HESI LPN
HESI Fundamental Practice Exam
1. The patient has undergone surgery for a broken leg and has a cast in place. What should the nurse do to prevent skin impairment?
- A. Assess surfaces exposed to the edges of the cast for pressure areas.
- B. Keep the patient's blood pressure low to prevent overperfusion of tissue.
- C. Allow turning in bed to prevent complications.
- D. Encourage the patient's dietary intake to maintain hydration.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To prevent skin impairment in a patient with a cast, the nurse should assess surfaces exposed to the edges of the cast for pressure areas. This is important to prevent pressure ulcers or skin breakdown. Keeping the patient's blood pressure low (Choice B) is not directly related to preventing skin impairment in this scenario. Allowing turning in bed (Choice C) is essential for preventing complications like pressure ulcers and is not contraindicated. Encouraging the patient's dietary intake (Choice D) to maintain hydration is not directly related to preventing skin impairment associated with a cast.
2. What is the primary purpose of administering Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) to an Rh-negative mother after childbirth?
- A. To prevent Rh sensitization in future pregnancies
- B. To treat anemia in the newborn
- C. To increase the mother's white blood cell count
- D. To prevent infection in the newborn
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To prevent Rh sensitization in future pregnancies. RhoGAM is given to an Rh-negative mother to prevent the development of antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells. This prevents Rh sensitization, which could lead to hemolytic disease in future Rh-positive pregnancies. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because RhoGAM is not used to treat anemia in the newborn, increase the mother's white blood cell count, or prevent infection in the newborn.
3. When taking blood pressure at the brachial artery, the nurse should place the client's arm in which position?
- A. Slightly above the level of the heart
- B. At the level of the heart
- C. At a level of comfort for the client
- D. Below the level of the heart
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When taking blood pressure at the brachial artery, it is crucial to place the client's arm at the level of the heart to ensure accurate measurement. Placing the arm above or below the heart level can lead to incorrect readings. Option A, placing the arm slightly above the heart level, would result in falsely lower blood pressure readings as gravity would assist in a lower value. Option C, placing the arm at a level of comfort for the client, may not align with the standardized technique required for accurate blood pressure assessment. Option D, placing the arm below the level of the heart, would likely yield falsely higher blood pressure readings due to increased hydrostatic pressure pushing the blood against gravity.
4. A client's infusion of normal saline infiltrated earlier today, and approximately 500 ml of saline infused into the subcutaneous tissue. The client is now complaining of excruciating arm pain and demanding 'stronger pain medications.' What initial action is most important for the LPN/LVN to take?
- A. Ask about any past history of drug abuse or addiction.
- B. Measure the pulse volume and capillary refill distal to the infiltration.
- C. Compress the infiltrated tissue to measure the degree of edema.
- D. Evaluate the extent of ecchymosis over the forearm area.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most important initial action for the LPN/LVN to take in this situation is to measure the pulse volume and capillary refill distal to the infiltration. This assessment helps evaluate the severity of the infiltration and the circulation in the affected arm. Asking about past history of drug abuse or addiction (Choice A) is not the priority when addressing acute arm pain and infiltration. Compressing the infiltrated tissue (Choice C) may exacerbate the pain and is not recommended as the first step. Evaluating the extent of ecchymosis (Choice D) is not as critical as assessing the circulation in the affected arm, which is better addressed by measuring pulse volume and capillary refill.
5. A client with a chronic illness expresses frustration over their condition. What is the nurse's best response to support the client?
- A. Encourage joining a support group for emotional support
- B. Discuss the possibility of a cure in the future
- C. Suggest focusing on positive aspects of their life
- D. Validate their feelings and listen to their concerns
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The best response for the nurse to support a client expressing frustration over their chronic illness is to validate their feelings and listen to their concerns (Option D). This approach helps acknowledge the client's emotions, demonstrates empathy, and establishes a therapeutic relationship. By validating the client's feelings and actively listening to their concerns, the nurse offers a supportive environment for the client to express their frustrations. Choices A, B, and C are not the best responses in this situation. While joining a support group, discussing a cure, or focusing on positive aspects can be beneficial interventions, the immediate priority is to validate the client's feelings and provide a space for them to express their frustrations.