HESI LPN
Adult Health Exam 1
1. The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube after thoracic surgery. What is the most important assessment related to the chest tube?
- A. Ensure continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
- B. Measure the amount of drainage every shift
- C. Keep the drainage system at the level of the chest
- D. Assess for subcutaneous emphysema around the insertion site
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most important assessment related to a chest tube after thoracic surgery is to assess for subcutaneous emphysema around the insertion site. Subcutaneous emphysema can indicate air leakage from the pleural space, which can lead to serious complications such as a pneumothorax. Ensuring continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber is not the most critical assessment as it is a normal finding in a chest drainage system. While measuring the amount of drainage is important to monitor the client's condition, it is not as crucial as assessing for subcutaneous emphysema. Keeping the drainage system at the level of the chest helps maintain proper function but is not the most critical assessment in this scenario.
2. What action should the nurse implement in caring for a client following an electroencephalogram (EEG)?
- A. Monitor the client's vital signs every 4 hours
- B. Assess the client's lower extremities for sensation
- C. Instruct the client to maintain bed rest
- D. Wash any paste from the client's hair and scalp
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct action the nurse should implement after an EEG is to wash any paste from the client's hair and scalp. This is crucial to prevent irritation and infection at the EEG site. Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours is not specifically indicated after an EEG. Assessing the client's lower extremities for sensation is unrelated to caring for a client post-EEG. While rest may be recommended after the procedure, there is no standard requirement for a specific duration of bed rest.
3. During a bed bath, the nurse observes that a client's IV site is red and swollen. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Discontinue the IV under physician's guidance
- B. Apply a warm compress to the site
- C. Notify the physician
- D. Document the appearance of the site and continue the bath
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct first action when a nurse observes a red and swollen IV site during a bed bath is to notify the physician. This is crucial because prompt reporting allows for immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Discontinuing the IV (Choice A) should only be done under the physician's guidance to avoid any adverse effects and ensure proper care. Applying a warm compress (Choice B) may not address the underlying issue and could potentially worsen the situation if the cause is an infection or infiltration. Documenting the site's appearance and continuing the bath (Choice D) without immediate action might delay necessary treatment, leading to potential complications.
4. What is the most important information the nurse should teach a diabetic client about foot care?
- A. Inspect feet daily
- B. Wear cotton socks
- C. Use lukewarm water to wash feet
- D. Cut nails straight across
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to inspect feet daily. For diabetic clients, daily foot inspection is crucial in preventing complications like infections and ulcers. By checking their feet regularly, clients can identify any issues early and seek appropriate medical care. The other choices are important aspects of foot care for diabetic clients but not as critical as daily foot inspections. Wearing cotton socks helps in moisture control, using lukewarm water to wash feet helps prevent skin damage, and cutting nails straight across prevents ingrown nails. However, daily foot inspection is the most vital as it allows for early detection of any potential problems, which is key in diabetic foot care.
5. A client with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. What is the primary action of this medication?
- A. Increases joint lubrication
- B. Reduces inflammation by suppressing the immune system
- C. Enhances bone density
- D. Stimulates cartilage regeneration
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant that works by suppressing the immune system, thereby reducing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate does not directly increase joint lubrication (Choice A) as its primary action is on the immune system. Choices C and D are incorrect since methotrexate does not enhance bone density or stimulate cartilage regeneration. It is crucial for healthcare providers to understand the mechanism of action of medications to provide safe and effective care to patients.
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