HESI LPN-ADN ENTRANCE MOBILITY
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient with chronic renal failure has a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which
cardiac monitor finding is most consistent with this lab value?
A. Prominent U-waves
B. Tall, peaked T-waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Shortened PR interval
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically manifests as
tall, peaked T-waves on an ECG. U-waves and ST depression are associated with
hypokalemia.
2. The nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with COPD reporting a productive cough and yellow sputum.
B. A client post-thyroidectomy reporting tingling in the fingers and toes.
,C. A client with a broken hip awaiting surgery who is requesting pain medication.
D. A client with diabetes mellitus whose fasting blood glucose is 150 mg/dL.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Tingling in the fingers and toes (paresthesia) after a
thyroidectomy suggests hypocalcemia, which can lead to laryngospasm and airway
obstruction, making it the highest priority.
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving Magnesium Sulfate for preeclampsia. Which
assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
B. Presence of 2+ deep tendon reflexes
C. Blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg
D. Urine output of 40 mL per hour
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium toxicity is characterized by respiratory depression
(rate < 12), loss of deep tendon reflexes, and decreased urine output. A rate of 10 requires
immediate cessation of the infusion.
4. Which task is most appropriate for the RN to delegate to an unlicensed assistive personnel
(UAP)?
A. Updating the care plan for a client with a new pressure ulcer.
, B. Performing a sterile dressing change on a post-operative wound.
C. Obtaining vital signs on a stable client being discharged.
D. Teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: UAPs can perform routine tasks on stable clients, such as vital
signs. Assessment, teaching, and sterile procedures require the clinical judgment of an RN
or LPN.
5. A client with a history of heart failure is taking Digoxin 0.125 mg daily. Which electrolyte
imbalance increases the risk for Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) sensitize the myocardium
to digoxin, significantly increasing the risk of toxicity, even if the digoxin level is within the
therapeutic range.
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient with chronic renal failure has a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which
cardiac monitor finding is most consistent with this lab value?
A. Prominent U-waves
B. Tall, peaked T-waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Shortened PR interval
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically manifests as
tall, peaked T-waves on an ECG. U-waves and ST depression are associated with
hypokalemia.
2. The nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with COPD reporting a productive cough and yellow sputum.
B. A client post-thyroidectomy reporting tingling in the fingers and toes.
,C. A client with a broken hip awaiting surgery who is requesting pain medication.
D. A client with diabetes mellitus whose fasting blood glucose is 150 mg/dL.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Tingling in the fingers and toes (paresthesia) after a
thyroidectomy suggests hypocalcemia, which can lead to laryngospasm and airway
obstruction, making it the highest priority.
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving Magnesium Sulfate for preeclampsia. Which
assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
B. Presence of 2+ deep tendon reflexes
C. Blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg
D. Urine output of 40 mL per hour
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium toxicity is characterized by respiratory depression
(rate < 12), loss of deep tendon reflexes, and decreased urine output. A rate of 10 requires
immediate cessation of the infusion.
4. Which task is most appropriate for the RN to delegate to an unlicensed assistive personnel
(UAP)?
A. Updating the care plan for a client with a new pressure ulcer.
, B. Performing a sterile dressing change on a post-operative wound.
C. Obtaining vital signs on a stable client being discharged.
D. Teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: UAPs can perform routine tasks on stable clients, such as vital
signs. Assessment, teaching, and sterile procedures require the clinical judgment of an RN
or LPN.
5. A client with a history of heart failure is taking Digoxin 0.125 mg daily. Which electrolyte
imbalance increases the risk for Digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) sensitize the myocardium
to digoxin, significantly increasing the risk of toxicity, even if the digoxin level is within the
therapeutic range.
