HESI LPN
Medical Surgical Assignment Exam HESI
1. The nurse assesses an adult male client 24 hours following abdominal surgery and finds that his blood pressure is 98/40 mm Hg, he is tachycardic, restless, and irritable. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider of the findings.
- B. Ensure that the IV is infusing at the prescribed rate.
- C. Listen to lung sounds.
- D. Check under his back for evidence of bleeding.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should first check under the client for evidence of bleeding. A blood pressure of 98/40 mm Hg, along with tachycardia, restlessness, and irritability, could indicate internal hemorrhage following abdominal surgery. Checking for bleeding under the back is crucial to rule out this life-threatening complication. Notifying the healthcare provider, ensuring IV infusion, or listening to lung sounds can be important but are secondary to ruling out immediate life-threatening conditions like internal bleeding.
2. A patient with stomatitis is receiving oral care education from a nurse. Which instructions will the nurse provide?
- A. Avoid commercial mouthwashes.
- B. Avoid normal saline rinses.
- C. Brush with a hard toothbrush.
- D. Brush with an alcohol-based toothpaste.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for a patient with stomatitis is to avoid commercial mouthwashes. Commercial mouthwashes often contain alcohol and other ingredients that can irritate the already inflamed oral mucosa in patients with stomatitis. Avoiding commercial mouthwashes helps prevent further irritation and discomfort. Choice B is incorrect because normal saline rinses are gentle and can help soothe the oral mucosa in patients with stomatitis. Choice C is incorrect because a soft toothbrush should be used to prevent further irritation or injury to the gums. Choice D is incorrect because an alcohol-based toothpaste can be too harsh and drying for patients with stomatitis.
3. A 5-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering antibiotics
- B. Isolating the child
- C. Monitoring vital signs
- D. Administering fluids
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 5-year-old child admitted to the hospital with bacterial meningitis is to isolate the child. Isolating the child is crucial to prevent the spread of infection to others, as bacterial meningitis is highly contagious. Administering antibiotics (Choice A) is important in the treatment of bacterial meningitis, but isolating the child takes precedence to protect others. Monitoring vital signs (Choice C) and administering fluids (Choice D) are essential aspects of care for a child with meningitis but are not the priority intervention to prevent the spread of the infection.
4. 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.
5. A nurse manager is leading a discussion about ethical dilemmas. Which of the following situations should the nurse manager include as an example of an ethical dilemma?
- A. A visitor experiences a minor burn after spilling coffee
- B. A client receives an operation on the wrong side of her body
- C. A parent wants her 14-year-old adolescent to receive radiation treatment against his will
- D. A nurse witnesses another nurse administer an incorrect medication
Correct answer: C
Rationale: An ethical dilemma involves a situation where moral principles conflict, such as in the case of a parent wanting their adolescent to receive treatment against their will. In option A, a minor burn from spilled coffee does not present a conflict of moral principles. Option B describes a medical error, not necessarily a conflict of moral principles. Option D involves an issue of professional practice and patient safety but does not inherently pose a conflict of moral principles.