HESI LPN
Practice HESI Fundamentals Exam
1. The patient is being taught about flossing and oral hygiene. What instruction will the nurse include in the teaching session?
- A. Using waxed floss helps prevent bleeding
- B. Flossing removes plaque and tartar from the teeth
- C. Flossing at least 3 times a day is beneficial
- D. Applying toothpaste before flossing is harmful
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Flossing is essential for removing plaque and tartar between teeth, contributing to better oral hygiene. Choice A is not entirely accurate as waxed floss may not solely prevent bleeding. Flossing three times a day, as mentioned in choice C, can be excessive and unnecessary, while choice D is incorrect as applying toothpaste before flossing is not harmful but might not provide additional benefits.
2. A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is prescribed oxcarbazepine. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?
- A. Hyponatremia
- B. Agranulocytosis
- C. Liver toxicity
- D. Weight gain
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Hyponatremia. Oxcarbazepine, an anticonvulsant used in bipolar disorder, can lead to hyponatremia. This is because it can cause the body to retain water, leading to a dilution of sodium levels in the blood. Monitoring sodium levels is crucial to prevent complications such as confusion, seizures, and even coma. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Agranulocytosis is not typically associated with oxcarbazepine use. Liver toxicity is a potential adverse effect of some medications but not commonly seen with oxcarbazepine. While weight gain can be a side effect of certain medications used in bipolar disorder treatment, it is not a common adverse effect of oxcarbazepine.
3. A client with heart failure is prescribed a low-sodium diet. The nurse notices the client's meal tray contains high-sodium foods. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Educate the client about the importance of a low-sodium diet
- B. Replace the meal with a low-sodium option
- C. Report the error to the dietary department
- D. Encourage the client to avoid eating the high-sodium foods
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to replace the high-sodium meal with a low-sodium option. This immediate intervention ensures that the client adheres to the prescribed low-sodium diet, crucial for managing heart failure and preventing fluid retention. Educating the client (Choice A) about the diet is important but not as urgent as ensuring they receive the correct meal. Reporting the error to the dietary department (Choice C) can be done after addressing the immediate issue. Encouraging the client to avoid high-sodium foods (Choice D) is not as effective as replacing the current meal with a suitable alternative.
4. The client with a diagnosis of hypertension is being taught about lifestyle changes. Which recommendation is most important to include?
- A. Increase sodium intake.
- B. Engage in regular physical activity.
- C. Avoid foods high in fat.
- D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for individuals with hypertension as it helps lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Physical activity is known to have a significant impact on reducing hypertension and overall cardiovascular risk. Choice A, increasing sodium intake, is incorrect as reducing sodium is typically recommended for hypertension to help lower blood pressure. Choice C, avoiding foods high in fat, is beneficial for overall health but not the most crucial recommendation for hypertension management. Choice D, limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day, is not a standard recommendation for hypertension unless advised by a healthcare provider for specific cases. Therefore, the most important recommendation for the client with hypertension is to engage in regular physical activity.
5. The wife of a male client recently diagnosed with schizophrenia asks the nurse, 'What exactly is schizophrenia? Is my husband all right?' Which response is best for the LPN/LVN to provide to this family member?
- A. It sounds like you're worried about your husband. Let's sit down and talk.
- B. It is a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes disorganized thinking.
- C. Your husband will be just fine if he takes his medications regularly.
- D. I think you should talk to your husband's psychologist about this question.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The best response for the LPN/LVN to provide to the wife of a male client diagnosed with schizophrenia is choice B: 'It is a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes disorganized thinking.' This response educates the wife about the nature of schizophrenia, explaining that it is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain leading to disorganized thinking, helping her understand the condition better. Choice A does not directly address the question and instead shifts the focus to a different aspect. Choice C gives false reassurance without providing necessary information about schizophrenia. Choice D deflects the responsibility of providing information to the psychologist instead of addressing the wife's concerns directly.