HESI LPN
Adult Health 1 Final Exam
1. A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Hyponatremia
- B. Hypokalemia
- C. Hypercalcemia
- D. Hypernatremia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyponatremia. Lithium can affect sodium levels in the body, potentially leading to hyponatremia, which is a condition characterized by low sodium levels. This imbalance requires close monitoring as it can lead to symptoms such as confusion, weakness, and even seizures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because lithium is not primarily associated with causing hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, or hypernatremia. While these imbalances can occur in certain conditions or with other medications, the main electrolyte imbalance to monitor when a client is prescribed lithium is hyponatremia.
2. Before donning gloves to perform a procedure, proper hand hygiene is essential. The healthcare professional understands that the most important aspect of hand hygiene is the amount of:
- A. Temperature
- B. Time
- C. Friction
- D. Soap
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Friction. The amount of friction is crucial in effective hand hygiene to remove microorganisms. Rubbing hands together with friction helps to dislodge and remove dirt, oils, and microorganisms. While temperature and soap are important factors in hand hygiene, the mechanical action of friction plays a more significant role in physically removing contaminants. Time is also important in hand hygiene practice, but without adequate friction, the effectiveness of the process is compromised.
3. Two hours after delivering a 9-pound infant, a client saturates a perineal pad every 15 minutes. Although an IV containing Pitocin is infusing, her uterus remains boggy, even with massage. The healthcare provider prescribes methylergometrine maleate (Methergine) 0.2 mg IM STAT. Which complication should the nurse be alert to this client developing?
- A. Decreased respiratory rate
- B. Increased temperature
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Hypertension
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypertension. Methylergometrine maleate (Methergine) is a medication used to prevent or control postpartum hemorrhage by causing uterine contractions. One of the potential side effects is hypertension. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the client's blood pressure after administering Methergine. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because Methergine is not known to cause decreased respiratory rate, increased temperature, or tachycardia.
4. When assessing a client's neurologic system, what should the nurse ask the client to close their eyes and identify?
- A. A word whispered by the nurse 30cm from the ear
- B. A number traced on the palm of the hand
- C. The vibration of a tuning fork placed on the foot
- D. A familiar object placed in the hand
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a nurse asks a client to identify a number traced on the palm of the hand with their eyes closed, it assesses the client's ability to perceive touch sensations. This test specifically evaluates the tactile discrimination of the client. The other options do not test the client's ability to identify sensations accurately with eyes closed. Option A tests auditory perception, option C tests vibratory sense, and option D tests object recognition but not tactile discrimination, making them incorrect choices.
5. In reviewing the assessment data of a client suspected of having diabetes insipidus, the nurse expects which of the following after a water deprivation test?
- A. Increased edema and weight gain
- B. Unchanged urine specific gravity
- C. Rapid protein excretion
- D. Decreased blood potassium
Correct answer: B
Rationale: After a water deprivation test in a client suspected of having diabetes insipidus, the nurse would expect the urine specific gravity to remain unchanged. This occurs because in diabetes insipidus, the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine, leading to a low urine specific gravity even after water deprivation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increased edema and weight gain are not typical findings in diabetes insipidus. Rapid protein excretion is not directly related to the condition, and decreased blood potassium is not a common outcome of a water deprivation test for diabetes insipidus.