HESI LPN
HESI Practice Test for Fundamentals
1. The patient has been in bed for several days and needs to be ambulated. Which action will the nurse take first?
- A. Maintain a narrow base of support.
- B. Dangle the patient at the bedside.
- C. Encourage isometric exercises.
- D. Suggest a high-calcium diet.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take first when a patient needs to be mobilized after being in bed for several days is to dangle the patient at the bedside. Dangling at the bedside is the initial step to assess the patient's tolerance to sitting up and moving. It helps prevent orthostatic hypotension and allows the nurse to evaluate the patient's response to upright positioning before attempting further ambulation. Maintaining a narrow base of support (Choice A) is related to assisting with ambulation but is not the first step. Encouraging isometric exercises (Choice C) and suggesting a high-calcium diet (Choice D) are not immediate actions needed to initiate mobilization in this scenario.
2. When assessing the skin of an immobilized patient, what should the nurse do?
- A. Assess the skin every 4 hours.
- B. Limit the amount of fluid intake.
- C. Use a standardized tool such as the Braden Scale.
- D. Have special times for inspection to not interrupt routine care.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When assessing the skin of an immobilized patient, it is essential to use a standardized tool like the Braden Scale. This tool helps in systematically evaluating the patient's risk of developing pressure ulcers. Assessing the skin every 4 hours (Choice A) may be too frequent or unnecessary unless there are specific concerns or orders. Limiting fluid intake (Choice B) is not directly related to skin assessment in an immobilized patient. Having special times for inspection to avoid interrupting routine care (Choice D) is not as crucial as using a standardized tool for consistent and comprehensive skin assessment.
3. The patient is immobilized after undergoing hip replacement surgery. Which finding will alert the nurse to monitor for hemorrhage in this patient?
- A. Thick, tenacious pulmonary secretions
- B. Low-molecular-weight heparin doses
- C. SCDs wrapped around the legs
- D. Elastic stockings (TED hose)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, which is low-molecular-weight heparin doses. After hip replacement surgery, patients are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to immobility. Heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin are commonly used for prophylaxis against DVT. Monitoring for hemorrhage is crucial when administering anticoagulants. Choices A, C, and D are not directly related to monitoring for hemorrhage in this scenario. Thick, tenacious pulmonary secretions (Choice A) may indicate respiratory issues, SCDs (Choice C) help prevent DVT but do not directly relate to hemorrhage monitoring, and elastic stockings (TED hose) (Choice D) are used for DVT prophylaxis but do not alert to hemorrhage.
4. A patient is placed in the Sims' position. Which areas will the nurse observe for pressure points?
- A. Chin, elbow, hips
- B. Ileum, clavicle, humerus
- C. Shoulder, anterior iliac spine, ankles
- D. Occipital region of the head, coccyx, heels
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a patient is placed in the Sims' position, the nurse should observe pressure points on the ileum, clavicle, humerus, knees, and ankles. Choice A is incorrect as the chin and hips are not typically pressure points in the Sims' position. Choice C is incorrect as the shoulder and anterior iliac spine are not commonly observed pressure points in this position. Choice D is also incorrect as the occipital region of the head, coccyx, and heels are not pressure points commonly associated with the Sims' position.
5. The healthcare professional caring for a patient who is immobile frequently checks for impaired skin integrity. What is the rationale for this action?
- A. Inadequate blood flow leads to decreased tissue ischemia.
- B. Patients with limited caloric intake develop thicker skin.
- C. Pressure reduces circulation to affected tissue.
- D. Verbalization of skin care needs is decreased.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The rationale behind checking for impaired skin integrity in an immobile patient is that pressure reduces circulation to the affected tissue. Prolonged pressure on specific body parts can lead to reduced blood flow to those areas, causing tissue damage and potentially leading to pressure ulcers. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because inadequate blood flow causing decreased tissue ischemia, limited caloric intake leading to thicker skin, and decreased verbalization of skin care needs are not directly related to the rationale for checking for impaired skin integrity in immobile patients.
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