HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Exam Test Bank
1. The nurse is providing wound care to a client with a stage 3 pressure ulcer that has a large amount of eschar. The wound care prescription states 'clean the wound and then apply collagenase.' Collagenase is a debriding agent. The prescription does not specify a cleaning method. Which technique should the nurse use to cleanse the pressure ulcer?
- A. Lightly coat the wound with povidone-iodine solution
- B. Irrigate the wound with sterile normal saline
- C. Flush the wound with sterile hydrogen peroxide
- D. Remove the eschar with a wet-to-dry dressing
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Irrigating the wound with sterile normal saline is the correct technique for cleansing a wound when the prescription does not specify a cleaning method. Sterile normal saline is a standard and safe solution that helps to remove debris and promote healing without damaging healthy tissue. Choice A, using povidone-iodine solution, can be cytotoxic and delay wound healing. Choice C, using hydrogen peroxide, can be cytotoxic, cause tissue damage, and delay wound healing. Choice D, using wet-to-dry dressing to remove eschar, is an outdated and non-selective method that can cause trauma to the wound bed and delay healing. Therefore, choice B is the best option for wound cleansing in this scenario.
2. What should be taught to the child and parents about using a peak flow meter for a child diagnosed with asthma?
- A. Use the device before taking medication
- B. Use the device during asthma attacks
- C. Record the best of three attempts
- D. Use the device after eating
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Record the best of three attempts.' This method provides an accurate measure of peak expiratory flow using a peak flow meter. By taking the best of three attempts, the child and parents can obtain a more reliable assessment of the child's lung function. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because using the device before taking medication, during asthma attacks, or after eating does not ensure an accurate measurement of peak flow, which is essential for managing asthma effectively. Monitoring peak flow regularly and accurately can help in adjusting asthma treatment plans and assessing response to medications.
3. You are caring for a 6-year-old child with a possible fractured left arm and have reason to believe that the child was abused. How should you manage this situation?
- A. Inform the parents of your suspicions.
- B. Call the police so the parents can be arrested.
- C. Advise the parents that the child needs to be transported.
- D. Transport the child to the hospital regardless of the parents' wishes.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In cases where child abuse is suspected, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of the child. Advising the parents that the child needs to be transported allows for the child to receive necessary medical care without immediate confrontation. Calling the police to have the parents arrested (Choice B) may escalate the situation and should only be done after ensuring the child's safety. Informing the parents of suspicions (Choice A) may potentially place the child at further risk if the parents are the abusers. Transporting the child to the hospital regardless of the parents' wishes (Choice D) could lead to legal and ethical complications; it is important to involve the appropriate authorities and handle the situation with sensitivity and care.
4. A child with a diagnosis of pyloric stenosis is scheduled for surgery. What preoperative intervention is important for the nurse to perform?
- A. Administering intravenous fluids
- B. Monitoring for signs of infection
- C. Monitoring for signs of dehydration
- D. Monitoring for signs of pain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct preoperative intervention for a child with pyloric stenosis is to monitor for signs of dehydration. Pyloric stenosis can lead to vomiting, which can result in dehydration. Monitoring for signs of dehydration is crucial to ensure the child's fluid balance is maintained. Administering intravenous fluids, although important for managing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, would typically be done postoperatively rather than as a preoperative intervention. Monitoring for signs of infection is important but not specific to the preoperative period for pyloric stenosis. Monitoring for signs of pain is also important but may not be the most critical preoperative intervention in this scenario.
5. While measuring a client’s vital signs, the nurse notices an irregularity in the heart rate. Which nursing action is appropriate?
- A. Count the apical pulse rate for 1 full minute, and describe the rhythm in the chart
- B. Measure the blood pressure
- C. Perform an ECG
- D. Recheck the heart rate after 5 minutes
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The appropriate nursing action when an irregularity in the heart rate is observed is to count the apical pulse rate for a full minute and describe the rhythm in the chart. This approach helps in obtaining an accurate assessment of the irregularities present. Measuring the blood pressure (Choice B) is important but not the immediate priority when an irregular heart rate is noted. Performing an ECG (Choice C) may be necessary but is a more advanced intervention that should follow the initial assessment. Rechecking the heart rate after 5 minutes (Choice D) may delay potential interventions for addressing the irregularity, making it less appropriate than the immediate assessment and documentation of the pulse rhythm.