HESI LPN
HESI Test Bank Medical Surgical Nursing
1. A client with a history of seizures is prescribed phenytoin. Which side effect should the nurse instruct the client to report?
- A. Drowsiness
- B. Gingival hyperplasia
- C. Weight gain
- D. Blurred vision
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Gingival hyperplasia. Phenytoin is known to cause gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of gum tissue. This side effect is important to report to the healthcare provider because it can lead to oral health problems. Choice A, drowsiness, is a common side effect of many antiepileptic drugs but is not specific to phenytoin. Choice C, weight gain, is not a typical side effect of phenytoin. Choice D, blurred vision, is not a common side effect of phenytoin; it is more commonly associated with other medications.
2. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is receiving a change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?
- A. A client who has new onset of dyspnea 24 hours after a total hip arthroplasty
- B. A client who has acute abdominal pain rated 4 on a scale from 0 to 10
- C. A client who has a UTI and low-grade fever
- D. A client who has pneumonia and an oxygen saturation of 96%
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should prioritize seeing the client who has new onset dyspnea 24 hours after a total hip arthroplasty first. This sudden dyspnea could indicate a serious complication like a pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate assessment and intervention. Acute abdominal pain, a UTI with a low-grade fever, and pneumonia with an oxygen saturation of 96% are important concerns but are not as immediately life-threatening as potential pulmonary embolism indicated by sudden dyspnea postoperatively.
3. When caring for a child diagnosed with bronchiolitis, what is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering bronchodilators
- B. Providing respiratory therapy
- C. Monitoring oxygen saturation
- D. Encouraging fluid intake
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with bronchiolitis is providing respiratory therapy. This intervention aims to maintain airway patency, optimize oxygenation, and support effective breathing. Administering bronchodilators, though important, may not be the initial priority as respiratory therapy takes precedence in ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial but is usually part of the ongoing assessment following the initiation of respiratory therapy. Encouraging fluid intake is essential for hydration but is not the priority intervention when addressing the respiratory distress associated with bronchiolitis.
4. What causes sickle-cell anemia?
- A. A chromosomal abnormality.
- B. A single segment found only on the Y chromosome.
- C. A recessive gene.
- D. A decrease in estrogen levels.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sickle-cell anemia is a genetic disorder caused by inheriting two copies of a recessive gene, one from each parent. The correct answer is C. Choice A is incorrect because sickle-cell anemia is not primarily caused by a chromosomal abnormality. Choice B is incorrect as the condition is not linked to a single segment found only on the Y chromosome. Choice D is unrelated as it mentions a decrease in estrogen levels, which is not a cause of sickle-cell anemia.
5. The nurse determines that a client with cirrhosis is experiencing peripheral neuropathy. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Protect the client's feet from injury
- B. Apply a heating pad to affected area
- C. Keep the client's feet elevated
- D. Assess the feet and legs for jaundice
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Protecting the client's feet from injury is essential when managing peripheral neuropathy in a client with cirrhosis. Peripheral neuropathy can result in reduced sensation, increasing the risk of injury. Applying a heating pad or keeping the client's feet elevated would not address the primary concern of preventing injury. Assessing the feet and legs for jaundice is important for monitoring liver function, but it is not directly related to managing peripheral neuropathy in this case.