HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Exam
1. The mother of a toddler calls the nurse for help as the baby is choking on his food. The nurse determines that the Heimlich maneuver is necessary based on which finding?
- A. Inability of the toddler to cry or speak
- B. Coughing forcefully
- C. Gagging but able to breathe
- D. Wheezing during respiration
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is option A: Inability of the toddler to cry or speak. In cases of choking, the inability to cry or speak indicates a severe airway obstruction where the Heimlich maneuver is necessary to clear the obstruction and establish a patent airway. Option B, coughing forcefully, represents a partial obstruction where the child can still move air, making the Heimlich maneuver not immediately necessary. Option C, gagging but able to breathe, suggests a partial obstruction where air is moving, and the child can still breathe, not requiring immediate intervention like the Heimlich maneuver. Option D, wheezing during respiration, is more indicative of a lower airway issue such as asthma rather than an upper airway obstruction that necessitates the Heimlich maneuver.
2. What assessment is the priority focus for a client with major depression?
- A. Mood and affect.
- B. Suicidal ideation.
- C. Nutritional status.
- D. Fluid and electrolyte balance.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Suicidal ideation. When dealing with a client diagnosed with major depression, assessing for suicidal ideation is of utmost importance. Individuals with major depression have an increased risk of suicide; hence, evaluating their risk for self-harm is crucial. Mood and affect, while important, come secondary to ensuring the safety of the client. Nutritional status and fluid and electrolyte balance are essential components of care but are not the priority when dealing with a client with major depression.
3. A 2-year-old child with laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB) is fussy and restless in the oxygen tent. The oxygen level in the tent is 25%, and blood gases are normal. What would be the correct action by the nurse?
- A. Restrain the child in the tent and notify the health care provider.
- B. Increase the oxygen concentration in the tent.
- C. Take the child out of the tent and into the playroom.
- D. Ask the mother for help in comforting the child.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The child with LTB should be placed in the mist tent with 30% oxygen. Restlessness is caused by poor oxygenation. The child should not be taken out of the oxygenated tent. While the mother could be asked to help comfort the child, and the health care provider may be notified, the priority is to set the oxygen at the correct level.
4. A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is prescribed olanzapine. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Insomnia
- C. Dry mouth
- D. Headache
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a client with schizophrenia is prescribed olanzapine, the nurse should monitor for weight gain as a potential side effect. Olanzapine is known to cause metabolic changes that can lead to weight gain, making it crucial for the nurse to closely monitor the client's weight during treatment. This side effect is significant as it can impact the client's overall health and well-being, so early detection and intervention are essential to manage it effectively.
5. The practical nurse administers lactulose to a client. Which client outcome would indicate a therapeutic response?
- A. An increase in urine output
- B. Two to three soft stools per day
- C. Absence of nausea
- D. Decreased serum potassium
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Lactulose is a type of laxative that works by preventing the absorption of ammonia in the colon, leading to increased water absorption in the stool and softening of the stool. The therapeutic response to lactulose is indicated by the passage of two to three soft stools per day, showing that the medication is effectively promoting bowel movements.