HESI LPN
Adult Health Exam 1
1. A client with chronic kidney disease is receiving hemodialysis. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Decreased urine output
- B. Weight loss of 1 kg
- C. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg
- D. Presence of a bruit over the fistula
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. An elevated blood pressure in clients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis can indicate fluid overload or poor dialysis efficacy and should be reported immediately. This finding could lead to complications such as heart failure or pulmonary edema. Choices A, B, and D are not as critical in this situation. Decreased urine output may be expected due to the kidney disease, a weight loss of 1 kg is within an acceptable range, and the presence of a bruit over the fistula is a common finding in clients undergoing hemodialysis and does not require immediate reporting.
2. The nurse is caring for an infant with candidal diaper rash. Which topical agent would the nurse expect the healthcare provider to order?
- A. Corticosteroids.
- B. Antifungals.
- C. Antibiotics.
- D. Retinoids.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Antifungal agents are the appropriate treatment for candidal diaper rash as it is a fungal infection. Corticosteroids, antibiotics, and retinoids are not indicated for this condition. Corticosteroids may worsen fungal infections, antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, and retinoids are typically used for acne and skin conditions unrelated to candidal diaper rash.
3. When performing cardiac chest compressions, what is a critical concept that the nurse must understand?
- A. Push hard and deep on the chest
- B. Compress the chest at a rapid rate
- C. Perform compressions with minimal interruptions
- D. Use a two-handed technique for compressions
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Push hard and deep on the chest.' Effective chest compressions during CPR should be forceful and deep enough to adequately circulate blood to vital organs. This helps maintain perfusion and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. Compressing the chest at a rapid rate (choice B) is important but not as critical as ensuring the compressions are hard and deep. Performing compressions with minimal interruptions (choice C) is also crucial to maintain blood flow. Using a two-handed technique for compressions (choice D) may be helpful but is not as critical as the depth and force of the compressions.
4. Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with mood regulation and is targeted by antidepressants?
- A. Serotonin
- B. Dopamine
- C. GABA
- D. Acetylcholine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serotonin. Serotonin plays a vital role in mood regulation, and its imbalance is often associated with depression. Many antidepressants function by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. Dopamine (Choice B) is more linked to reward and pleasure pathways in the brain, not primarily targeted for mood regulation. GABA (Choice C) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce neuronal excitability, not primarily associated with mood regulation. Acetylcholine (Choice D) is involved in muscle movement and cognitive functions, not the primary target of antidepressants for mood regulation.
5. What information should the practical nurse provide to a female client who started taking an oral sulfonamide for a urinary tract infection the previous day and reports slight anorexia, while also experiencing urinary frequency?
- A. Take the medication with an antacid instead of cranberry juice to reduce the anorexia.
- B. Continue to take the medication with a sip of cranberry juice, restricting fluids until the frequency is controlled.
- C. Continue to drink cranberry juice, but take the medicine on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.
- D. Take the medication with a spoonful of ice cream or applesauce and avoid drinking cranberry juice.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The practical nurse should advise the client to take sulfonamides with a full glass of water to help prevent crystalluria. It is essential to take the medication on an empty stomach, ideally 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating to maximize its absorption and effectiveness. Continuing to drink cranberry juice is beneficial, but it is important to take the medicine separately to enhance its therapeutic action.