HESI LPN
HESI PN Nutrition Practice Exam
1. What is a causative factor of Hirschsprung disease?
- A. Frequent evacuation of solids, liquids, and gases
- B. Excessive peristaltic movement
- C. Absence of parasympathetic ganglion cells in a portion of the colon
- D. One portion of the bowel telescoping into another
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Absence of parasympathetic ganglion cells in a portion of the colon. Hirschsprung disease is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of nerve cells (ganglia) in parts of the colon. This absence leads to a lack of peristalsis in the affected segment, resulting in severe constipation and bowel obstruction. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A describes symptoms of diarrhea rather than a causative factor of Hirschsprung disease. Excessive peristaltic movement (choice B) is not a causative factor but rather the opposite, as Hirschsprung disease is associated with reduced peristalsis. Choice D, which refers to intussusception, is a different condition unrelated to Hirschsprung disease.
2. A client with a prescription for a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit for pain management asks how it works. What information should the nurse reinforce?
- A. The discharge of electricity will distract the client's focus from the pain
- B. An infusion of medication in the spinal canal will block pain perception
- C. Pain perception in the cerebral cortex is dulled by the unit's discharge of an electrical stimulus
- D. A mild electrical stimulus on the skin surface closes the gates of nerve conduction for severe pain
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. TENS works by delivering a mild electrical stimulus that can block pain signals from reaching the brain, effectively reducing the perception of pain. Choice A is incorrect because TENS does not distract from pain but rather interferes with pain signals. Choice B is incorrect as TENS does not involve infusing medication into the spinal canal. Choice C is also incorrect because TENS does not target the cerebral cortex to dull pain perception but rather works at the level of nerve conduction.
3. The nurse is caring for a 3-day-old girl with Down syndrome whose mother had no prenatal care. What is the priority nursing diagnosis?
- A. Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements related to the effects of hypotonia
- B. Deficient knowledge related to the presence of a genetic disorder
- C. Delayed growth and development related to a cognitive impairment
- D. Impaired physical mobility related to poor muscle tone
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a 3-day-old girl with Down syndrome, whose mother had no prenatal care, is imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements related to the effects of hypotonia. Newborns with Down syndrome often experience feeding difficulties due to hypotonia, which can lead to inadequate nutrition intake. Option B is incorrect because at this age, the infant is not capable of having knowledge deficits related to a genetic disorder. Option C is incorrect as delayed growth and development are not the immediate priority in this scenario. Option D is incorrect as impaired physical mobility is not typically a priority concern for a newborn with Down syndrome.
4. A parent tearfully tells a nurse, 'They think our child is developmentally delayed. We are thinking about investigating a preschool program for cognitively impaired children.' What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?
- A. Praise the parent for the decision and encourage the plan.
- B. Ask for more specific information related to the developmental delays.
- C. Advise the parent to have the healthcare provider help choose an appropriate program.
- D. Explain that this may be a premature action and the developmental delays could disappear.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate response in this situation is to ask for more specific information related to the developmental delays. By seeking additional details, the nurse can better understand the child's needs and provide tailored guidance and support to the parent. Praising the parent (Choice A) before fully grasping the situation may not be beneficial. Advising the parent to involve the healthcare provider in selecting a program (Choice C) is premature without a comprehensive understanding of the child's developmental delays. Explaining that the delays might resolve on their own (Choice D) is inappropriate as it dismisses the parent's concerns and the necessity for timely and appropriate interventions.
5. Which statement about adjuvant medications is true and accurate?
- A. Licensed practical nurses can administer adjuvant medications.
- B. Adjuvant medications are schedule 2 narcotics.
- C. Adjuvant medications are schedule 1 narcotics.
- D. Adjuvant medications can be purchased over the counter.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because adjuvant medications are often available over the counter without a prescription. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because licensed practical nurses can administer adjuvant medications depending on their scope of practice. Choices B and C are incorrect because adjuvant medications are not classified as schedule 1 or schedule 2 narcotics.