HESI LPN
Adult Health 1 Final Exam
1. When inserting an indwelling urinary catheter in a female client and urine flows into the tubing, what is the next action?
- A. Document the color and clarity of the urine
- B. Insert the catheter an additional inch
- C. Ask the client to breathe deeply and slowly exhale
- D. Inflate the balloon with 5 mL of sterile water
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When urine flows into the tubing during the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter, it confirms proper catheter placement. The next step should be to inflate the balloon with the specified amount of sterile water to secure the catheter in place. Documenting the color and clarity of the urine (choice A) is important for assessment but not the immediate next action. Inserting the catheter further (choice B) without securing it could cause harm. Asking the client to breathe deeply (choice C) is not relevant to this situation.
2. An infant who has had diarrhea for 3 days is admitted in a lethargic state and is breathing rapidly. The parent states that the baby has been ingesting formula, although not as much as usual, and cannot understand the sudden change. What explanation should the nurse give the parent?
- A. Cellular metabolism is unstable in young children.
- B. The proportion of water in the body is less than in adults.
- C. Renal function is immature in children until they reach school age.
- D. The extracellular fluid requirement per unit of body weight is greater than in adults.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Infants have a higher extracellular fluid requirement per unit of body weight, making them more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances during illnesses such as diarrhea. Choice A is incorrect because cellular metabolism being unstable is not the primary explanation for the symptoms described. Choice B is incorrect as the proportion of water in the body alone does not fully explain the increased risk of dehydration in infants. Choice C is incorrect because while renal function is immature in children, it is not the most relevant factor in this scenario compared to the increased fluid requirements.
3. When assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock, which of the following parameters would be LEAST reliable?
- A. distal capillary refill
- B. systolic blood pressure
- C. skin color and temperature
- D. presence of peripheral pulses
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: systolic blood pressure. In young children, systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter for assessing perfusion status. Factors such as anxiety, crying, and fear can significantly affect blood pressure measurements, leading to inaccuracies. Distal capillary refill, skin color and temperature, and presence of peripheral pulses are more reliable indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Distal capillary refill assesses peripheral perfusion, skin color, and temperature reflect tissue perfusion, and the presence of peripheral pulses indicates blood flow to the extremities. Therefore, when evaluating a 2-year-old child with possible shock, focusing on parameters other than systolic blood pressure is crucial for an accurate assessment of perfusion status.
4. The LPN/LVN is assisting with the care of a client who has just had a liver biopsy. What position should the nurse place the client in immediately following the procedure?
- A. Supine with the right arm raised above the head
- B. Supine with the head of the bed elevated
- C. Right side-lying with a pillow under the costal margin
- D. Left side-lying with the head of the bed flat
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct position for a client immediately following a liver biopsy is right side-lying with a pillow under the costal margin. This position helps prevent bleeding by applying pressure to the biopsy site. Placing the client supine with the right arm raised above the head (Choice A) or supine with the head of the bed elevated (Choice B) are not ideal positions for post-liver biopsy care as they do not provide the necessary pressure to the biopsy site. Left side-lying with the head of the bed flat (Choice D) is also not recommended as it does not assist in preventing bleeding after a liver biopsy.
5. A nurse manager is leading a discussion about ethical dilemmas. Which of the following situations should the nurse manager include as an example of an ethical dilemma?
- A. A visitor experiences a minor burn after spilling coffee
- B. A client receives an operation on the wrong side of her body
- C. A parent wants her 14-year-old adolescent to receive radiation treatment against his will
- D. A nurse witnesses another nurse administer an incorrect medication
Correct answer: C
Rationale: An ethical dilemma involves a situation where moral principles conflict, such as in the case of a parent wanting their adolescent to receive treatment against their will. In option A, a minor burn from spilled coffee does not present a conflict of moral principles. Option B describes a medical error, not necessarily a conflict of moral principles. Option D involves an issue of professional practice and patient safety but does not inherently pose a conflict of moral principles.