HESI LPN-ADN MOBILITY PRACTICE
EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A client is 24 hours post-operative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which nursing
intervention is most important to prevent dislocation of the new prosthesis?
A. Maintain the affected leg in an adducted position.
B. Place an abduction pillow between the client’s legs.
C. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 90 degrees.
D. Encourage the client to cross their legs while sitting.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: After a total hip arthroplasty, the leg must be kept in an
abducted position to prevent the femoral head from popping out of the acetabular cup.
Adduction, crossing legs, and hip flexion greater than 90 degrees are contraindicated.
2. A nurse is assessing a client with a femur fracture who suddenly develops dyspnea,
tachycardia, and a petechial rash on the chest. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Deep vein thrombosis
B. Pulmonary embolism
,C. Fat embolism syndrome
D. Compartment syndrome
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a risk following long bone
fractures. The classic triad includes respiratory distress, neurologic changes, and a
petechial rash, which distinguishes it from a standard pulmonary embolism.
3. Which clinical manifestation is considered the earliest sign of compartment syndrome in a
client with a lower leg cast?
A. Absence of a distal pulse
B. Paralysis of the toes
C. Pallor of the extremity
D. Paresthesia or tingling
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Paresthesia (numbness or tingling) is one of the earliest signs of
compartment syndrome due to nerve compression. Pulselessness and paralysis are late
signs indicating permanent damage.
4. A client with osteoporosis is prescribed alendronate. Which instruction is essential for the
nurse to include in the teaching plan?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of milk.
, B. Lie down for 30 minutes after taking the dose.
C. Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after administration.
D. Take the medication at bedtime.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Bisphosphonates like alendronate can cause severe esophageal
irritation. Clients must take it with a full glass of water on an empty stomach and remain
upright for 30-60 minutes.
5. The nurse is caring for a client in Buck’s traction. Which finding indicates a need for
immediate intervention?
A. The client’s heels are touching the bed surface.
B. The weights are hanging freely off the floor.
C. The skin under the foam boot is intact.
D. The client reports a pain level of 3 out of 10.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In Buck’s traction, the heels should be kept off the bed to
prevent pressure ulcers. Weights must hang freely, and the skin must be monitored
regularly.
EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A client is 24 hours post-operative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which nursing
intervention is most important to prevent dislocation of the new prosthesis?
A. Maintain the affected leg in an adducted position.
B. Place an abduction pillow between the client’s legs.
C. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 90 degrees.
D. Encourage the client to cross their legs while sitting.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: After a total hip arthroplasty, the leg must be kept in an
abducted position to prevent the femoral head from popping out of the acetabular cup.
Adduction, crossing legs, and hip flexion greater than 90 degrees are contraindicated.
2. A nurse is assessing a client with a femur fracture who suddenly develops dyspnea,
tachycardia, and a petechial rash on the chest. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Deep vein thrombosis
B. Pulmonary embolism
,C. Fat embolism syndrome
D. Compartment syndrome
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a risk following long bone
fractures. The classic triad includes respiratory distress, neurologic changes, and a
petechial rash, which distinguishes it from a standard pulmonary embolism.
3. Which clinical manifestation is considered the earliest sign of compartment syndrome in a
client with a lower leg cast?
A. Absence of a distal pulse
B. Paralysis of the toes
C. Pallor of the extremity
D. Paresthesia or tingling
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Paresthesia (numbness or tingling) is one of the earliest signs of
compartment syndrome due to nerve compression. Pulselessness and paralysis are late
signs indicating permanent damage.
4. A client with osteoporosis is prescribed alendronate. Which instruction is essential for the
nurse to include in the teaching plan?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of milk.
, B. Lie down for 30 minutes after taking the dose.
C. Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after administration.
D. Take the medication at bedtime.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Bisphosphonates like alendronate can cause severe esophageal
irritation. Clients must take it with a full glass of water on an empty stomach and remain
upright for 30-60 minutes.
5. The nurse is caring for a client in Buck’s traction. Which finding indicates a need for
immediate intervention?
A. The client’s heels are touching the bed surface.
B. The weights are hanging freely off the floor.
C. The skin under the foam boot is intact.
D. The client reports a pain level of 3 out of 10.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In Buck’s traction, the heels should be kept off the bed to
prevent pressure ulcers. Weights must hang freely, and the skin must be monitored
regularly.
