HESI LPN
HESI PN Exit Exam 2024
1. Which assessment finding would most likely indicate a complication of enteral tube feeding?
- A. Abdominal distension
- B. Weight gain
- C. Decreased bowel sounds
- D. Diarrhea
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Abdominal distension in a patient receiving enteral tube feeding may indicate a complication such as intolerance to feeding, delayed gastric emptying, or obstruction. Abdominal distension is a common sign of gastrointestinal issues related to enteral tube feeding. Weight gain is typically an expected outcome if the patient is receiving adequate nutrition. Decreased bowel sounds may indicate decreased motility but are not specific to enteral tube feeding complications. Diarrhea can occur due to various reasons, including infections, medications, or dietary changes, but it is not the most likely indication of a complication in enteral tube feeding.
2. What is the hallmark sign of intussusception?
- A. Mucus-like stools
- B. Currant jelly-like stools
- C. Tarry, black stools
- D. Green, soft stools
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The hallmark sign of intussusception is currant jelly-like stools, which result from the mixture of blood and mucus in the stool due to the sloughing of intestinal mucosa. Mucus-like stools (Choice A) are not typically associated with intussusception. Tarry, black stools (Choice C) are characteristic of gastrointestinal bleeding higher up in the gastrointestinal tract, such as from a peptic ulcer. Green, soft stools (Choice D) are more indicative of rapid transit through the intestines, possibly due to dietary factors or infections such as gastroenteritis.
3. A nurse is providing care to a child diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering pain medication
- B. Ensuring adequate hydration
- C. Providing nutritional support
- D. Monitoring vital signs
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In sickle cell anemia, pain management is a priority due to vaso-occlusive crises that cause severe pain. Administering pain medication helps alleviate discomfort and improve the child's quality of life. Ensuring adequate hydration, although important, is secondary to addressing the immediate pain issue. Providing nutritional support is beneficial for overall health but does not address the acute pain experienced. Monitoring vital signs is essential but not the immediate priority when managing pain in sickle cell anemia.
4. A client reports feeling dizzy and light-headed when standing up. What is the nurse's best initial action?
- A. Instruct the client to sit or lie down
- B. Monitor blood pressure and pulse
- C. Administer an anti-dizziness medication
- D. Increase fluid intake
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor blood pressure and pulse. When a client reports feeling dizzy and light-headed when standing up, the nurse's best initial action should be to monitor the client's blood pressure and pulse. These symptoms are indicative of orthostatic hypotension, which can be confirmed by changes in blood pressure and pulse when moving from lying to standing positions. Instructing the client to sit or lie down may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause. Administering an anti-dizziness medication should not be the initial action without assessing vital signs first. Increasing fluid intake is important for overall health but is not the priority in this situation where vital sign monitoring is needed to assess for orthostatic hypotension.
5. An infant has just returned from surgery for placement of a gastrostomy tube as an initial treatment for tracheoesophageal fistula. The mother asks, 'When can the tube be used for feeding?' The nurse's best response would be which of these comments?
- A. "Feedings can begin in 5 to 7 days."
- B. "The use of the feeding tube can begin immediately."
- C. "The stomach contents and air must be drained first."
- D. "The incision healing must be complete before feeding."
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The stomach contents and air must be drained first.' Before starting feedings through a gastrostomy tube, it is essential to drain the stomach contents and air. This process helps prevent complications and ensures the proper functioning of the tube after placement. Choice A is incorrect because initiating feedings within 5 to 7 days may lead to complications if the stomach is not adequately prepared. Choice B is incorrect as feeding should not begin immediately to allow for proper preparation of the tube and the stomach. Choice D is incorrect because although incision healing is important, draining the stomach contents and air is a more immediate concern to prevent complications.