a client who had surgery yesterday is becoming increasingly anxious the clients respiratory rate has increased to 38 breathsminute the client has a na
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

HESI Test Bank Medical Surgical Nursing

1. A client who had surgery yesterday is becoming increasingly anxious. The client’s respiratory rate has increased to 38 breaths/minute. The client has a nasogastric tube to low intermittent suction with 500 ml of yellow-green drainage over the last four hours. The client's arterial blood gases (ABGs) indicate a decreased CO2 and an increased serum pH. Which serum laboratory value should the nurse monitor first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Electrolytes. In this scenario, the client is at risk for metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of gastric secretions through the nasogastric tube. Monitoring electrolytes is crucial to assess the levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, which are important in maintaining the acid-base balance of the body. Changes in these electrolyte levels can provide valuable information about the client's fluid status and acid-base balance. Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and glucose levels are important parameters to monitor in different situations but are not the priority in this case of potential metabolic alkalosis.

2. What is the major criterion for diagnosing cognitive impairment in a child?

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.

3. A client with peptic ulcer disease is prescribed sucralfate. What is the mechanism of action of this medication?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Covers the ulcer site and protects it from acid. Sucralfate works by forming a protective barrier over ulcers, shielding them from stomach acid and promoting healing. Choice A, neutralizing stomach acid, is incorrect as sucralfate does not neutralize acid but acts as a physical barrier. Choice B, decreasing gastric acid secretion, is not the mechanism of action of sucralfate. Choice D, improving gastric motility, is unrelated to sucralfate's action on peptic ulcers.

4. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction that the nurse should include in the teaching plan for a client prescribed methotrexate is to report any signs of infection immediately. Methotrexate can suppress the immune system, making the individual more susceptible to infections. Reporting signs of infection promptly allows for timely intervention. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding folic acid supplements is not recommended because methotrexate can lead to folate deficiency, so supplementation may be necessary. There is no direct correlation between fluid intake limitation and methotrexate use. Increasing high-calcium foods is not specifically related to methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.

5. Which nursing intervention is most important for the nurse to implement when caring for an older client who is legally blind?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to speak to the client each time the nurse enters the room. This intervention is crucial for orienting and reassuring the client, promoting safety, and facilitating communication. Keeping the room well-lit (Choice A) can be helpful but is not as essential as direct verbal communication. Ensuring the client wears glasses (Choice C) may not be feasible or necessary for someone who is legally blind. Providing written instructions in large print (Choice D) is not effective for a client with visual impairments.

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