HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Exam
1. The nurse is evaluating client learning about a low-sodium diet. Selection of which meal would indicate to the LPN that this client understands the dietary restrictions?
- A. Tossed salad with low-sodium dressing, bacon, and tomato sandwich.
- B. New England clam chowder, unsalted crackers, fresh fruit salad.
- C. Skim milk, turkey salad, roll, and vanilla ice cream.
- D. Macaroni and cheese, diet Coke, and a slice of cherry pie.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Skim milk, turkey salad, roll, and vanilla ice cream. These items are low in sodium, making it a suitable meal for someone on a low-sodium diet. Skim milk, turkey salad, and vanilla ice cream are naturally low in sodium, while the roll can be selected as a low-sodium option. Choices A, B, and D contain items that are typically high in sodium, such as bacon, clam chowder, crackers, and cheese, making them unsuitable for a low-sodium diet.
2. An adult male with a 6 cm thoracic aneurysm is being prepared for surgery. The nurse reports to the healthcare provider that the client’s blood pressure is 220/112 mmHg, so an antihypertensive agent is added to the client’s IV infusion. Which finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Reports a tearing, sharp pain between his shoulder blades
- B. Blood pressure reading of 200/100 mmHg 15 minutes later
- C. Rose-colored urine draining from the urinary catheter
- D. Sinus tachycardia with frequent premature ventricular beats (PVC)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A tearing, sharp pain between the shoulder blades may indicate aortic dissection, a serious complication requiring immediate intervention. This symptom is highly concerning in a patient with a thoracic aneurysm. Choice B is not as urgent as the pain symptom described in choice A. Choice C could indicate hematuria but is not as critical as the potential aortic dissection in choice A. Choice D, sinus tachycardia with PVCs, may be related to the patient's condition but is not as indicative of an immediate life-threatening situation as the tearing, sharp pain indicative of aortic dissection.
3. According to a study conducted in 2013 by Fellman, what affects the chances of having twins?
- A. Increase when a woman conceives at a younger age.
- B. Increase with parental age.
- C. Decrease with the frequency of intercourse before conception.
- D. Decrease with the use of fertility drugs.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. According to the study by Fellman in 2013, the chances of having twins actually increase with parental age. Choice A is incorrect as the study does not specify a younger age for conceiving to increase the chances of twins. Choice C is incorrect as the frequency of intercourse before conception is not a highlighted factor in the study. Choice D is also incorrect as the study does not discuss the impact of fertility drugs on the likelihood of having twins.
4. When administering otic ear medication to an adult client, what action should be done to ensure the medication reaches the inner ear?
- A. Press gently on the tragus of the client’s ear.
- B. Pull the ear lobe up and back.
- C. Insert the medication deeply into the ear canal.
- D. Massage the ear gently after administering the medication.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action to ensure the medication reaches the inner ear is to press gently on the tragus of the client’s ear. The tragus is the small pointed eminence of the external ear, and pressing on it helps direct the medication deeper into the ear canal. Pulling the ear lobe up and back (Choice B) is the correct technique for administering eardrops to a child, not an adult. Inserting the medication deeply into the ear canal (Choice C) can cause injury or discomfort as the eardrops are designed to flow into the ear canal naturally. Massaging the ear gently after administering the medication (Choice D) is unnecessary and may not help the medication reach the inner ear effectively.
5. At 0100 on a male client's second postoperative night, the client states he is unable to sleep and plans to read until feeling sleepy. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Stay with the client and offer assistance with relaxation techniques
- B. Assess the client's pain level and administer pain medication if needed
- C. Bring the client a prescribed PRN sedative-hypnotic
- D. Encourage the client to engage in a quiet, non-stimulating activity until feeling sleepy
Correct answer: C
Rationale: At 0100 on the client's second postoperative night, the nurse should address the client's inability to sleep. Providing a prescribed PRN sedative-hypnotic is appropriate in this situation to help the client rest. Choice A is incorrect because leaving the room and closing the door does not directly address the client's sleep concern. Choice B is not the priority at this moment since the client's main issue is insomnia, not pain. Choice D, while encouraging a non-stimulating activity, does not provide immediate relief for the client's sleeplessness as a sedative-hypnotic would.