HESI LPN
Medical Surgical Assignment Exam HESI
1. The nurse is providing postoperative care for a client who had a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Hoarseness and weak voice
- B. Calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL (2.0 mmol/L)
- C. Heart rate of 110 beats per minute
- D. Difficulty swallowing
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Difficulty swallowing can indicate swelling or hematoma formation, which may compromise the airway and requires immediate intervention. Hoarseness and a weak voice are expected post-thyroidectomy due to manipulation of the laryngeal nerves but do not require immediate intervention. A calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL is within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) and may not require immediate intervention. A heart rate of 110 beats per minute may be elevated due to stress or pain postoperatively, but it does not indicate an immediate threat to the airway.
2. A client who is experiencing respiratory distress is admitted with respiratory acidosis. Which pathophysiological process supports the client’s respiratory acidosis?
- A. Low oxygen levels are present in the blood.
- B. High levels of carbon dioxide have accumulated in the blood.
- C. Increased bicarbonate levels are causing alkalosis.
- D. Respiratory rate is increased, causing hyperventilation.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: High levels of carbon dioxide in the blood lead to respiratory acidosis due to inadequate ventilation. The correct answer is B. In respiratory acidosis, the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood occurs due to inadequate exhalation, leading to acidosis. Choice A is incorrect as low oxygen levels are related to hypoxemia, not respiratory acidosis. Choice C is incorrect as increased bicarbonate levels would lead to alkalosis, not acidosis. Choice D is incorrect as an increased respiratory rate causing hyperventilation would actually help decrease carbon dioxide levels, not lead to respiratory acidosis.
3. 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.
4. What is the major criterion for diagnosing cognitive impairment in a child?
- A. An IQ of 75 or less
- B. Subaverage functioning
- C. An IQ of 70 or less
- D. Onset before 18
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct criterion for diagnosing cognitive impairment in a child is having an IQ of 70 or less. This range is typically used to define cognitive impairment in children. Choice A ('An IQ of 75 or less') is incorrect as the threshold is generally set at 70 or below. Choice B ('Subaverage functioning') is vague and does not specifically address the IQ criterion. Choice D ('Onset before 18') is unrelated to the primary criterion of IQ level used in diagnosing cognitive impairment in children.
5. Parents of a school-age child ask the nurse for suggestions in helping the child who is demonstrating school avoidance. What is an appropriate suggestion by the nurse?
- A. Take the child to the healthcare provider for testing.
- B. Be firm and insist the child go to school.
- C. Allow the child to stay home and rest.
- D. Consult with the teacher at school.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a child is demonstrating school avoidance, it is important for parents to be firm and insist that the child go to school. This helps establish a routine and prevents the behavior from becoming a pattern. Taking the child to the healthcare provider for testing (Choice A) may not be necessary at this stage as school avoidance is a behavioral issue. Allowing the child to stay home and rest (Choice C) may reinforce the avoidance behavior. While consulting with the teacher at school (Choice D) is important, the immediate focus should be on addressing the avoidance behavior at home.
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