HESI LPN
HESI Test Bank Medical Surgical Nursing
1. The nurse is obtaining a client's fingerstick glucose level. After gently milking the client's finger, the nurse observes that the distal tip of the finger appears reddened and engorged. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Collect the blood sample
- B. Assess radial pulse volume
- C. Apply pressure to the site
- D. Select another finger
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When the nurse observes that the distal tip of the client's finger is reddened and engorged after milking, it indicates adequate blood flow. At this point, the appropriate action is to collect the blood sample for glucose level testing. Assessing radial pulse volume (Choice B) is unrelated to the situation and not necessary. Applying pressure to the site (Choice C) may disrupt the blood sample collection process. Selecting another finger (Choice D) is not warranted as the engorgement indicates sufficient blood flow for sampling.
2. What should be included in the nursing plan of care for a 6-month-old infant admitted to the pediatric unit with a diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
- A. Place the infant in a warm, dry environment.
- B. Allow parents and siblings to visit.
- C. Maintain standard and contact precautions.
- D. Administer prescribed antibiotics immediately.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Maintain standard and contact precautions. RSV is highly contagious, primarily spread through respiratory secretions. Therefore, it is crucial to implement infection control measures such as standard and contact precautions to prevent the spread of the virus to other patients, staff, and visitors. Choice A is incorrect because warmth and dryness are not specific interventions for RSV; the focus should be on infection control. Choice B may increase the risk of exposing others to RSV, so limiting visitors is recommended. Choice D is unnecessary because RSV is a viral infection, and antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
3. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a child diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). What would the nurse interpret as indicative of this disorder?
- A. Shortened prothrombin time
- B. Increased fibrinogen level
- C. Positive fibrin split products
- D. Increased platelets
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Positive fibrin split products are indicative of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In DIC, there is widespread clotting and subsequent consumption of clotting factors, leading to the formation of fibrin split products. A shortened prothrombin time (Choice A) is not typically seen in DIC as it indicates faster clotting, which is opposite to the pathophysiology of DIC. An increased fibrinogen level (Choice B) may be observed in the early stages of DIC due to the compensatory increase in production, but it is not a definitive indicator. Increased platelets (Choice D) may be seen in the early stages of DIC due to the body's attempt to compensate for clot formation, but it is not a specific finding for DIC.
4. When evaluating a client's use of a cane, which action should the nurse identify as an indication of correct use?
- A. The client's stronger side holds the cane
- B. The top of the cane is parallel to the client's waist
- C. The client holds the cane on the stronger side of their body
- D. The client moves the cane 46 cm (18 in) forward
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct way to use a cane is to hold it on the stronger side of the body. This helps to provide support and maintain alignment. Option A is incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side, not the weaker side. Option B is incorrect as the top of the cane should be at the level of the greater trochanter, not the waist. Option D is incorrect because the client should move the weaker limb forward with the cane for stability.
5. A client has a sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Abdominal cramping
- B. Increased thirst
- C. Elevated blood pressure
- D. Elevated heart rate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Abdominal cramping is a common manifestation of hyponatremia (low sodium levels). When sodium levels drop, it can lead to changes in the body's water balance, affecting cell function and causing symptoms like abdominal cramping. Increased thirst (choice B) is more commonly associated with hypernatremia (high sodium levels) due to the body's attempt to dilute the excess sodium. Elevated blood pressure (choice C) and elevated heart rate (choice D) are not typically direct manifestations of low sodium levels and are more commonly seen in conditions like dehydration or shock.