HESI LPN
HESI Fundamental Practice Exam
1. The nurse is caring for a patient who needs to be placed in the prone position. Which action will the nurse take?
- A. Place a pillow under the patient's lower legs.
- B. Turn the head toward one side with a large, soft pillow.
- C. Position legs flat against the bed.
- D. Raise the head of the bed to 45 degrees.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Placing a pillow under the patient's lower legs when in the prone position is essential to allow dorsiflexion of the ankles and some knee flexion, which promote relaxation. This position also helps in maintaining proper alignment of the spine. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because turning the head, positioning legs flat against the bed, and raising the head of the bed to 45 degrees are not appropriate actions for a patient in the prone position. Turning the head to one side with a large, soft pillow is commonly done for patients in the supine position to maintain proper alignment and airway patency. Positioning legs flat against the bed is more suitable for a patient in a supine or semi-fowler's position. Raising the head of the bed to 45 degrees is typically done for patients who need semi-fowler's positioning for respiratory support or to prevent aspiration.
2. During auscultation of the anterior chest wall of a client newly admitted to a medical-surgical unit, what type of breath sounds should a nurse expect to hear?
- A. Normal breath sounds
- B. Adventitious breath sounds
- C. Absent breath sounds
- D. Diminished breath sounds
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During auscultation of the chest, normal breath sounds are the expected findings in a client who is newly admitted without respiratory complaints. Normal breath sounds indicate proper airflow through the airways without any abnormalities. Adventitious breath sounds (Choice B) refer to abnormal lung sounds such as crackles or wheezes, which are indicative of underlying respiratory issues. Absent breath sounds (Choice C) suggest a lack of airflow to a particular lung area, which could be due to conditions like pneumothorax. Diminished breath sounds (Choice D) indicate reduced airflow or consolidation in a specific lung region, often seen in conditions like pleural effusion or pneumonia. Therefore, in a newly admitted client without respiratory complaints, the nurse should expect to hear normal breath sounds during auscultation.
3. At a nursing staff meeting, there is a discussion of perceived inequities in weekend staff assignments. As a follow-up, what should the nurse manager do initially?
- A. Allow the staff to change assignments
- B. Clarify reasons for current assignments
- C. Help staff see the complexity of issues
- D. Facilitate creative thinking on staffing
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Facilitating creative thinking on staffing is the most appropriate initial action for the nurse manager in addressing perceived inequities in weekend staff assignments. By encouraging creative thinking, the manager promotes innovative solutions and fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration among staff members. Choices A, B, and C are not the best initial steps in this situation. Allowing staff to change assignments may not address the underlying issues, clarifying reasons for current assignments may not resolve perceived inequities, and helping staff see the complexity of issues may not lead to actionable solutions.
4. A client will require oxygen therapy at home. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands how to manage this therapy at home?
- A. I'll make sure that, when my friend comes by, they smoke at least 6 feet away from my oxygen tank.
- B. I'll use a cotton blanket if I get chilly while I'm using my oxygen.
- C. I'll check the wires and cables on my oxygen equipment to make sure they are in good working order.
- D. I'll secure my oxygen tank in an upright position to prevent it from being knocked over.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Ensuring the oxygen equipment's wires and cables are in good working order is crucial to prevent sparks in an oxygen-rich environment, which could lead to a fire. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because smoking near an oxygen tank, using a cotton blanket near oxygen (as cotton is less likely to generate static electricity than wool), and laying the oxygen tank down on the floor pose significant safety risks and are not appropriate practices for managing oxygen therapy at home.
5. The RN is providing care for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who has self-inflicted lacerations on the abdomen. Which approach should the RN use when changing this client's dressing?
- A. Provide detailed explanations during wound cleansing.
- B. Perform the dressing change in a non-judgmental manner.
- C. Ask the client non-threateningly why they cut their abdomen.
- D. Request assistance from another staff member for the dressing change.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Performing the dressing change in a non-judgmental manner is crucial when caring for a client with borderline personality disorder who has self-inflicted injuries. This approach helps build trust, reduces feelings of shame or guilt, and fosters a therapeutic relationship. Choice A is incorrect because while detailed explanations may be necessary, the focus should be on the non-judgmental approach. Choice C is inappropriate as it may come across as accusatory or threatening, potentially worsening the client's emotional state. Choice D is not the best option as the RN should strive to handle the situation themselves in a supportive and empathetic manner.