HESI LPN
HESI Fundamental Practice Exam
1. The nurse manager has been using a decentralized block scheduling plan to staff the nursing unit. However, staff have asked for many changes and exceptions to the schedule over the past few months. The manager considers self-scheduling knowing that this method will
- A. Improve the quality of care
- B. Decrease staff turnover
- C. Minimize the amount of overtime payouts
- D. Improve team morale
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Improve team morale.' Self-scheduling allows staff more control over their work hours, which can lead to increased job satisfaction, autonomy, and a sense of ownership over their schedules. This, in turn, fosters a positive work environment, enhances collaboration among team members, and boosts morale. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while self-scheduling may indirectly contribute to improved quality of care, decreased staff turnover, and minimized overtime payouts, the primary benefit in this context is the positive impact on team morale.
2. A healthcare provider is assessing a 3-month-old infant with suspected pyloric stenosis. What clinical manifestation is the healthcare provider likely to observe?
- A. Projectile vomiting
- B. Diarrhea
- C. Constipation
- D. Abdominal distension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Projectile vomiting is a classic clinical manifestation of pyloric stenosis in infants. This occurs due to the narrowing of the pyloric sphincter, leading to the forceful expulsion of gastric contents in a projectile manner. Diarrhea (choice B) is not typically associated with pyloric stenosis. Constipation (choice C) is also not a common symptom of this condition. Abdominal distension (choice D) may occur in pyloric stenosis but is not as specific or characteristic as projectile vomiting in diagnosing this condition.
3. A client who is newly diagnosed with erosive esophagitis secondary to GERD experiences symptoms after taking lansoprazole PO for one full week. Which actions should the nurse take?
- A. Confirm that the client is taking the medication correctly
- B. Auscultate the client's bowel sounds and assess the apical pulse
- C. Advise the client that healing typically takes several weeks
- D. Notify the healthcare provider to consider a higher dose
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to advise the client that healing from erosive esophagitis typically takes several weeks. Providing this information helps manage the client's expectations and anxiety about treatment effectiveness. It is not necessary to confirm medication timing, assess bowel sounds, or measure the apical pulse at this point. Since symptoms persist after one week of lansoprazole, it may not be appropriate to immediately escalate to a higher dose without further assessment or guidance from the healthcare provider. Auscultating bowel sounds and assessing the apical pulse are not relevant to the client's symptoms related to erosive esophagitis and GERD.
4. What is important to include in discharge instructions for a child who has had a tonsillectomy?
- A. Encourage the child to gargle with salt water
- B. Encourage fluid intake
- C. Provide the child with hard candy
- D. Apply heat to the neck
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging fluid intake is essential post-tonsillectomy to keep the throat moist, aid in healing, and prevent dehydration. Gargling with salt water may irritate the surgical site and is typically avoided to prevent discomfort and irritation. Providing hard candy can be harmful as it may cause trauma to the surgical area and should be avoided to prevent injury. Applying heat to the neck is not recommended as it can increase swelling and discomfort in the surgical region. Therefore, the correct instruction is to encourage fluid intake.
5. A client returning from the surgical suite following a vaginal hysterectomy is awake and asking for something to drink. Her post-op diet prescription reads: 'clear liquids, advance diet as tolerated.' Which of the following is appropriate for the nurse to tell the patient?
- A. ''I am going to listen to your abdomen.''
- B. ''You need to wait until the surgeon evaluates your condition.''
- C. ''You can have clear liquids, but let me check with the surgeon first.''
- D. ''It is best to start with small sips of clear liquids and observe how you feel.''
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: ''I am going to listen to your abdomen.'' Listening to the abdomen helps assess bowel sounds and ensure that the client’s gastrointestinal system is ready for oral intake. Choice B is incorrect because the client does not necessarily need to wait for the surgeon to evaluate before starting with clear liquids. Choice C is incorrect because unless there are specific contraindications, clear liquids are usually allowed after surgery. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the immediate assessment needed before initiating oral intake post-operatively.