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 with Parkinson's disease is experiencing difficulty swallowing. Which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent aspiration?
- A. Encourage the client to eat quickly.
- B. Provide a straw for liquids.
- C. Place the client in an upright position during meals.
- D. Offer thin liquids.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Placing the client in an upright position during meals is the correct intervention to prevent aspiration in a client with Parkinson's disease. This position helps facilitate swallowing and reduces the risk of aspiration. Choice A is incorrect because encouraging the client to eat quickly can increase the risk of choking and aspiration. Choice B is not the best option as straws may not prevent aspiration effectively. Choice D is incorrect as thin liquids can actually increase the risk of aspiration in individuals with swallowing difficulties.
3. A woman with chronic osteoarthritis is complaining of knee pain. Which pathophysiological process is contributing to her pain?
- A. Inflammation of the synovial membrane.
- B. Degeneration of the cartilage in the joint.
- C. Joint inflammation occurs when chondrocyte injury destroys joint cartilage, producing osteophytes.
- D. Formation of uric acid crystals in the joint space.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. In osteoarthritis, the breakdown of cartilage in the joints leads to chondrocyte injury, which results in the destruction of joint cartilage and the production of osteophytes. This process causes joint inflammation and pain. Choice A is incorrect because osteoarthritis primarily involves the articular cartilage rather than the synovial membrane. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the degeneration of cartilage but does not explain the specific pathophysiological process contributing to pain in osteoarthritis. Choice D is incorrect as the formation of uric acid crystals is characteristic of gout, not osteoarthritis.
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. An adolescent female asks the nurse about taking retinoic acid (Accutane). What guidance should be provided by the nurse?
- A. The medication should be used for 10 weeks only.
- B. The medication requires that sexually active females use contraception.
- C. The medication lowers hemoglobin levels very quickly.
- D. The medication has few side effects.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct guidance the nurse should provide is that sexually active females must use contraception while taking Accutane and for 1 month after the 20 weeks it is prescribed. Choice A is incorrect because Accutane is typically taken for a longer duration than 10 weeks. Choice C is incorrect because Accutane does not lower hemoglobin levels quickly. Choice D is incorrect as Accutane is known for having many side effects, including the risk of birth defects.
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