a client with a history of chronic renal failure is admitted with generalized edemwhich laboratory value should the lpnlvn monitor to assess the clien
Logo

Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

HESI Fundamentals Study Guide

1. A client with a history of chronic renal failure is admitted with generalized edema. Which laboratory value should the LPN/LVN monitor to assess the client's fluid balance?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Serum albumin. In clients with chronic renal failure and generalized edema, monitoring serum albumin levels is crucial as it is a key indicator of fluid balance. Low serum albumin levels can contribute to edema formation due to decreased oncotic pressure, indicating fluid imbalance. Serum potassium (Choice A) is more related to kidney function and electrolyte balance in renal failure patients. Serum calcium (Choice B) is important for bone health but is not directly related to fluid balance. Serum sodium (Choice D) is more indicative of hydration status and electrolyte balance but may not directly reflect fluid balance in the context of chronic renal failure and edema.

2. The healthcare professional is preparing to administer potassium chloride intravenously to a client with hypokalemia. Which action is most important?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to dilute the potassium chloride in an appropriate IV solution. Potassium chloride should never be administered as a rapid IV push as it can lead to severe complications, including cardiac arrhythmias. Diluting the medication and administering it slowly helps reduce the risk of adverse effects. Monitoring the client's respiratory rate (Choice A) and checking urine output (Choice B) are important aspects of patient assessment but not the most crucial when administering potassium chloride. Administering potassium chloride as a rapid IV push (Choice C) is dangerous and can result in serious harm to the client.

3. A nurse is discussing the care of a group of clients with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following clients should the newly licensed nurse identify as experiencing chronic pain?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Chronic pain is typically defined as pain lasting longer than 3-6 months or persisting after the expected time for tissue healing. Episodic back pain following a fall 2 years ago fits the criteria for chronic pain. Option A describes acute pain related to a recent fracture. Option B describes acute postoperative pain. Option C describes acute pain associated with an acute condition (food poisoning). Therefore, the correct identification of a client experiencing chronic pain is the one with episodic back pain from a past injury, as it has lasted beyond the normal healing time.

4. A client has a new cast on the left arm, and the nurse is assessing the client. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pain with passive movement. Pain with passive movement in a client with a new cast can indicate compartment syndrome, a serious condition where pressure builds up within the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels of the affected limb, potentially leading to tissue damage. Immediate reporting is crucial to prevent further complications. Increased warmth in the affected arm could be a normal inflammatory response to the injury and casting process. Itching under the cast is common and can be managed without immediate concern. Drainage on the cast may be expected initially after casting due to residual moisture from the setting process, but ongoing or excessive drainage should be monitored and reported if persistent.

5. A client expresses pain during dressing changes postoperatively. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to address the client's immediate physiological need for comfort and pain relief during the dressing change. Administering pain medication 45 minutes before the procedure can help alleviate the pain experienced by the client. Encouraging relaxation techniques (choice A) is beneficial but may not provide sufficient pain relief during the dressing change. Educating about the importance of pain management (choice B) is relevant but does not address the immediate need for pain relief. Assisting the client to a comfortable position (choice C) is helpful but does not directly address the client's pain concern during the dressing change. Administering pain medication is the most direct and effective intervention to ensure optimal client comfort and compliance with necessary procedures.

Similar Questions

A healthcare professional is screening several clients at a neighborhood health fair. Which of the following assessment findings is the priority for referral for further care?
An older adult client appears agitated when the nurse requests that the client’s dentures be removed prior to surgery and states, “I never go anywhere without my teeth.” Which of the following is an appropriate nursing response?
A client is being taught how to self-administer daily low-dose heparin injections. Which of the following factors is most likely to increase the client’s motivation to learn?
A client who is postoperative is being taught how to use a flow-oriented incentive spirometer. Which of the following instructions should be included by the nurse?
A client with Guillain-Barre syndrome is in a non-responsive state, yet vital signs are stable and breathing is independent. What should the nurse document to most accurately describe the client's condition?

Access More Features

HESI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All HESI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

HESI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All HESI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses