HESI LPN
Medical Surgical HESI 2023
1. A client is admitted to the medical unit during an exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is most important to report which assessment finding to the healthcare provider?
- A. Low-grade fever.
- B. Muscle atrophy.
- C. Hematuria.
- D. Joint pain.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Hematuria is the most important assessment finding to report to the healthcare provider in a client with SLE during an exacerbation. Hematuria indicates kidney involvement, a serious complication of SLE that requires prompt medical attention. While low-grade fever, muscle atrophy, and joint pain are symptoms that can occur in SLE, hematuria signifies potential renal damage, which is a critical concern in SLE exacerbations.
2. The nurse notes that a postoperative client's wound site is red and slightly swollen. What is the most appropriate action?
- A. Apply an ice pack
- B. Document the findings and monitor
- C. Notify the surgeon
- D. Clean the wound with sterile saline
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to notify the surgeon. Redness and swelling at a wound site can indicate an infection, which may require medical intervention. Applying an ice pack (choice A) is not appropriate without further assessment. While documenting the findings and monitoring (choice B) is important, it should be accompanied by notifying the surgeon for further evaluation. Cleaning the wound with sterile saline (choice D) may not be sufficient if an infection is present, so immediate communication with the surgeon is crucial.
3. Select the nursing theorist who is accurately paired with the theory or model of nursing that they are credited with.
- A. The Twelve Nursing Problems: Faye Glenn Abdullah
- B. The Nature of Nursing: Imogene King
- C. The Goal Attainment Theory: Virginia Henderson
- D. The Interpersonal Relations Model: Hildegard Peplau
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Hildegard Peplau is credited with the Interpersonal Relations Model in nursing. Faye Glenn Abdullah is associated with the Developmental Theory of Nursing. Imogene King developed the Theory of Goal Attainment. Virginia Henderson is known for the Definition of Nursing. Therefore, among the given options, only Hildegard Peplau is correctly paired with the Interpersonal Relations Model.
4. A client has developed thrombophlebitis of the left leg. Which nursing intervention should be given the highest priority?
- A. Elevate leg on 2 pillows
- B. Apply support stockings
- C. Apply warm compresses
- D. Maintain complete bed rest
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The highest priority nursing intervention for a client with thrombophlebitis of the left leg is to elevate the leg on 2 pillows. Elevating the leg helps reduce swelling and pain associated with thrombophlebitis by promoting venous return. Applying support stockings (choice B) can be beneficial but is not the highest priority as elevation is more effective in the acute phase. Applying warm compresses (choice C) may worsen the condition by dilating the blood vessels, leading to increased pain and swelling. Maintaining complete bed rest (choice D) is important, but elevation takes precedence to improve circulation and reduce the risk of complications.
5. While planning care for a client with carpal tunnel syndrome, the nurse identifies a collaborative problem of pain. What is the etiology of this problem?
- A. Irritation of nerve endings
- B. Diminished blood flow
- C. Ischemic tissue changes
- D. Compression of a nerve
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Compression of a nerve. In carpal tunnel syndrome, pain arises from the compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. This compression leads to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because carpal tunnel syndrome pain is primarily caused by the physical compression of the nerve, rather than irritation of nerve endings, diminished blood flow, or ischemic tissue changes.