HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Practice Exam
1. On admission to the psychiatric unit, the client is trembling and appears fearful. The nurse’s initial response should be to
- A. Give the client orientation materials and review the unit rules and regulations
- B. Introduce oneself and accompany the client to their room
- C. Take the client to the day room and introduce them to the other clients
- D. Ask the nursing assistant to get the client’s vital signs and complete the admission search
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In situations where a client is trembling and fearful upon admission to a psychiatric unit, it is essential to prioritize building trust and reducing anxiety. By introducing oneself and accompanying the client to their room, the nurse can establish a therapeutic relationship, provide a sense of security, and address the client's immediate emotional needs. Choices A, C, and D are not the most appropriate initial responses as they do not directly address the client's emotional state or focus on establishing a supportive relationship.
2. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a child diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). What would the nurse interpret as indicative of this disorder?
- A. Shortened prothrombin time
- B. Increased fibrinogen level
- C. Positive fibrin split products
- D. Increased platelets
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Positive fibrin split products are indicative of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In DIC, there is widespread clotting and subsequent consumption of clotting factors, leading to the formation of fibrin split products. A shortened prothrombin time (Choice A) is not typically seen in DIC as it indicates faster clotting, which is opposite to the pathophysiology of DIC. An increased fibrinogen level (Choice B) may be observed in the early stages of DIC due to the compensatory increase in production, but it is not a definitive indicator. Increased platelets (Choice D) may be seen in the early stages of DIC due to the body's attempt to compensate for clot formation, but it is not a specific finding for DIC.
3. A male client with schizophrenia is jerking his neck and smacking his lips. Which finding indicates to the nurse that he is experiencing an irreversible side effect of antipsychotic agents?
- A. Cramping muscular pain
- B. Worming movements of the tongue
- C. Decreased tendon reflexes
- D. Dry oral mucous membranes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Worming movements of the tongue. Worming movements of the tongue, known as tardive dyskinesia, are an irreversible side effect of antipsychotic medications. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, trunk, and extremities. Cramping muscular pain (Choice A) is more indicative of dystonia, an extrapyramidal side effect that can be treated effectively with antiparkinsonian medications. Decreased tendon reflexes (Choice C) are not typically associated with irreversible side effects of antipsychotic agents. Dry oral mucous membranes (Choice D) are not specific to irreversible side effects of antipsychotic medications.
4. A client with a history of hypertension is prescribed amlodipine. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential adverse effect?
- A. Peripheral edema
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Increased appetite
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker commonly associated with causing peripheral edema as an adverse effect. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of swelling, particularly in the lower extremities, as it may indicate a need for dosage adjustment or further evaluation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as amlodipine is not known to cause tachycardia, bradycardia, or increased appetite as adverse effects.
5. The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a child who is to have his cast removed. What instruction would the nurse most likely include?
- A. Applying petroleum jelly to the dry skin.
- B. Rubbing the skin vigorously to remove the dead skin.
- C. Soaking the area in warm water every day.
- D. Washing the skin with diluted peroxide and water.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching plan is to advise the child to soak the area in warm water every day. Soaking the area in warm water helps to gently remove dead skin without causing irritation, facilitating the safe and comfortable removal of the cast. Applying petroleum jelly (Choice A) may not be necessary and could interfere with the cast removal process. Rubbing the skin vigorously (Choice B) can lead to skin damage and should be avoided. Washing the skin with diluted peroxide and water (Choice D) is not recommended as peroxide can be irritating to the skin and may not aid in cast removal.