HESI LPN
HESI Fundamentals Study Guide
1. A healthcare professional is preparing to inject heparin subcutaneously for a client who is postoperative. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?
- A. Use a 25-gauge needle.
- B. Select a site on the client’s abdomen.
- C. Use the Z-track technique to displace the skin on the injection site.
- D. Observe for bleb formation to confirm proper placement.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: For subcutaneous injections like heparin, a 25-27 gauge needle is recommended, making choice A incorrect. The abdomen is a commonly used site for heparin injection due to its consistent absorption and convenience, making choice B the correct answer. The Z-track technique is not necessary for subcutaneous injections, making choice C unnecessary. Observing for bleb formation is not a standard practice for confirming proper placement of subcutaneous heparin, making choice D incorrect. Therefore, the correct action is to select a site on the client's abdomen for the injection.
2. A client is refusing a blood transfusion for religious reasons. The client's partner wants the client to have the blood transfusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Ask the client to consider a direct donation
- B. Withhold the blood transfusion
- C. Request a consultation with the ethics committee
- D. Ask the client's family to intervene
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to withhold the blood transfusion. The principle of autonomy ensures that a competent client has the right to refuse treatment, even if their decision conflicts with the wishes of their partner or family. Asking the client to consider a direct donation (Choice A) is not appropriate as it disregards the client's autonomy and religious beliefs. Requesting a consultation with the ethics committee (Choice C) may be considered in complex ethical dilemmas, but in this case, the client's autonomy should be respected first. Asking the client's family to intervene (Choice D) is not appropriate as the client has the right to make their own healthcare decisions based on their religious beliefs.
3. A client with hypertension is prescribed a low-sodium diet. Which food should the LPN/LVN recommend the client avoid?
- A. Fresh fruits
- B. Grilled chicken
- C. Whole grain bread
- D. Canned soup
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, canned soup. Canned soup is often high in sodium, which contradicts the low-sodium diet prescribed for hypertension. Fresh fruits (A) are generally low in sodium and are a healthy choice. Grilled chicken (B) is a lean protein option that is suitable for a low-sodium diet. Whole grain bread (C) is also a good choice as it is not typically high in sodium. Therefore, the LPN/LVN should recommend avoiding canned soup to adhere to the low-sodium dietary restrictions.
4. A male client being discharged with a prescription for the bronchodilator theophylline tells the nurse that he understands he is to take three doses of the medication each day. Since timed-release capsules are not available at the time of discharge, which dosing schedule should the LPN advise the client to follow?
- A. 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m.
- B. 8 a.m., 4 p.m., and midnight.
- C. Before breakfast, before lunch, and before dinner.
- D. With breakfast, with lunch, and with dinner.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct dosing schedule for the client to follow is to take the medication at 8 a.m., 4 p.m., and midnight. This timing spaces the doses evenly over the waking hours, ensuring consistent therapeutic levels of the medication. Choice A (9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m.) does not evenly distribute the doses throughout the day. Choices C (Before breakfast, before lunch, and before dinner) and D (With breakfast, with lunch, and with dinner) do not provide the required frequency of dosing needed for optimal therapeutic effect.
5. A client with diabetes mellitus reports feeling anxious, shaky, and weak. These findings are manifestations of which of the following complications?
- A. Hyperglycemia
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Ketoacidosis
- D. Dawn phenomenon
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Hypoglycemia. In diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, shakiness, and weakness due to low blood sugar levels. Hyperglycemia (choice A) is high blood sugar levels and typically presents with symptoms like increased thirst and frequent urination. Ketoacidosis (choice C) is a serious complication of diabetes characterized by high levels of ketones in the blood, leading to symptoms such as fruity breath and rapid breathing. The Dawn phenomenon (choice D) refers to an abnormal early-morning increase in blood sugar levels without an associated hypoglycemia during the night.
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