HESI LPN
Practice HESI Fundamentals Exam
1. When initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), what assessment finding must the healthcare provider confirm before beginning chest compressions?
- A. Absence of a pulse
- B. Presence of a pulse
- C. Respiratory rate
- D. Blood pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Absence of a pulse. Prior to initiating chest compressions during CPR, it is essential to confirm the absence of a pulse. Chest compressions are indicated when there is no detectable pulse as it signifies cardiac arrest. Checking for a pulse is a critical step to ensure that CPR is performed on individuals who truly require it. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because focusing on the presence of a pulse, respiratory rate, or blood pressure before starting chest compressions can delay life-saving interventions in a person experiencing cardiac arrest.
2. What is an important aspect of care for a child with congenital heart disease?
- A. Restricting physical activity
- B. Increasing fluid intake
- C. Administering high doses of vitamins
- D. Monitoring growth and development
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Monitoring growth and development is crucial for children with congenital heart disease to ensure they are meeting developmental milestones and managing the disease effectively. This helps healthcare providers assess the child's overall health, detect any potential issues early, and adjust treatment plans accordingly. Restricting physical activity may not be necessary for all children with congenital heart disease and should be determined by their healthcare team based on individual needs. Increasing fluid intake and administering high doses of vitamins may not be directly related to managing congenital heart disease and should be guided by specific recommendations from healthcare providers.
3. A client with hypertension is prescribed doxazosin. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Hypertension
- C. Hyperglycemia
- D. Hypernatremia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypotension. Doxazosin is an alpha-blocker medication commonly used to treat hypertension. One of the potential side effects of doxazosin is causing a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the client for signs and symptoms of low blood pressure when initiating or adjusting the dose of doxazosin.
4. A client with type 2 diabetes is prescribed metformin. What instruction should the practical nurse (PN) include in the client's teaching plan?
- A. Take the medication with meals to decrease gastrointestinal upset.
- B. Take the medication with a full glass of water.
- C. Avoid alcohol while taking the medication.
- D. Take the medication with meals to increase absorption.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed metformin is to take the medication with a full glass of water. This helps ensure proper ingestion and absorption of the medication. While taking metformin with meals can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects, the primary focus should be on adequate hydration and absorption by taking it with water. Avoiding alcohol while taking metformin is also important as alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis when combined with metformin. Taking the medication with meals to increase absorption is incorrect as metformin should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset, not to increase absorption.
5. Jansen is receiving metformin (Glucophage). What will be the best plan of the nurse with regard to patient education with this drug? Select one that does not apply.
- A. It stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin.
- B. It must be taken after meals.
- C. It decreases sugar production in the liver.
- D. It inhibits absorption of carbohydrates.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct choice that does not apply is A. Metformin does not stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin; instead, it works by decreasing sugar production in the liver, inhibiting carbohydrate absorption, and reducing insulin resistance. It is recommended to take metformin with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Option B is incorrect as metformin is usually taken with meals. Option D is also incorrect as metformin does not inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates.