HESI LPN
Medical Surgical HESI
1. To assess the quality of an adult client’s pain, what approach should the nurse use?
- A. Ask the client to rate the pain on a scale of 1 to 10.
- B. Ask the client to describe the pain.
- C. Observe the client’s nonverbal cues.
- D. Determine the client’s pain tolerance.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct approach for assessing the quality of an adult client's pain is to ask the client to describe the pain. By doing so, the nurse gains valuable information about the quality, location, and nature of the pain directly from the client. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the pain experience. Choice A, asking the client to rate the pain on a scale of 1 to 10, focuses more on intensity rather than quality. Choice C, observing the client's nonverbal cues, can provide additional information but may not fully capture the client's subjective experience of pain. Choice D, determining the client's pain tolerance, is not directly related to assessing the quality of pain but rather to how much pain a client can endure.
2. The nurse is preparing an orientation class for new employees at an inner city clinic that serves a low-income population. Which information should the nurse include in the presentation to these new employees?
- A. A lack of transportation is a major barrier for the clinic's clients.
- B. Basic physiologic needs are likely to be unmet in this clinic's client population.
- C. Printed material is less effective for this population with limited reading skills.
- D. Group education classes are often poorly attended by non-compliant clients.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because addressing basic physiologic needs is crucial for low-income populations. Ensuring that basic needs such as food, shelter, and safety are met is essential for these clients to engage effectively in their healthcare. Choice A talks about transportation, which can be a barrier but may not be the major impediment. Choice C focuses on printed material and reading skills, which are important but not as fundamental as addressing basic physiologic needs. Choice D makes assumptions about client attendance based on compliance, which is not the most critical information to include in an orientation about serving a low-income population.
3. During the beginning shift assessment of a client with asthma who is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 liters per minute, the nurse would be most concerned about which unreported finding?
- A. Pulse oximetry reading of 89%
- B. Crackles at the base of the lungs on auscultation
- C. Rapid shallow respirations with intermittent wheezes
- D. Excessive thirst with a dry cracked tongue
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Rapid, shallow respirations with intermittent wheezes are concerning as they indicate a potential worsening of the client's asthma. This finding suggests airway narrowing, which can lead to respiratory failure. Immediate intervention is required to address this respiratory distress. A pulse oximetry reading of 89% is low and indicates hypoxemia, but the respiratory pattern described in option C takes priority as it directly reflects the client's respiratory status. Crackles at the base of the lungs suggest fluid accumulation, which is important but not as immediately critical as the respiratory distress in asthma. Excessive thirst and a dry cracked tongue may indicate dehydration, which is relevant but not as urgent as the respiratory compromise presented in option C.
4. A client with asthma is receiving albuterol (Proventil). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?
- A. Hypoglycemia
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Hypotension
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tachycardia. Albuterol can cause tachycardia as a side effect due to its stimulant effect on the heart. It acts as a beta-2 adrenergic agonist, leading to increased heart rate. Hypoglycemia (choice A) is not a common side effect of albuterol. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is also not typically associated with albuterol use. Hypotension (choice D) is less likely to occur as albuterol usually causes tachycardia rather than hypotension.
5. The nurse is providing care for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely to assess for complications?
- A. Serum potassium
- B. Blood glucose
- C. Serum sodium
- D. Serum calcium
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood glucose. When caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), monitoring blood glucose levels is essential due to the increased risk of hyperglycemia associated with TPN infusion. Elevated blood glucose levels can lead to complications such as hyperglycemia, which can be harmful to the client. While monitoring serum potassium (Choice A), serum sodium (Choice C), and serum calcium (Choice D) are also important aspects of care, when specifically considering TPN administration, blood glucose monitoring takes precedence due to the potential for significant complications related to glucose imbalances.