HESI LPN
Medical Surgical HESI
1. The nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory result is most indicative of this condition?
- A. Elevated serum amylase
- B. Decreased serum bilirubin
- C. Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- D. Decreased alkaline phosphatase
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Elevated serum amylase is the most indicative laboratory result of acute pancreatitis. In this condition, the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to the leakage of amylase and lipase into the bloodstream. Elevated serum amylase levels are a classic finding in acute pancreatitis. Choices B, C, and D are not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. Decreased serum bilirubin, increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and decreased alkaline phosphatase levels are not specific markers for acute pancreatitis.
2. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is dividing care for four clients. The nurse should identify which of the following situations as an ethical dilemma?
- A. A client who has a new colostomy refuses to take instructions from the ostomy therapist because she 'doesn't like him.'
- B. A surgeon who removed the wrong kidney during a surgical procedure refuses to take responsibility for her actions.
- C. The family of a client who has a terminal illness asks the provider not to tell the client the diagnosis.
- D. A client who has Crohn's disease reports that his prescription drug plan will not pay for his medications.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because an ethical dilemma involves conflicting moral principles. In this scenario, the family's request not to disclose the terminal diagnosis to the client raises the moral question of truth-telling and patient autonomy. Choice A does not present an ethical dilemma but rather a challenge in client compliance. Choice B involves professional responsibility and accountability, not an ethical dilemma. Choice D relates to financial concerns and insurance coverage, which do not constitute an ethical dilemma but rather a financial issue.
3. A healthcare provider is caring for a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following interdisciplinary team members should be consulted in regards to client care?
- A. Occupational therapist
- B. Case manager
- C. Nutritionist
- D. Psychiatrist
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A case manager is the most appropriate interdisciplinary team member to consult for a client with anorexia nervosa. They can help coordinate care, resources, and communication between various healthcare professionals involved in the client's treatment. Consulting an occupational therapist (Choice A) may not directly address the primary concerns associated with anorexia nervosa. While nutritional therapists (Choice C) play a role in addressing nutritional needs, a case manager is better suited for overall care coordination. Mental health counselors (Choice D) focus more on emotional and psychological aspects, whereas a case manager coordinates practical aspects of care.
4. A male hospital employee is pushed out of the way by a female employee because of an oncoming gurney. The pushed employee becomes very angry and swings at the female employee. Both employees are referred for counseling with the staff psychiatric nurse. Which factor in the pushed employee's history is most related to the reaction that occurred?
- A. Is worried about losing his job to a woman
- B. Tortured animals as a child
- C. Was physically abused by his mother
- D. Hates to be touched by anyone
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Was physically abused by his mother.' A history of physical abuse can lead to heightened responses to physical contact. In this scenario, the employee's reaction of becoming very angry and swinging at the female employee after being pushed may be influenced by past experiences of physical abuse. This history can contribute to increased sensitivity to physical interactions and may trigger defensive or aggressive responses. Choices A, B, and D are less directly related to the employee's reaction in this specific context. While worrying about losing his job to a woman could contribute to underlying stress or insecurity, torturing animals as a child reflects a different type of behavioral issue, and hating to be touched by anyone suggests personal boundaries unrelated to the observed behavior in this scenario.
5. What should the nurse include in the preoperative teaching for a 4-year-old child scheduled for a tonsillectomy?
- A. Explaining the procedure in detail
- B. Encouraging deep breathing exercises
- C. Discussing the importance of hydration
- D. Using play therapy to prepare the child
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging deep breathing exercises is crucial preoperative teaching for a child scheduled for a tonsillectomy as it helps improve lung function and can prevent postoperative complications like pneumonia. Explaining the procedure in detail may heighten the child's anxiety, making it less ideal. While discussing hydration is important, it may not be the top priority for preoperative teaching for this specific procedure. Play therapy can reduce fear and anxiety, but encouraging deep breathing exercises directly contributes to better postoperative outcomes by enhancing respiratory function.