HESI LPN
HESI PN Exit Exam
1. Which of the following is a common side effect of opioid analgesics that the nurse should monitor for in patients?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Hypertension
- C. Constipation
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Constipation is a common side effect of opioid analgesics due to the slowing of gastrointestinal motility. Opioids bind to receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to decreased peristalsis and increased water absorption, resulting in constipation. Monitoring for constipation is crucial to prevent discomfort or complications like bowel obstruction. Diarrhea (Choice A) is not a common side effect of opioid analgesics. Hypertension (Choice B) and Bradycardia (Choice D) are not typically associated with opioid use.
2. What is the process in which the double helix of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) duplicates?
- A. Amniocentesis
- B. Mitosis
- C. Meiosis
- D. Mutation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Mitosis is the correct answer because it is the process of cell division in which a cell duplicates its DNA and divides into two identical daughter cells. During mitosis, the DNA is replicated, and each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material. Amniocentesis is a medical procedure to collect amniotic fluid for prenatal genetic testing and is not related to DNA duplication. Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces gametes with half the genetic material of the parent cell, leading to genetic diversity. Mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that can lead to genetic variations but is not the process of DNA duplication.
3. A client post-mastectomy is concerned about the risk of lymphedema. What should the nurse include in the discharge instructions to minimize this risk?
- A. Wear compression garments on the affected arm.
- B. Avoid venipunctures and blood pressure measurements on the affected arm.
- C. Perform vigorous exercises to strengthen the affected arm.
- D. Keep the affected arm elevated at all times.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To minimize the risk of lymphedema after a mastectomy, it is essential to instruct the client to avoid venipunctures and blood pressure measurements on the affected arm. These procedures can lead to trauma or impede lymphatic flow, increasing the risk of lymphedema. Wearing compression garments helps manage lymphedema but is not preventive. Performing vigorous exercises can strain the affected arm and increase the risk of lymphedema. Keeping the affected arm elevated at all times is unnecessary and not an effective preventive measure against lymphedema.
4. A client with a tracheostomy is being taught by a nurse and their family how to care for the tracheostomy at home. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Use tracheostomy covers when outdoors.
- B. Clean the tracheostomy with alcohol.
- C. Replace the tracheostomy tube every week.
- D. Cover the tracheostomy with a wet cloth when sleeping.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Using tracheostomy covers when outdoors is essential to protect the tracheostomy from dust and debris, reducing the risk of infection. Tracheostomy covers help maintain cleanliness and prevent foreign particles from entering the stoma. Choice B is incorrect because cleaning the tracheostomy with alcohol can be too harsh and drying for the skin surrounding the stoma, leading to skin irritation. Choice C is incorrect as tracheostomy tubes are typically replaced only when clinically indicated or as per the healthcare provider's instructions, not routinely every week, to prevent unnecessary risks and complications. Choice D is incorrect as covering the tracheostomy with a wet cloth when sleeping can create a moist environment ideal for bacterial growth, increasing the risk of infection and skin breakdown. It is important to keep the tracheostomy site clean, dry, and protected to maintain optimal hygiene and prevent complications.
5. What action should be taken to maintain the patency of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)?
- A. Flush the catheter with heparin solution daily.
- B. Change the dressing at the insertion site daily.
- C. Use sterile technique when changing the dressing.
- D. Keep the insertion site dry at all times.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to use sterile technique when changing the dressing. This practice is essential for preventing infections that can compromise the patency of the PICC line. While flushing the catheter with heparin solution helps prevent clot formation, it does not directly maintain patency. Changing the dressing daily is important for hygiene but does not have a direct impact on catheter patency. Keeping the insertion site dry is crucial to prevent infections but does not specifically address patency maintenance.