cope and adapt in the face of stressors. Duvall's theory primarily focuses on family life cycle stages, Friedman's theory emphasizes the roles and functions within a family structure, and Von Bertalanffy's theory looks at families as complex systems rather than specifically addressing resilience in the face of stressors.
3. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is learning to administer insulin. What is the best site for the nurse to recommend for insulin injection?
- A. Abdomen
- B. Thigh
- C. Upper arm
- D. Buttock
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the abdomen. The abdomen is the recommended site for insulin injection due to its faster absorption rate compared to other sites. Insulin injected into the abdomen is absorbed more quickly, leading to better glycemic control. The thigh and upper arm are also common sites for insulin injection, but they have slower absorption rates than the abdomen. The buttock is not a preferred site for insulin injection due to inconsistent absorption and potential risk of injecting into muscle instead of fatty tissue.
4. The client has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which symptom would be most concerning?
- A. Pain in the affected leg
- B. Redness and warmth in the affected leg
- C. Shortness of breath
- D. Swelling in the affected leg
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Shortness of breath is the most concerning symptom in a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) because it could indicate a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication where a blood clot travels to the lungs. This condition requires immediate medical attention. While pain, redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected leg are common symptoms of DVT, shortness of breath suggests a more critical situation that necessitates urgent intervention.
5. Preconception counseling is crucial for the safe management of diabetic pregnancies. Which complication is commonly associated with poor glycemic control before and during early pregnancy?
- A. Frequent episodes of maternal hypoglycemia
- B. Congenital anomalies in the fetus
- C. Hydramnios
- D. Hyperemesis gravidarum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Preconception counseling is essential as strict metabolic control before conception and in the early weeks of gestation helps reduce the risk of congenital anomalies. Frequent episodes of maternal hypoglycemia usually occur during the first trimester due to hormonal changes, affecting insulin production and use, rather than before conception. Hydramnios is more common in diabetic pregnancies, typically seen in the third trimester, not during early pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum, although it may lead to hypoglycemic events, is related to decreased food intake and glucose transfer to the fetus, exacerbating hypoglycemia rather than being directly associated with poor glycemic control before and during early pregnancy.