HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Study Guide
1. The patient is being treated for cancer with weekly radiation therapy to the head and intravenous chemotherapy treatments. Which assessment is the priority?
- A. Feet
- B. Nail beds
- C. Perineum
- D. Oral cavity
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is the oral cavity. During cancer treatment involving radiation to the head and intravenous chemotherapy, the oral cavity is a priority assessment area. Radiation can reduce salivary flow and lower the pH of saliva, which can lead to stomatitis and tooth decay. Assessing the oral cavity allows for the early identification and management of potential complications. Choice A, assessing the feet, is not the priority in this scenario as it is not directly impacted by the described cancer treatments. Choice B, assessing the nail beds, is not the priority compared to the oral cavity. Nail bed assessment may be relevant for certain conditions, but in this case, the oral cavity is of higher priority due to the specific treatment effects. Choice C, assessing the perineum, is also not the priority in this situation as it is not directly affected by the described cancer treatments, unlike the oral cavity.
2. A client who is lactating is being taught about taking medications by a nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse recommend to minimize the entry of medication into breast milk?
- A. Drink 8 oz of water with each dose of medication.
- B. Use medications that have a short half-life.
- C. Take each dose right after breastfeeding.
- D. Pump breast milk and discard it prior to feeding the newborn.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Taking medications immediately after breastfeeding helps minimize the amount of medication that enters breast milk. By doing so, there is a longer interval between the medication intake and the next breastfeeding session, reducing the concentration of the medication in breast milk. Options A and B are incorrect as drinking water with medication or using medications with a short half-life do not directly minimize the entry of medication into breast milk. Option D is unnecessary and wasteful as pumping and discarding breast milk before feeding is not as effective as timing medication intake with breastfeeding to reduce medication transfer into breast milk.
3. The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Which finding should the nurse expect to observe?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Heat intolerance
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Frequent diarrhea
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is weight gain. In hypothyroidism, there is a decrease in metabolic rate, which can lead to weight gain. Heat intolerance (choice B) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism. Increased appetite (choice C) and frequent diarrhea (choice D) are not typical findings in hypothyroidism. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect.
4. The HCP gives a pregnant woman a prescription for one prenatal vitamin with iron daily and tells her that she needs to increase foods in her diet because her hemoglobin is 8.2 grams/dL. When a list of iron-rich foods is given to the client, she tells the PN that she is a vegetarian and does not eat anything that "bleeds." Which instruction should the PN provide?
- A. All below
- B. Increase green leafy vegetables in the diet
- C. Oatmeal is a good choice for breakfast
- D. Add lentils and black beans to soup
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Vegetarians can increase their iron intake through plant-based sources such as green leafy vegetables, oatmeal, and legumes, which are rich in iron.
5. An activity designed to diagnose and treat a disease or condition in its earliest stages, before it becomes full-blown, would be classified as:
- A. primary prevention
- B. secondary prevention
- C. tertiary prevention
- D. health education
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, secondary prevention. Secondary prevention focuses on early diagnosis and intervention to prevent the progression of a disease or condition. This involves detecting and treating the illness in its early stages to reduce its impact. Choice A, primary prevention, aims to prevent the development of a disease or injury before it occurs by promoting healthy behaviors. Choice C, tertiary prevention, involves managing and improving the quality of life of individuals with established conditions to prevent complications and further deterioration. Choice D, health education, refers to providing information and promoting awareness about health issues to enable individuals to make informed decisions and adopt healthy behaviors.