HESI LPN
Adult Health 2 Exam 1
1. While caring for a client who is being mechanically ventilated, the nurse responds to a high-pressure alarm on the ventilator. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Endotracheal cuff pressure greater than 25 cm H2O.
- B. Decreased lung compliance during ventilation.
- C. Bilateral crackles with increased secretions.
- D. Restless client who is biting the endotracheal tube.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A restless client biting the endotracheal tube can increase airway resistance, triggering the high-pressure alarm and indicating a need for immediate intervention. This behavior can lead to complications such as dislodgement of the tube or airway obstruction. Endotracheal cuff pressure greater than 25 cm H2O, decreased lung compliance, and bilateral crackles with increased secretions are important assessments but do not directly address the urgent need to intervene when a high-pressure alarm is triggered.
2. A parent brings a 2-month-old infant with Down syndrome to the pediatric clinic for a physical and administration of immunizations. Which clinical finding should alert the nurse to perform a further assessment?
- A. Flat occiput
- B. Small, low-set ears
- C. Circumoral cyanosis
- D. Protruding furrowed tongue
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Circumoral cyanosis should alert the nurse to perform further assessment in a 2-month-old infant with Down syndrome. This finding may indicate cardiac or respiratory issues, such as inadequate oxygenation. Small, low-set ears and a protruding furrowed tongue are common physical characteristics associated with Down syndrome and may not necessarily warrant immediate further assessment. A flat occiput is a normal variation in infant anatomy and is not typically a cause for immediate concern in this context.
3. 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.
4. When should the nurse plan to collect a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity as ordered by a client's provider?
- A. In the morning upon rising.
- B. Immediately after the client eats breakfast.
- C. Before the client goes to bed.
- D. After the client has had a drink of water.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct time to collect a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity is in the morning upon rising. This timing ensures the most concentrated sample as sputum produced overnight tends to accumulate and sit in the airways, providing a quality sample for testing. Collecting the specimen immediately after eating breakfast (choice B) may introduce food particles that could contaminate the sample. Collecting it before bed (choice C) may lead to a diluted sample due to daily activities. Collecting the specimen after having a drink of water (choice D) can also result in a diluted sample, impacting the accuracy of the test results.
5. A client with cardiovascular disease is being taught by a nurse how to reduce sodium and cholesterol intake. The nurse understands that the most significant factor in planning dietary changes for this client is:
- A. Client’s financial resources
- B. Involvement of the client in planning the change
- C. Availability of low-sodium foods
- D. Frequency of dietary counseling sessions
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most significant factor in planning dietary changes for a client with cardiovascular disease is the involvement of the client in planning the change. By involving the client in the planning process, the nurse ensures that the client takes ownership of their health and is more likely to adhere to and succeed in modifying dietary habits. This empowerment and engagement enhance the client's motivation and commitment to making sustainable changes. Financial resources, availability of low-sodium foods, and frequency of dietary counseling sessions are important considerations but are not as crucial as the client's active involvement in the planning process.