HESI LPN
Medical Surgical Assignment Exam HESI
1. Which finding should the nurse report immediately for a client receiving a blood transfusion?
- A. Mild itching and rash
- B. Temperature increase of 1.5°F (0.8°C)
- C. Heart rate increase of 10 beats per minute
- D. Slight headache
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A temperature increase of 1.5°F (0.8°C) during a blood transfusion is a significant finding that can indicate a transfusion reaction, such as a febrile non-hemolytic reaction, which can progress to more severe reactions. It is crucial to report this immediately to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention. Mild itching and rash (choice A) are common minor reactions to blood transfusions and can be managed appropriately without immediate concern. An increase in heart rate by 10 beats per minute (choice C) is within an acceptable range and may be a normal compensatory response to the transfusion. A slight headache (choice D) is a common complaint and is not typically associated with severe transfusion reactions; thus, it does not require immediate reporting compared to the temperature increase.
2. A client with a chest tube following thoracic surgery needs care. Which task should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel?
- A. Teach deep breathing and coughing to the client.
- B. Assist the client to select food choices from the menu.
- C. Evaluate the client’s response to pain medication.
- D. Monitor the characteristics of the client's chest tube drainage.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because assisting the client with food choices is a task that can be safely delegated to assistive personnel. This task does not require nursing judgment or specialized skills. Choices A, C, and D involve assessing the client's condition, response to treatment, and monitoring critical aspects of care, which are nursing responsibilities that necessitate specialized knowledge and judgment. Teaching deep breathing and coughing (A), evaluating pain medication response (C), and monitoring chest tube drainage (D) require a higher level of training and expertise that should be performed by the nurse.
3. A client with heart failure is being taught by a nurse on reducing daily sodium intake. What is the most important factor in determining the client's ability to learn new dietary habits?
- A. The involvement of the client in planning the change
- B. The presence of a dietitian during the teaching
- C. The use of dietary supplements
- D. The client's family support
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most crucial factor in the client's ability to learn new dietary habits is their involvement in planning the change. When clients actively participate in setting their dietary goals, they are more likely to commit to and adhere to the changes. This empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, enhancing the chances of successful dietary modifications. The presence of a dietitian, use of dietary supplements, and family support, while beneficial, are not as critical as the client's active participation in planning the dietary changes.
4. A 4-year-old child is admitted with a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering antipyretics
- B. Administering antibiotics
- C. Monitoring fluid intake
- D. Providing nutritional support
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 4-year-old child admitted with bacterial pneumonia is administering antibiotics. Antibiotics are essential to treat the infection, prevent its spread, and avoid potential complications. Administering antipyretics (Choice A) may help reduce fever but does not address the underlying cause of pneumonia, which is bacterial in this case. Monitoring fluid intake (Choice C) is important to maintain hydration but does not directly treat the infection. Providing nutritional support (Choice D) is crucial for overall health, but the immediate priority is to address the bacterial infection with antibiotics to prevent further complications and promote recovery.
5. During a visit to the community health clinic, a 45-year-old Native American female, who has a BMI of 35, complains of changes in her vision. Which condition is most important for the RN to be aware of in the client's family history?
- A. Diabetes
- B. Glaucoma
- C. Hypertension
- D. Brain Tumor
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diabetes. Given the client's Native American ethnicity, high BMI, and vision changes, diabetes is the most crucial condition for the nurse to be aware of in the client's family history. Diabetes is strongly associated with vision problems, especially diabetic retinopathy. Glaucoma (choice B) is a condition that affects the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss but is not as directly linked to the client's BMI and ethnic background. Hypertension (choice C) can also impact vision, but in this case, diabetes takes precedence based on the client's profile. Brain tumor (choice D) is less likely to be related to the client's BMI, ethnicity, and vision changes compared to diabetes.