HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Test Bank 2023
1. The healthcare provider is evaluating the health status of a 16-year-old client with a history of Type 1 diabetes. Which laboratory test would provide the most accurate information about long-term blood glucose control?
- A. Blood glucose level
- B. Glycosylated hemoglobin
- C. Urine ketones
- D. Serum insulin level
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Glycosylated hemoglobin provides valuable information about blood glucose control over the past 2-3 months. This test measures the average blood sugar levels during this period, offering a more comprehensive view of long-term glycemic control. Choice A, blood glucose level, reflects the blood sugar concentration at the time of testing and may fluctuate throughout the day. Choice C, urine ketones, indicates the presence of ketones and is more relevant for assessing acute complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. Choice D, serum insulin level, evaluates insulin production and is not a direct indicator of long-term blood glucose control in diabetes management.
2. The LPN/LVN is caring for a client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer a PRN dose of lorazepam (Ativan).
- B. Monitor the client's vital signs.
- C. Place the client on seizure precautions.
- D. Encourage the client to express feelings about withdrawal.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When caring for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal, the first intervention the nurse should implement is to monitor the client's vital signs. Vital sign monitoring is crucial to assess for any potential complications such as hypertension, tachycardia, fever, or other signs of autonomic hyperactivity. Administering medication like lorazepam (Ativan) would come after assessing the vital signs to determine the need for pharmacological intervention. Placing the client on seizure precautions is important, but assessing vital signs takes precedence to ensure immediate safety. Encouraging the client to express feelings about withdrawal is a supportive intervention but does not address the immediate physiological risk associated with alcohol withdrawal.
3. The nurse is assessing a client with congestive heart failure who is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. Sodium level
- B. Potassium level
- C. Calcium level
- D. Chloride level
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potassium level. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. Monitoring the potassium level is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium level (choice A) is not typically affected by furosemide. Calcium level (choice C) and chloride level (choice D) are also not the primary focus of monitoring when a client is on furosemide for heart failure.
4. After surgery to correct hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) in a 3-week-old infant who had been formula-fed, which postoperative feeding order is appropriate?
- A. Thickened formula 24 hours after surgery
- B. Withholding feedings for the first 24 hours
- C. Regular formula feeding within 24 hours after surgery
- D. Additional glucose feedings as desired after the first 24 hours
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Following surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) in infants, it is appropriate to resume regular formula feeding within 24 hours postoperatively to support recovery. This helps maintain adequate nutrition and hydration for the infant. Choice A is incorrect because thickened formula may not be necessary and could potentially cause issues postoperatively. Choice B is incorrect as withholding feedings for the first 24 hours can lead to nutritional deficiencies and delay recovery. Choice D is inappropriate as additional glucose feedings are not typically indicated postoperatively for infants with HPS and may not provide the necessary nutrition needed for recovery.
5. What should be a priority for a 4-year-old child with nephrosis?
- A. Impaired body image
- B. Skin impairment
- C. Nutritional deficit
- D. Injury
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Skin impairment. Skin care is a priority in nephrosis due to edema and increased risk of skin breakdown, requiring careful monitoring and management. While impaired body image (Choice A) can be a concern, it is not typically a priority in a 4-year-old with nephrosis. Nutritional deficit (Choice C) is important but addressing skin impairment takes precedence due to the immediate risk of complications related to skin breakdown. Injury (Choice D) is a general concern for children but is not the priority in a child with nephrosis.