HESI LPN
Medical Surgical Assignment Exam HESI
1. During the initial assessment of an older male client with obesity and diabetes who develops intermittent claudication, which additional information obtained by the nurse is most significant?
- A. Smokes 1.5 packs of cigarettes daily.
- B. Exercises regularly.
- C. Has a high-fat diet.
- D. Consumes alcohol daily.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Smokes 1.5 packs of cigarettes daily.' Smoking is a significant risk factor for peripheral arterial disease, a condition that can lead to intermittent claudication. The nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can damage blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of developing circulation problems. Choices B, C, and D are less significant in the context of intermittent claudication. Regular exercise, a high-fat diet, and daily alcohol consumption may have health implications, but they are not as directly linked to the development of intermittent claudication in the presence of obesity, diabetes, and smoking.
2. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. What do these symptoms indicate?
- A. Hypoglycemia
- B. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- C. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
- D. Insulin shock
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia are classic signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which occurs due to a combination of hyperglycemia and ketone production. Hypoglycemia (Choice A) is characterized by low blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms like confusion, shakiness, and sweating, which are different from the symptoms described in the scenario. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) (Choice C) typically presents with severe hyperglycemia, dehydration, and altered mental status, rather than the triad of symptoms mentioned. Insulin shock (Choice D) refers to a severe hypoglycemic reaction due to excessive insulin, manifesting with confusion, sweating, and rapid heartbeat, not the symptoms seen in the client with diabetes mellitus described in this scenario.
3. A client who took a camping vacation two weeks ago in a country with a tropical climate comes to the clinic describing vague symptoms and diarrhea for the past week. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the HCP?
- A. Weakness and fatigue
- B. Intestinal cramping
- C. Weight loss
- D. Jaundiced sclera
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most important finding to report to the healthcare provider is a jaundiced sclera. Jaundice suggests liver involvement, which can be a sign of a serious underlying condition. Weakness and fatigue, intestinal cramping, and weight loss are important symptoms, but jaundice indicates a more urgent issue that needs immediate attention.
4. What are priority nursing interventions designed to do for a 4-year-old child with cerebral palsy?
- A. Assist with referral to specialized education.
- B. Support the child with independent toileting.
- C. Assist the child to develop effective communication.
- D. Encourage the child to ambulate independently.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Assist the child to develop effective communication.' Children with cerebral palsy often face challenges with communication skills. Therefore, priority nursing interventions aim to help them improve their communication abilities. Choice A is incorrect because while education is important, the priority for a child with cerebral palsy is to address immediate needs. Choice B is incorrect as toileting, although important, is not the priority in this case. Choice D is incorrect as ambulation may not be feasible or the most critical concern for a child with cerebral palsy.
5. A young adult male is admitted to the intensive care unit with multiple rib fractures and severe pulmonary contusions after falling 20 feet from a rooftop. The Chest X-ray suggests acute Respiratory distress Syndrome. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the Nurse?
- A. Apical pulse 58 bpm.
- B. Core body temperature 100.8°F.
- C. Tachypnea with dyspnea.
- D. Multiple bruises over the chest area.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a patient with multiple rib fractures, severe pulmonary contusions, and possible acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), tachypnea (rapid breathing) with dyspnea (shortness of breath) is a critical sign of respiratory distress that warrants immediate intervention by the nurse. Tachypnea and dyspnea indicate inadequate oxygenation and ventilation, which can lead to respiratory failure if not addressed promptly. The other options, such as apical pulse rate, core body temperature, and bruises over the chest area, are important assessments but do not directly indicate the immediate need for intervention in a patient with respiratory distress.
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