HESI LPN
HESI Fundamental Practice Exam
1. When interviewing the parents of a child with asthma, what information about the child's environment should be gathered most importantly?
- A. Household pets
- B. New furniture
- C. Lead-based paint
- D. Plants such as cactus
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When assessing a child with asthma, it is crucial to gather information about potential triggers in their environment. Household pets, such as cats or dogs, are common triggers for asthma attacks due to pet dander and saliva. This information is essential to identify if exposure to pets at home could be exacerbating the child's asthma symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are less relevant in the context of asthma triggers. New furniture, lead-based paint, and plants like cactus are not typically primary triggers for asthma attacks compared to common allergens like pet dander.
2. A 38-year-old female client is admitted with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. When her tray is brought to her, she refuses to eat and tells the nurse, 'I know you are trying to poison me with that food.' Which response would be most appropriate for the nurse to make?
- A. 'I'll leave your tray here. I am available if you need anything else.'
- B. 'You're not being poisoned. Why do you think someone is trying to poison you?'
- C. 'No one on this unit has ever died from poisoning. You're safe here.'
- D. 'I will talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of changing your diet.'
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Choice (A) offers support without confrontation, allowing the client to feel safe and respected. Choices (B) and (C) directly challenge the client's delusion, which can increase anxiety and distrust. Choice (D) focuses on a non-essential issue and does not address the client's immediate emotional needs.
3. Which nursing activity is within the scope of practice for the practical nurse?
- A. Complete an admission assessment in the normal newborn nursery
- B. Discontinue a central venous catheter that has become dislodged
- C. Observe a client rotate the subcutaneous site for an insulin pump
- D. Monitor a continuous narcotic epidural for a postoperative client
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Observe a client rotate the subcutaneous site for an insulin pump.' This activity is within the scope of practice for a practical nurse as it involves observing and ensuring proper technique for using an insulin pump, which aligns with their training and responsibilities. Choices A, B, and D are beyond the typical scope of practice for a practical nurse. Completing an admission assessment for a newborn nursery is usually performed by a registered nurse. Discontinuing a dislodged central venous catheter and monitoring a narcotic epidural require advanced skills and knowledge, usually carried out by registered nurses or advanced practice nurses.
4. A female UAP is assigned to take the vital signs of a client with pertussis for whom droplet precautions have been implemented. The UAP requests a change in assignment as she has not yet been fitted for a particulate filter mask. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Advise the UAP to wear a standard face mask to take vital signs, and then get fitted for a filter mask before providing personal care
- B. Send the UAP to be fitted for a particulate filter mask immediately so she can provide care to this client
- C. Instruct the UAP that a standard mask is sufficient for the provision of care for the assigned client
- D. Before changing assignments, determine which staff members have fitted particulate filter masks
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct course of action for the nurse is to determine which staff members have already been fitted for particulate filter masks before changing assignments. This ensures safety and compliance with infection control protocols. Option A is incorrect as wearing a standard face mask before being fitted for a filter mask does not address compliance with droplet precautions. Option B is incorrect because the priority is to ensure all staff members have appropriate equipment before providing care. Option C is incorrect as a standard mask may not offer sufficient protection when dealing with clients under droplet precautions.
5. The nurse is teaching the parents of a child who has head lice (pediculosis capitis). Which information will the nurse include in the teaching session?
- A. Treatment involves using regular shampoo.
- B. Products containing lindane are not recommended.
- C. Head lice may spread to furniture and other people.
- D. Manual removal is essential in treatment.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Head lice are highly contagious and can spread to furniture and other people if not treated promptly. Informing the parents about the potential spread of head lice emphasizes the importance of thorough treatment and prevention measures. Choice A is incorrect as regular shampoo is not typically effective in treating head lice. Choice B is incorrect as products containing lindane are not recommended due to safety concerns. Choice D is incorrect as manual removal, though labor-intensive, is a crucial step in effectively treating head lice infestations, but it is not the most pertinent information to include in the teaching session.