HESI LPN
HESI Test Bank Medical Surgical Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
The parents of a child who has been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia ask why their child experiences pain. What is the most likely cause of the pain?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Obstructed blood flow. In sickle cell anemia, the sickle-shaped red blood cells can clump together, obstructing blood flow in the vessels. This obstruction leads to tissue hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and necrosis, causing pain. Choice A, inflammation of the vessels, is not the primary cause of pain in sickle cell anemia. Choice C, overhydration, is unrelated to the pathophysiology of sickle cell anemia. Choice D, stress-related headaches, is not a characteristic symptom of sickle cell anemia.
Question 2 of 9
When performing postural drainage on a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which approach should the nurse use?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct approach when performing postural drainage on a client with COPD is to assist the patient into a position that allows gravity to help move secretions. This position helps drain secretions from specific segments of the lungs. Obtaining arterial blood gases (Choice A) is not directly related to postural drainage. While the client may be placed in multiple positions during postural drainage, the key is to position them to facilitate the movement of secretions, not just any five positions as mentioned in Choice B. Encouraging deep breathing (Choice D) is a good nursing intervention for overall respiratory health but is not specifically related to the technique of postural drainage.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is obtaining a client's fingerstick glucose level. After gently milking the client's finger, the nurse observes that the distal tip of the finger appears reddened and engorged. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When the nurse observes that the distal tip of the client's finger is reddened and engorged after milking, it indicates adequate blood flow. At this point, the appropriate action is to collect the blood sample for glucose level testing. Assessing radial pulse volume (Choice B) is unrelated to the situation and not necessary. Applying pressure to the site (Choice C) may disrupt the blood sample collection process. Selecting another finger (Choice D) is not warranted as the engorgement indicates sufficient blood flow for sampling.
Question 4 of 9
What assessment findings should lead the nurse to suspect Down syndrome in a newborn?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Low-set ears and a simian crease.' These are key physical characteristics commonly seen in newborns with Down syndrome. Low-set ears, along with a simian crease (a single palmar crease), are indicative of Down syndrome. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because hypertonia, dark skin, inner epicanthal folds, a high, domed forehead, long, thin fingers, and excessive hair are not specific features associated with Down syndrome in newborns. Therefore, the presence of low-set ears and a simian crease should raise suspicion for Down syndrome and prompt further evaluation.
Question 5 of 9
While changing the dressing of a client with a leg ulcer, the nurse observes a red, tender, and swollen wound at the site of the lesion. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neutrophil count. Neutrophil count helps assess for infection, which is indicated by the redness, tenderness, and swelling of the wound. Elevated neutrophil count is a common sign of bacterial infection. Hematocrit (choice B) measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells and is not directly related to wound infection. Blood pH (choice C) and serum potassium and sodium (choice D) are important for assessing acid-base balance and electrolyte levels but are not the primary indicators of wound infection.
Question 6 of 9
A child has developed a diaper rash, and the parents are using zinc oxide to treat it. What does the nurse suggest to aid in the removal of the zinc oxide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To completely remove ointment, especially zinc oxide, mineral oil should be used. Mineral oil helps in gently breaking down and lifting the ointment without causing irritation. Mild soap and water (Choice A) may not be effective in completely removing zinc oxide. A cotton ball (Choice B) may not provide the necessary lubrication to aid in the removal process. Alcohol swabs (Choice D) can be harsh on the skin and are not recommended for this purpose.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is teaching a client how to collect a sputum specimen. Which steps should the nurse instruct the client to follow when collecting sputum?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to breathe deeply followed by coughing up the sputum. This method ensures that the specimen is collected from the lower respiratory tract and is not contaminated by saliva. Choice A (swallowing) does not result in sputum collection, while choice B (spitting into a cup) may lead to saliva contamination. Choice D (clearing the throat) is not an effective way to collect sputum as it may involve getting rid of saliva, not sputum.
Question 8 of 9
Which is a long-term complication of cleft lip and palate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Faulty dentition.' The older child with cleft lip and palate may experience psychological difficulties due to the cosmetic appearance of the defect, issues with impaired speech, and faulty dentition. This can lead to problems with dental alignment, crowding, missing or malformed teeth, and other dental issues. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as cognitive impairment, altered growth and development, and physical abilities are not typically considered long-term complications of cleft lip and palate.
Question 9 of 9
An adult client who received partial-thickness and full-thickness burns over 40% of the body in a house fire is admitted to the inpatient burn unit.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In burn patients, Lactated Ringer's solution is preferred over other options as it helps in restoring fluid and electrolyte balance effectively. Lactated Ringer's contains electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium) that closely mimic the body's natural composition, making it a suitable choice for fluid resuscitation in burn injuries. Normal Saline (Choice A) lacks electrolytes like potassium and calcium, which are essential in burn management. 5% Dextrose in water (Choice C) is a hypotonic solution and is not the ideal choice for fluid resuscitation in burn patients. 0.45% Sodium Chloride (Choice D) is a hypotonic solution mainly used for conditions requiring free water replacement rather than volume expansion needed in burn injuries.