HESI LPN
Medical Surgical HESI 2023
1. What should the nurse assess in an infant who has been diagnosed with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis?
- A. A history of diarrhea following each feeding
- B. Gastric pain evidenced by vigorous crying
- C. Poor appetite due to a poor sucking reflex
- D. An olive-shaped mass right of the midline
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. In hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, a key assessment finding is an olive-shaped mass in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, to the right of the midline. This mass is palpable and represents the hypertrophied pyloric muscle. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because although they may be present in infants with feeding problems, the definitive assessment for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is the presence of an olive-shaped mass on the right side of the abdomen, not a history of diarrhea, gastric pain, or poor appetite.
2. A male client with muscular dystrophy fell in his home and is admitted with a right hip fracture. His right foot is cool, with palpable pedal pulses. Lungs are coarse with diminished bibasilar breath sounds. Vital signs are temperature 101 degrees F, heart rate 128 beats/minute, respirations 28 breaths/minute, and blood pressure 122/82. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement first?
- A. Obtain oxygen saturation level.
- B. Encourage incentive spirometry.
- C. Assess lower extremity circulation
- D. Administer PRN oral antipyretic.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Administering an antipyretic is the most important intervention. The client presents with an elevated temperature, tachycardia, and tachypnea, indicating a fever. Lowering the temperature with an antipyretic is crucial to prevent complications like dehydration, altered mental status, and increased oxygen demand. While assessing lower extremity circulation and oxygen saturation are important, addressing the elevated temperature takes priority in this scenario. Incentive spirometry may be beneficial but is not the priority compared to managing the fever.
3. Parents of a 5-year-old child diagnosed with cognitive impairment have come to the nurse to discuss different approaches to the ongoing care of their child. The nurse should suggest focusing on what activity?
- A. Acquiring job skills
- B. Making decisions
- C. Performing self-care activities
- D. Reading and doing simple math
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Performing self-care activities. For a 5-year-old child diagnosed with cognitive impairment, it is crucial to focus on teaching them basic self-care skills. This includes activities like dressing themselves, feeding, and personal hygiene. These skills are fundamental for their daily living and independence. Choices A, B, and D are not appropriate for a young child with cognitive impairment. Acquiring job skills is not developmentally suitable at this age, making decisions may be challenging due to cognitive limitations, and reading and doing simple math may be too advanced for their current cognitive abilities.
4. What pathophysiologic process is producing the symptoms of gout in a client with sudden onset of big toe joint pain and swelling?
- A. Deposition of crystals in the synovial space of the joints produces inflammation and irritation.
- B. Degeneration of joint cartilage causing inflammation.
- C. Infection of the joint space leading to inflammation.
- D. Increased synovial fluid causing joint swelling and pain.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Gout is characterized by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the synovial fluid of joints, which triggers inflammation and pain. This process is known as crystal-induced arthritis. Choice B is incorrect as gout does not involve degeneration of joint cartilage. Choice C is incorrect as gout is not caused by an infection of the joint space. Choice D is incorrect as gout does not result from increased synovial fluid but rather from the deposition of uric acid crystals.
5. What most influences the severity of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)?
- A. Poor cough and gag reflex
- B. The gestational age at birth
- C. Administering high concentrations of oxygen
- D. The sex of the infant
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The gestational age at birth most influences the severity of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). RDS is caused by a deficiency of surfactant and it occurs almost exclusively in preterm, low-birth weight infants. Therefore, the gestational age at birth is a key factor in determining the likelihood and severity of RDS. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the primary factor influencing the severity of RDS.
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