HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Exam
1. When assessing a client’s heart sounds, the nurse hears a scratching sound during both systole and diastole. These sounds become more distinct when the nurse has the client sit up and lean forward. The nurse should document the presence of a:
- A. Pericardial friction rub
- B. Heart murmur
- C. S3 heart sound
- D. S4 heart sound
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A pericardial friction rub is characterized by a scratching sound that occurs during both systole and diastole. It becomes more distinct when the client is sitting up and leaning forward. This indicates an inflammation of the pericardial sac rubbing against the layers of the heart. Heart murmurs (choice B) are abnormal heart sounds caused by turbulent blood flow, not by friction like in a pericardial rub. S3 and S4 heart sounds (choices C and D) are additional heart sounds related to abnormal ventricular filling, not to pericardial friction rubs.
2. A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has full-thickness burns on his leg. The client expresses concern about his future. Which of the following is a therapeutic response by the nurse?
- A. “You’re concerned about what will happen when you leave the hospital?”
- B. “If you work hard on your physical therapy, you won’t need to worry.”
- C. “You shouldn’t worry about the future so you can concentrate on getting well.”
- D. “Why are you concerned even though everyone is here to help you?”
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct response is A, “You’re concerned about what will happen when you leave the hospital?” This response acknowledges the client's concerns about the future, validating their feelings and encouraging open communication. It shows empathy and allows the client to express their worries. Choice B minimizes the client's concerns by suggesting that they won't need to worry if they work hard on physical therapy, which may invalidate their emotions. Choice C dismisses the client's worry, implying that they should ignore their concerns to focus on getting well. Choice D uses a confrontational approach by questioning the client's concerns, which may discourage open communication and make the client feel defensive.
3. A client's readiness to learn about insulin administration is being assessed by a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is ready to learn?
- A. ''I can concentrate best in the morning.''
- B. ''It is difficult to read the instructions because my glasses are at home.''
- C. ''I'm wondering why I need to learn this.''
- D. ''You will have to talk to my wife about this.''
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer because the client's statement about the best time to concentrate indicates readiness for learning. This statement shows an awareness and interest in learning. Choice B is incorrect as it indicates a barrier to learning due to not having glasses. Choice C is incorrect as it shows a lack of understanding or motivation for learning. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests a lack of personal involvement or responsibility in the learning process since the client is deflecting the responsibility to someone else.
4. What is an important aspect of the care plan for a child with eczema?
- A. Use of steroid creams
- B. Frequent antibiotic therapy
- C. High-protein diet
- D. Daily baths in hot water
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use of steroid creams. Steroid creams are commonly used in the management of eczema to reduce inflammation and itching, thus improving the skin condition and comfort of the child. Choice B, frequent antibiotic therapy, is incorrect as antibiotics are not typically used to treat eczema unless there is a secondary bacterial infection. Choice C, a high-protein diet, is not a specific recommendation for eczema treatment. Choice D, daily baths in hot water, is not recommended for eczema care as hot water can exacerbate the condition by drying out the skin.
5. A client who is recovering from an appendectomy is receiving narcotics. Earlier, the nurse witnessed the client's family pushing the pain pump. What should the nurse implement?
- A. Check the client's level of consciousness
- B. Instruct the family not to push the button
- C. Stop the client's basal infusion
- D. Administer a narcotic reversal medication
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Instructing the family not to push the button is necessary to prevent the client from receiving an excessive amount of narcotics, ensuring the safe and appropriate use of the pain pump. Checking the client's level of consciousness may not address the issue of family members pushing the button. Stopping the client's basal infusion is not indicated unless there are specific medical reasons for doing so. Administering a narcotic reversal medication is not necessary at this point as the issue lies with inappropriate use rather than an overdose.