HESI LPN
Medical Surgical HESI 2023
1. A client with hyperkalemia is being treated in the emergency department. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?
- A. Potassium chloride
- B. Calcium gluconate
- C. Magnesium sulfate
- D. Sodium bicarbonate
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Calcium gluconate. In hyperkalemia, where potassium levels are elevated, calcium gluconate is administered to stabilize the myocardial cell membrane and protect the heart from potential arrhythmias. Potassium chloride (choice A) would worsen the condition by further increasing potassium levels. Magnesium sulfate (choice C) is not the primary treatment for hyperkalemia. Sodium bicarbonate (choice D) is used in metabolic acidosis, not specifically for hyperkalemia.
2. A nurse is inspecting the skin of a child with atopic dermatitis. What would the nurse expect to observe?
- A. Erythematous papulovesicular rash
- B. Dry, red, scaly rash with lichenification
- C. Pustular vesicles with honey-colored exudates
- D. Hypopigmented oval scaly lesions
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In atopic dermatitis, the characteristic presentation includes a dry, red, scaly rash with lichenification. This appearance is due to chronic inflammation and scratching. Choice A is incorrect as erythematous papulovesicular rash is more indicative of conditions like contact dermatitis. Choice C is incorrect as pustular vesicles with honey-colored exudates are seen in impetigo. Choice D is incorrect as hypopigmented oval scaly lesions are more characteristic of tinea versicolor.
3. The nurse is evaluating teaching about drug therapy to treat gout. Which statement by the client demonstrates an understanding of the use of allopurinol to treat Gout?
- A. I need to take the prescribed amount of the drug to get rid of my gout.
- B. I need to take this drug every day to keep from having any flare-ups.
- C. I should take this drug when I have gout attacks to reduce symptoms.
- D. The pain and swelling can be controlled by taking this drug every day.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Taking allopurinol every day helps to prevent gout flare-ups by reducing uric acid levels.
4. A client is receiving metronidazole for Clostridium difficile pseudomembranous colitis. Which information should the nurse include in this client's medication teaching plan?
- A. Drink adequate water daily
- B. Take with food
- C. Avoid alcohol consumption
- D. Store medication in the refrigerator
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct information to include in the medication teaching plan for a client receiving metronidazole for Clostridium difficile pseudomembranous colitis is to avoid alcohol consumption. Metronidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when combined with alcohol, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, flushing, and headache. Therefore, it is crucial for the client to abstain from alcohol while taking this medication to prevent adverse effects and ensure treatment effectiveness. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Drinking adequate water daily is a general health recommendation but not specific to metronidazole use. Taking with food is not necessary for metronidazole, and in fact, it is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach for better absorption. Storing the medication in the refrigerator is also incorrect, as metronidazole should be stored at room temperature.
5. A child with a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia is admitted to the hospital with a vaso-occlusive crisis. What is the most important nursing intervention?
- A. Administering oxygen
- B. Administering pain medication
- C. Monitoring fluid intake
- D. Encouraging physical activity
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, the priority nursing intervention is administering pain medication to alleviate the severe pain associated with the crisis. While administering oxygen can help improve oxygenation, pain relief is crucial in managing the crisis. Monitoring fluid intake is important in sickle cell anemia but is not the most immediate intervention during a vaso-occlusive crisis. Encouraging physical activity is contraindicated during a vaso-occlusive crisis as it can exacerbate pain and complications.