HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Exam Test Bank
1. While measuring a client’s vital signs, the nurse notices an irregularity in the heart rate. Which nursing action is appropriate?
- A. Count the apical pulse rate for 1 full minute, and describe the rhythm in the chart
- B. Measure the blood pressure
- C. Perform an ECG
- D. Recheck the heart rate after 5 minutes
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The appropriate nursing action when an irregularity in the heart rate is observed is to count the apical pulse rate for a full minute and describe the rhythm in the chart. This approach helps in obtaining an accurate assessment of the irregularities present. Measuring the blood pressure (Choice B) is important but not the immediate priority when an irregular heart rate is noted. Performing an ECG (Choice C) may be necessary but is a more advanced intervention that should follow the initial assessment. Rechecking the heart rate after 5 minutes (Choice D) may delay potential interventions for addressing the irregularity, making it less appropriate than the immediate assessment and documentation of the pulse rhythm.
2. Which neonatal complications are associated with hypertension in the mother?
- A. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and prematurity.
- B. Seizures and cerebral hemorrhage.
- C. Hepatic or renal dysfunction.
- D. Placental abruption and DIC.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Neonatal complications associated with maternal hypertension are primarily due to placental insufficiency. The correct answer is A, which includes Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and prematurity. These complications arise from inadequate blood flow to the fetus, leading to growth restriction and premature birth. Choices B, seizures, and cerebral hemorrhage are more commonly maternal complications rather than neonatal ones. Choice C, hepatic or renal dysfunction, pertains to maternal complications of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, not neonatal issues. Choice D, placental abruption, and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) are conditions linked to maternal morbidity and mortality, not neonatal complications.
3. The client is being taught how to use a peak flow meter. The nurse explains that this device should be used to:
- A. Determine oxygen saturation
- B. Measure forced expiratory volume
- C. Monitor the atmosphere for the presence of allergens
- D. Provide metered doses for inhaled bronchodilator
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A peak flow meter is used to measure forced expiratory volume, which helps in monitoring asthma. This measurement provides valuable information about how well the client's lungs are functioning and how narrow their airways are. Choice A is incorrect because determining oxygen saturation is typically done using a pulse oximeter. Choice C is incorrect as a peak flow meter is not used to monitor the atmosphere for allergens but rather to assess lung function. Choice D is incorrect as providing metered doses for inhaled bronchodilators is the function of a metered-dose inhaler, not a peak flow meter.
4. At 0345, you receive a call for a woman in labor. Upon arriving at the scene, you are greeted by a very anxious man who tells you that his wife is having her baby 'now.' This man escorts you into the living room where a 25-year-old woman is lying on the couch in obvious pain. After determining that delivery is not imminent, you begin transport. While en route, the mother tells you that she feels the urge to push. You assess her and see the top of the baby's head bulging from the vagina. What is your most appropriate first action?
- A. allow the head to deliver and check for the location of the cord
- B. advise your partner to stop the ambulance and assist with the delivery
- C. tell the mother to take short, quick breaths until you arrive at the hospital
- D. prepare the mother for an emergency delivery and open the obstetrics kit
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action in this scenario is to advise your partner to stop the ambulance and assist with the delivery. When the mother feels the urge to push and you see the baby's head bulging from the vagina, it indicates an imminent delivery. Stopping the ambulance allows for a safer environment for the delivery of the baby and ensures that immediate assistance can be provided to both the mother and the newborn. Allowing the head to deliver before checking for the cord (Choice A) may delay necessary interventions in case of complications. Instructing the mother to take short, quick breaths (Choice C) is not appropriate when the baby's head is already visible. Preparing for an emergency delivery and opening the obstetrics kit (Choice D) is important but should come after stopping the ambulance and assisting with the imminent birth.
5. A client with moderate persistent asthma is admitted for a minor surgical procedure. On admission, the peak flow meter is measured at 480 liters/minute. Post-operatively, the client is complaining of chest tightness. The peak flow has dropped to 200 liters/minute. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider
- B. Administer the PRN dose of Albuterol
- C. Apply oxygen at 2 liters per nasal cannula
- D. Repeat the peak flow reading in 30 minutes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a client with moderate persistent asthma experiencing a drop in peak flow and chest tightness post-operatively, the first action the nurse should take is to administer the PRN dose of Albuterol. Albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator that helps relieve bronchospasm and improve breathing. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice A) can be done after initiating immediate treatment with Albuterol. Applying oxygen (choice C) may be necessary but addressing the bronchospasm with Albuterol is the priority. Repeating the peak flow reading (choice D) can be considered after administering Albuterol to assess the response to treatment.