HESI LPN
HESI Maternity 55 Questions
1. When caring for a pregnant woman with cardiac problems, the nurse must be alert for the signs and symptoms of cardiac decompensation. Which critical findings would the nurse find on assessment of the client experiencing this condition?
- A. Regular heart rate and hypertension.
- B. Increased urinary output, tachycardia, and dry cough.
- C. Shortness of breath, bradycardia, and hypertension.
- D. Dyspnea, crackles, and an irregular, weak pulse.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In pregnant women with cardiac problems, signs of cardiac decompensation include dyspnea, crackles, an irregular, weak, and rapid pulse, rapid respirations, a moist and frequent cough, generalized edema, increasing fatigue, and cyanosis of the lips and nailbeds. Choice A is incorrect as a regular heart rate and hypertension are not typically associated with cardiac decompensation. Choice B is incorrect as increased urinary output and dry cough are not indicative of cardiac decompensation, only tachycardia is. Choice C is incorrect as bradycardia and hypertension are not typically seen in cardiac decompensation; dyspnea is a critical sign instead.
2. During assessment, what is an indication of thrombophlebitis in a client who has been on bed rest for the past month?
- A. Calf swelling
- B. Elevated blood pressure
- C. Decreased urine output
- D. Generalized rash
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Calf swelling is a common sign of thrombophlebitis, which is inflammation of a vein due to a blood clot. Prolonged immobility can predispose individuals to thrombophlebitis. Calf swelling occurs due to the obstruction of blood flow, causing localized edema. This condition can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism if not promptly addressed. Elevated blood pressure, decreased urine output, and a generalized rash are not typically associated with thrombophlebitis. Elevated blood pressure may be linked to other conditions like hypertension, decreased urine output to kidney dysfunction, and a generalized rash to allergic reactions or skin conditions. Therefore, in a client on bed rest, calf swelling should raise suspicion of thrombophlebitis and prompt further evaluation and intervention.
3. A client is refusing a blood transfusion for religious reasons. The client's partner wants the client to have the blood transfusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Ask the client to consider a direct donation
- B. Withhold the blood transfusion
- C. Request a consultation with the ethics committee
- D. Ask the client's family to intervene
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to withhold the blood transfusion. The principle of autonomy ensures that a competent client has the right to refuse treatment, even if their decision conflicts with the wishes of their partner or family. Asking the client to consider a direct donation (Choice A) is not appropriate as it disregards the client's autonomy and religious beliefs. Requesting a consultation with the ethics committee (Choice C) may be considered in complex ethical dilemmas, but in this case, the client's autonomy should be respected first. Asking the client's family to intervene (Choice D) is not appropriate as the client has the right to make their own healthcare decisions based on their religious beliefs.
4. A client with epilepsy is prescribed lamotrigine. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Drowsiness
- B. Nausea and vomiting
- C. Skin rash
- D. Dizziness
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a client is prescribed lamotrigine, the nurse should closely monitor for the potential side effect of skin rash. Lamotrigine is known to cause skin rashes, which can be mild or severe, indicating a serious adverse reaction like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Monitoring for skin rash is crucial to detect any signs of severe allergic reactions early and prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, and dizziness are not typically associated with lamotrigine use. While dizziness can be a side effect of some antiepileptic medications, it is not a common side effect of lamotrigine.
5. Which of the following changes was enacted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act?
- A. Creation of national health insurance exchanges for affordable insurance coverage
- B. Expansion of school-based health centers
- C. Free preventative services for all
- D. Medically managed clinics eligible for federal funding
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act expanded school-based health centers to provide additional healthcare services to students. Choice A is incorrect because the creation of national health insurance exchanges was a key provision of the Affordable Care Act, but it was not the only change enacted by the legislation. Choice C is incorrect as while the Affordable Care Act did include provisions for free preventative services for certain groups, it was not applicable to all individuals. Choice D is incorrect as the Act did not specifically address medically managed clinics eligible for federal funding.