HESI LPN
Adult Health Exam 1
1. The nurse is caring for a client postoperatively following a hip replacement. Which intervention is most important to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis?
- A. Keep the client in a low Fowler's position
- B. Maintain hip abduction with pillows
- C. Encourage early ambulation
- D. Place the client in a prone position
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining hip abduction with pillows is crucial in preventing dislocation of the hip prosthesis postoperatively. This position helps keep the hip joint stable and reduces the risk of the prosthesis becoming displaced. Choices A, C, and D are not as effective in preventing dislocation. Keeping the client in a low Fowler's position does not provide the necessary hip support. While early ambulation is important for circulation and preventing complications, maintaining hip abduction is more specific to preventing prosthesis dislocation. Placing the client in a prone position can increase the risk of hip prosthesis dislocation due to the extreme positioning.
2. A client with limited mobility in his lower extremities is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent skin breakdown?
- A. Place the client in high-Fowler's position
- B. Increase the client's intake of carbohydrates
- C. Massage the reddened areas with unscented lotion
- D. Have the client use a trapeze bar when changing positions
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to have the client use a trapeze bar when changing positions. This action helps in repositioning without causing friction or shearing, which can lead to skin breakdown. Placing the client in high-Fowler's position (Choice A) may not directly prevent skin breakdown related to limited mobility. Increasing carbohydrate intake (Choice B) is not relevant to preventing skin breakdown. Massaging reddened areas with lotion (Choice C) can potentially cause more harm by increasing friction and damaging the skin further, rather than preventing breakdown.
3. During the client’s initial prenatal visit, which of the following would indicate a need for further assessment?
- A. History of diabetes for 6 years.
- B. Exercises three times a week.
- C. Occasional use of over-the-counter pain relievers.
- D. Maternal age 30 years.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A history of diabetes for 6 years indicates a pre-existing medical condition that can significantly impact both the mother and the developing fetus during pregnancy. This necessitates further assessment and monitoring to manage potential complications. Regular exercise (Choice B) is generally beneficial during pregnancy and does not raise immediate concerns. Occasional use of over-the-counter pain relievers (Choice C) is common and does not necessarily indicate a need for further assessment during the initial visit. Maternal age of 30 years (Choice D) falls within the normal range for childbearing and is not a standalone factor requiring immediate further assessment.
4. The client with diabetes is being educated by the nurse on foot care. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will check my feet daily for any cuts or sores.
- B. I will avoid walking barefoot.
- C. I will soak my feet in warm water every day.
- D. I will wear shoes that fit well to avoid blisters.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Soaking the feet in warm water daily is not recommended for clients with diabetes as it can cause the skin to become too soft, increasing the risk of skin breakdown and infections. Checking the feet daily for cuts or sores (A) is a good practice to prevent complications. Avoiding walking barefoot (B) helps protect the feet from injuries. Wearing well-fitted shoes (D) is essential to prevent blisters and other foot problems in diabetic clients. Therefore, the client's statement about soaking the feet in warm water daily indicates a need for further teaching.
5. A client receiving chlorpromazine HCL (Thorazine) is in psychiatric home care. During a home visit, the nurse observes the client smacking her lips alternately with grinding her teeth. The nurse recognizes this assessment finding as what?
- A. Dystonia
- B. Akathisia
- C. Bradykinesia
- D. Tardive dyskinesia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a potential side effect of long-term antipsychotic use, characterized by involuntary movements like lip smacking and repetitive, purposeless movements. Choice A, dystonia, presents with sustained or repetitive muscle contractions. Choice B, akathisia, involves motor restlessness and a compelling need to be in constant motion. Choice C, bradykinesia, refers to slowness of movement typically seen in Parkinson's disease, not lip smacking and teeth grinding, which are indicative of tardive dyskinesia.