HESI LPN
Adult Health 2 Exam 1
1. A client with chronic kidney disease is being evaluated for dialysis. Which laboratory value would be most concerning to the nurse?
- A. Hemoglobin 9.5 g/dL
- B. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
- C. Creatinine 3.5 mg/dL
- D. BUN 50 mg/dL
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potassium 6.2 mEq/L. In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys struggle to regulate potassium levels, leading to hyperkalemia. A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is dangerously high and can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Hemoglobin of 9.5 g/dL may indicate anemia, which is common in chronic kidney disease but is not immediately life-threatening. Creatinine and BUN levels are markers of kidney function; although elevated levels indicate kidney impairment, they are not acutely life-threatening like severe hyperkalemia.
2. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which instruction is most important to prevent complications?
- A. Monitor blood glucose levels regularly
- B. Maintain a low-fat diet
- C. Exercise regularly
- D. Take medication as prescribed
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is crucial in managing diabetes and preventing complications. This allows the client and healthcare team to make timely adjustments to the treatment plan. While maintaining a low-fat diet, exercising regularly, and taking medication as prescribed are all important aspects of diabetes management, monitoring blood glucose levels takes precedence as it provides real-time information about the client's condition and helps prevent acute complications.
3. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is struggling to breathe. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Increase the oxygen flow rate according to the prescription
- B. Encourage the client to perform pursed-lip breathing
- C. Prepare for emergency intubation
- D. Assess the client's oxygen saturation and breath sounds
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct first action for a nurse when a client with COPD is struggling to breathe is to assess the client's oxygen saturation and breath sounds. This initial assessment is crucial in determining the severity of the client's condition and the appropriate intervention. Increasing the oxygen flow rate without proper assessment can potentially be harmful, as COPD clients have a risk of retaining carbon dioxide. Encouraging pursed-lip breathing can be beneficial but should come after assessing the client's current status. Emergency intubation is a drastic measure and should only be considered after a comprehensive assessment indicates the need for it.
4. The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has just undergone a thoracentesis. Which finding should be reported immediately?
- A. Diminished breath sounds on the affected side.
- B. Pain at the procedure site.
- C. Blood-tinged sputum.
- D. Shortness of breath.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Shortness of breath should be reported immediately as it may indicate a pneumothorax, a potential complication of thoracentesis. Diminished breath sounds on the affected side, pain at the procedure site, and blood-tinged sputum are common findings post-thoracentesis and do not necessarily indicate immediate complications like a pneumothorax.
5. The nurse is caring for a client who underwent a total knee replacement yesterday. What activity level should the nurse encourage today?
- A. Bed rest with bathroom privileges only
- B. Frequent, short walks with assistance
- C. Range of motion exercises to the knee every four hours
- D. Leg elevation to reduce swelling
Correct answer: B
Rationale: After a total knee replacement, early ambulation is crucial for promoting circulation and preventing complications like thrombosis. Bed rest should be avoided as it can increase the risk of complications. Range of motion exercises are important but should be performed gradually and not excessively. Leg elevation is beneficial for reducing swelling but should not be the primary activity level encouraged immediately after surgery.
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