HESI LPN
Adult Health 1 Exam 1
1. Before administration of a stat dose of potassium chloride IV for a client with hypokalemia, what is the most important action for the nurse?
- A. Ensure the IV is flowing freely
- B. Mix the medication thoroughly
- C. Check the client’s electrolyte levels
- D. Obtain a baseline ECG
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most crucial action for the nurse before administering a stat dose of potassium chloride IV to a client with hypokalemia is to ensure the IV is flowing freely. A freely flowing IV is essential to safely and effectively deliver potassium chloride, helping to prevent infusion-related issues. Checking the client's electrolyte levels or obtaining a baseline ECG may be important but are not the most critical actions before administering the medication. Mixing the medication thoroughly is not applicable in this scenario as potassium chloride is typically provided ready to use.
2. Before publication in a reputable journal, the findings of a research study must undergo scrutiny by experts in the field in a process known as what?
- A. peer review
- B. cohort review
- C. research intervention
- D. double-blind examination
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: peer review. Before publication, research findings must undergo peer review, where experts in the field evaluate the validity and significance of the study. Choice B, cohort review, is incorrect as it does not involve the same level of evaluation by experts. Choice C, research intervention, is not a term used to describe the evaluation process before publication. Choice D, double-blind examination, refers to a study design where neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving a particular treatment, which is not the same as the peer review process.
3. A client with cirrhosis is experiencing pruritus. Which intervention should the nurse include in the care plan?
- A. Administer antihistamines as prescribed
- B. Apply alcohol-based lotions to the skin
- C. Encourage frequent baths with hot water
- D. Limit fluid intake
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antihistamines as prescribed. Pruritus, or itching, is a common symptom in clients with cirrhosis. Antihistamines can help relieve itching by blocking the effects of histamine. Applying alcohol-based lotions (choice B) can further dry out the skin and exacerbate itching. Encouraging frequent baths with hot water (choice C) can also worsen pruritus by stripping the skin of natural oils. Limiting fluid intake (choice D) is not directly related to managing pruritus in cirrhosis.
4. What is the most important action to prevent complications while caring for a client receiving enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube?
- A. Check tube placement before each feeding
- B. Flush the tube with water before and after each feeding
- C. Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees
- D. Administer the feeding at room temperature
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Checking tube placement before each feeding is crucial to prevent aspiration, a serious complication of enteral nutrition. Ensuring the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach helps avoid the risk of the feeding going into the lungs, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Flushing the tube with water (Choice B) is important for maintaining tube patency but is not the most critical action to prevent complications. Elevating the head of the bed (Choice C) helps reduce the risk of aspiration but is not as crucial as verifying tube placement. Administering the feeding at room temperature (Choice D) is more related to patient comfort and does not directly address the prevention of complications associated with enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube.
5. The PN determines that a client with cirrhosis is experiencing peripheral neuropathy. What action should the PN take?
- A. Protect the client's feet from injury
- B. Apply a heating pad to the 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 the most appropriate action for a client with cirrhosis experiencing peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can lead to a loss of sensation, making the client prone to unnoticed injuries. Applying a heating pad (Choice B) is contraindicated as it may cause burns or further damage to the affected area. Keeping the client's feet elevated (Choice C) is not directly related to managing peripheral neuropathy and may not provide significant benefit. Assessing the feet and legs for jaundice (Choice D) is important for monitoring liver function in clients with cirrhosis, but in this case, the priority is to prevent injury to the feet due to decreased sensation.