HESI LPN
Maternity HESI Practice Questions
1. What causes sickle-cell anemia?
- A. A chromosomal abnormality.
- B. A single segment found only on the Y chromosome.
- C. A recessive gene.
- D. A decrease in estrogen levels.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sickle-cell anemia is a genetic disorder caused by inheriting two copies of a recessive gene, one from each parent. The correct answer is C. Choice A is incorrect because sickle-cell anemia is not primarily caused by a chromosomal abnormality. Choice B is incorrect as the condition is not linked to a single segment found only on the Y chromosome. Choice D is unrelated as it mentions a decrease in estrogen levels, which is not a cause of sickle-cell anemia.
2. A client with heart failure is being taught by a nurse on reducing daily sodium intake. What is the most important factor in determining the client's ability to learn new dietary habits?
- A. The involvement of the client in planning the change
- B. The presence of a dietitian during the teaching
- C. The use of dietary supplements
- D. The client's family support
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most crucial factor in the client's ability to learn new dietary habits is their involvement in planning the change. When clients actively participate in setting their dietary goals, they are more likely to commit to and adhere to the changes. This empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, enhancing the chances of successful dietary modifications. The presence of a dietitian, use of dietary supplements, and family support, while beneficial, are not as critical as the client's active participation in planning the dietary changes.
3. A client with a history of coronary artery disease is experiencing chest pain. What is the priority action for the LPN/LVN to take?
- A. Administer nitroglycerin sublingually.
- B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
- C. Measure the client's vital signs.
- D. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer nitroglycerin sublingually. Administering nitroglycerin sublingually is the priority action for a client with chest pain and a history of coronary artery disease. Nitroglycerin helps dilate the coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle and providing rapid relief of chest pain. Obtaining a 12-lead ECG, measuring vital signs, and administering oxygen are important actions but should follow the administration of nitroglycerin in the management of chest pain in a client with coronary artery disease.
4. A child undergoes heart surgery to repair the defects associated with tetralogy of Fallot. What behavior is essential for the nurse to prevent postoperatively?
- A. Crying
- B. Coughing
- C. Straining at stool
- D. Unnecessary movement
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct behavior that the nurse needs to prevent postoperatively is straining at stool. Straining at stool should be avoided as it can increase intrathoracic pressure, leading to stress on the surgical site. This stress can potentially compromise the surgical repair and increase the risk of complications. Crying, coughing, and unnecessary movement, although important to monitor postoperatively, do not directly impact the surgical site as significantly as straining at stool does. Therefore, the focus should be on preventing straining at stool to ensure the best postoperative outcome for the child.
5. What is a common finding that the nurse can identify in most children with symptomatic cardiac malformations?
- A. Mental retardation
- B. Inherited genetic factors
- C. Delayed physical growth
- D. Clubbing of the fingertips
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Delayed physical growth is a common finding in most children with symptomatic cardiac malformations. This occurs due to inadequate oxygenation and nutrient supply to tissues as a result of the cardiac defect. Mental retardation (Choice A) is not typically associated with cardiac malformations unless there are complications affecting brain function. Inherited genetic factors (Choice B) may contribute to the development of cardiac malformations but are not a direct common finding in affected children. Clubbing of the fingertips (Choice D) is more commonly associated with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions, not specifically cardiac malformations in children.