HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Test Bank
1. The healthcare professional is caring for a client with a chest tube. What is the most important action for the healthcare professional to take to ensure the chest tube is functioning properly?
- A. Milk the chest tube to ensure patency.
- B. Clamp the chest tube when moving the client.
- C. Ensure the water seal chamber is filled to the appropriate level.
- D. Secure the chest tube to the client's bed.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Ensuring the water seal chamber is filled to the appropriate level is crucial to maintain the effectiveness of the chest tube drainage system. This step helps prevent air from entering the pleural space, ensuring proper lung re-expansion. 'Milking' the chest tube is not recommended as it can cause damage to the chest tube and surrounding tissues. Clamping the chest tube is not advisable as it can lead to tension pneumothorax. Securing the chest tube to the bed is important for stability but does not directly impact the functioning of the chest tube.
2. A client who is postoperative is being taught how to use a flow-oriented incentive spirometer. Which of the following instructions should be included by the nurse?
- A. Cough deeply after each use.
- B. Take a deep breath and hold for 10 seconds.
- C. Breathe in slowly and deeply to raise the ball or piston.
- D. Exhale forcefully before using the spirometer.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct technique for using a flow-oriented incentive spirometer involves breathing in slowly and deeply to raise the ball or piston. This action helps to expand the lungs and improve lung function. Option A is incorrect as coughing deeply after each use is not part of using the spirometer. Option B is incorrect as holding the breath for 10 seconds is not the correct instruction for using the spirometer. Option D is incorrect as exhaling forcefully before using the spirometer is not the appropriate step in using this device.
3. Why does a cleft lip predispose an infant to infection, concerning a nurse caring for the infant?
- A. Waste products accumulate along the defect.
- B. There is inadequate circulation in the defective area.
- C. Nutrition is inadequate due to ineffective feeding.
- D. Mouth breathing dries the oropharyngeal mucous membranes.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Mouth breathing due to a cleft lip can dry the mucous membranes, increasing their susceptibility to infection. While waste product accumulation (Choice A) and inadequate circulation (Choice B) may contribute to complications, they are not directly related to infection in this context. Inadequate nutrition (Choice C) may affect overall health but is not the primary reason for infection predisposition in this case.
4. While changing a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes a red and swollen wound with a moderate amount of yellow and green drainage and a foul odor. Given there is a positive MRSA, which is the most important action for the nurse to take?
- A. Force oral fluids
- B. Request a nutrition consult
- C. Initiate contact precautions
- D. Limit visitors to immediate family only
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to initiate contact precautions. MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a highly contagious bacterium that spreads through direct contact. Contact precautions involve wearing gloves and gowns to prevent the spread of infection to other patients or healthcare workers. Force-feeding oral fluids, requesting a nutrition consult, or limiting visitors to immediate family only are not the most appropriate actions in this scenario. These actions do not directly address the need to prevent the spread of MRSA, which is crucial in a healthcare setting.
5. A client with a history of hypertension is prescribed a beta-blocker. Which side effect should the LPN/LVN monitor for in this client?
- A. Increased appetite
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Insomnia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct side effect that the LPN/LVN should monitor for in a client prescribed a beta-blocker is bradycardia. Beta-blockers work by slowing down the heart rate, which can lead to bradycardia as a common side effect. Monitoring the client's heart rate is crucial, as bradycardia can be a serious condition. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because increased appetite, dry mouth, and insomnia are not typically associated with beta-blockers. Increased appetite is more commonly linked to certain medications like corticosteroids, dry mouth can be a side effect of anticholinergic medications, and insomnia may be a side effect of stimulant medications.