HESI LPN
Fundamentals of Nursing HESI
1. The nurse is caring for an older adult patient diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who is ambulatory but requires total assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). The nurse notices that the patient is edentulous. Which area should the nurse assess?
- A. Assess oral cavity.
- B. Assess room for drafts.
- C. Assess ankles for edema.
- D. Assess for reduced sensations.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the oral cavity. 'Edentulous' means without teeth, so the nurse should assess the oral cavity for any issues related to oral health, dentures, or potential complications. This assessment is crucial to prevent oral health problems and ensure proper care for the patient. Assessing the room for drafts (choice B) is unrelated to the patient's edentulous status and does not address the immediate care needs. Assessing ankles for edema (choice C) is important for circulatory assessment but not directly related to the patient being edentulous. Assessing for reduced sensations (choice D) would be more relevant for neurological or sensory concerns, which are not specifically associated with being edentulous.
2. When inserting an indwelling urinary catheter in a female client and urine flows into the tubing, what is the next action?
- A. Document the color and clarity of the urine
- B. Insert the catheter an additional inch
- C. Ask the client to breathe deeply and slowly exhale
- D. Inflate the balloon with 5 mL of sterile water
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When urine flows into the tubing during the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter, it confirms proper catheter placement. The next step should be to inflate the balloon with the specified amount of sterile water to secure the catheter in place. Documenting the color and clarity of the urine (choice A) is important for assessment but not the immediate next action. Inserting the catheter further (choice B) without securing it could cause harm. Asking the client to breathe deeply (choice C) is not relevant to this situation.
3. What maternal factor should the nurse identify as having the greatest impact on the development of spina bifida occulta in a newborn?
- A. Short interval between pregnancies
- B. Folic acid deficiency
- C. Preeclampsia
- D. Tobacco use
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy is a well-known risk factor for neural tube defects, including spina bifida occulta, making supplementation critical in prenatal care. Folic acid plays a crucial role in neural tube formation during early pregnancy. Short intervals between pregnancies do not directly impact the development of spina bifida occulta. Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and is not directly linked to spina bifida occulta. While tobacco use during pregnancy has various adverse effects, it is not the primary factor influencing the development of spina bifida occulta in newborns.
4. Which of the following is the best way for a nurse to improve quality of care?
- A. Recognize that physicians are among the health-care professionals interested in improving quality of care.
- B. Work with patients and families to improve healthcare.
- C. Collaborate with other health-care professionals, patients, and their families.
- D. Recognize that physicians are among the numerous professionals in health care.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The best way for a nurse to improve the quality of care is by collaborating with other health-care professionals, patients, and their families. By working together with the healthcare team, patients, and families, nurses can ensure a holistic approach to care delivery, leading to better outcomes. Choices A and D are incorrect as they focus solely on physicians, while choice B, though important, does not fully encompass the collaborative aspect necessary for comprehensive care.
5. What is the primary reason for applying sequential compression devices (SCDs) to a patient’s legs postoperatively?
- A. To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. To promote wound healing
- C. To reduce postoperative pain
- D. To maintain body temperature
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sequential compression devices (SCDs) are used postoperatively to prevent DVT by promoting blood circulation in the legs. This helps reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the deep veins of the legs. Choice B, to promote wound healing, is incorrect as SCDs are primarily used for circulatory purposes rather than wound healing. Choice C, to reduce postoperative pain, is incorrect as the primary purpose of SCDs is not pain management but rather prevention of DVT. Choice D, to maintain body temperature, is incorrect as SCDs are not designed for regulating body temperature but for preventing circulatory issues.