HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test for Fundamentals
1. The client is advised to take dexamethasone (Decadron) with food or milk. What is the physiological basis for this advice?
- A. Inhibits pepsin production
- B. Stimulates hydrochloric acid production
- C. Delays stomach emptying time
- D. Reduces hydrochloric acid production
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stimulates hydrochloric acid production. Dexamethasone can stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which may lead to irritation of the stomach lining. Taking dexamethasone with food or milk helps to neutralize or buffer the acid, reducing the risk of stomach irritation. Choice A is incorrect because dexamethasone does not inhibit pepsin production. Choice C is incorrect as dexamethasone does not slow stomach emptying time. Choice D is incorrect as dexamethasone does not reduce hydrochloric acid production.
2. What is the priority nursing responsibility when a 3-year-old child in a crib is experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure with a clamped jaw?
- A. Apply restraints.
- B. Administer oxygen.
- C. Protect the child from self-injury.
- D. Insert a plastic airway in the child’s mouth.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During a tonic-clonic seizure, the priority nursing responsibility is to protect the child from self-injury. Applying restraints (Choice A) can cause harm by restricting movement during the seizure. While administering oxygen (Choice B) may be necessary, it is not the immediate priority during an active seizure. Inserting a plastic airway (Choice D) is contraindicated as it can lead to injury and is not recommended during a seizure. Protecting the child from self-injury (Choice C) is crucial to prevent harm from uncontrolled movements and potential falls, ensuring the safety of the child.
3. What will ensure the safe movement of a patient who is unable to move and needs to be pulled up in bed?
- A. Place the pillow under the patient's head and shoulders.
- B. Attempt to do it alone if the bed is in a flat position.
- C. Place the side rails in the up position.
- D. Use a friction-reducing device.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: To ensure the safe movement of a patient who is unable to move and needs to be pulled up in bed, it is essential to use a friction-reducing device. This device helps reduce the risk of injury to both the patient and the healthcare provider by minimizing the effort required to reposition the patient. Placing a pillow under the patient's head and shoulders (Choice A) may provide comfort but does not address the safety concerns associated with moving the patient. Attempting to move the patient alone (Choice B) is not recommended as it can lead to injuries for both the patient and the healthcare provider. Placing the side rails in the up position (Choice C) may not directly contribute to the safe movement of the patient in this scenario.
4. An adult male client who was admitted to the mental health unit yesterday tells the nurse that microchips were planted in his head for military surveillance of his every move. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
- A. You are in the hospital, and I am the nurse caring for you
- B. It must be difficult for you to control your anxious feelings
- C. Go to occupational therapy and start a project
- D. You are not in a war area now; this is the United States
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Delusions often generate fear and isolation, so the nurse should help the client participate in activities that avoid focusing on the false belief and encourage interaction with others.
5. After inserting an NG tube for a client, which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect to confirm correct tube placement?
- A. An x-ray shows the end of the tube above the pylorus.
- B. The tube is aspirated and contains clear gastric fluid.
- C. The tube is flushed with sterile water without resistance.
- D. The client does not cough or choke during tube insertion.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Correct placement of an NG tube is confirmed by aspirating gastric fluid, which indicates that the tube is in the stomach. An x-ray can help visualize tube placement, but it alone does not confirm correct placement. Flushing the tube with sterile water without resistance indicates patency but not necessarily correct placement. The absence of coughing or choking does not confirm tube placement and is more related to the client's comfort during the procedure.