HESI RN
HESI Fundamentals Practice Exam
1. The UAP is positioning a newly admitted client with a seizure disorder in a supine position. The UAP is placing soft pillows along the side rails. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Instruct the UAP to obtain soft blankets to secure to the side rails instead of pillows
- B. Ensure that the UAP has placed pillows effectively to protect the client
- C. Ask the UAP to use some pillows to prop the client in a side-lying position
- D. Assume responsibility for placing the pillows while the UAP completes another task
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To prevent the risk of suffocation, soft blankets are preferred over pillows for padding side rails in clients with seizure disorders. Pillows can pose a suffocation hazard, especially during a seizure episode when the client's movements may be uncontrolled. Instructing the UAP to use soft blankets instead of pillows is crucial for ensuring the client's safety. Choice B is incorrect because pillows can be hazardous during a seizure. Choice C is incorrect as side-lying position may not be appropriate for a client with a seizure disorder. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the safety concern related to using pillows.
2. The client is being taught how to perform active range of motion (ROM) exercises. To exercise the hinge joints, which action should the client be instructed to perform?
- A. Tilt the pelvis forwards and backwards
- B. Bend the arm by flexing the ulnar to the humerus
- C. Turn the head to the right and left
- D. Extend the arm at the side and rotate it in circles
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Hinge joints, like the elbow, primarily allow movement in one direction, in this case, bending the arm. The correct action to exercise hinge joints is to bend the arm by flexing the ulnar to the humerus. This movement specifically targets the hinge joint and promotes its range of motion. Choices A, C, and D involve movements that do not specifically target hinge joints. Tilt the pelvis involves the ball-and-socket joints of the hip, turning the head involves the pivot joint of the neck, and extending the arm and rotating it in circles involve multiple joints including ball-and-socket and pivot joints.
3. Discuss the anatomical/physiological changes in pregnancy under the following: Haematological system
- A. Blood volume and plasma volume increase, red blood cells increase, erythropoietin levels decrease, and leukocyte count increases.
- B. Blood volume and plasma volume decrease, and red blood cells decrease.
- C. No changes occur in the haematological system during pregnancy.
- D. Platelet count remains constant, and no change in coagulation factors.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During pregnancy, the haematological system undergoes changes to support the growing fetus. Blood volume and plasma volume increase to accommodate the needs of the developing baby. Red blood cells increase to support the increased oxygen demand. Contrary to the statement, erythropoietin levels actually increase to stimulate red blood cell production. Additionally, leukocyte count increases to help the mother's immune system cope with the changes during pregnancy. Choice B is incorrect as it describes a decrease in blood components, which is not the case in pregnancy. Choice C is incorrect as there are significant changes in the haematological system during pregnancy. Choice D is incorrect as platelet count can fluctuate during pregnancy, and there are changes in coagulation factors to prevent excessive bleeding.
4. A 4-year-old child is returned to the room following a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Which of the following assessments would require the nurse's immediate attention?
- A. Frequent swallowing
- B. Coughing
- C. Slow breathing
- D. Tachycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a post-tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy patient, frequent swallowing is a crucial assessment that requires immediate attention by the nurse. Frequent swallowing can indicate bleeding, a complication that needs urgent intervention. Coughing may be expected due to irritation from the surgery but is not as concerning as potential bleeding. Slow breathing and tachycardia are not typically immediate concerns following this type of surgery.
5. When screening a 5-year-old for strabismus, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Have the child identify colored patterns on polychromatic cards.
- B. Direct the child through the six cardinal positions of gaze.
- C. Inspect the child for the setting sun sign.
- D. Observe the child for blank, sunken eyes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When screening a 5-year-old for strabismus, directing the child through the six cardinal positions of gaze is the most appropriate action. This method helps the nurse to assess eye alignment, which is crucial in identifying any misalignment that may indicate strabismus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Having the child identify colored patterns on polychromatic cards is more related to visual acuity testing rather than strabismus screening. Inspecting the child for the setting sun sign is not a standard method for strabismus screening. Observing the child for blank, sunken eyes is not specific to strabismus assessment.