You practice vitals, infection control, documentation, and the first nursing action when a patient is unstable. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the LPN exams exam guide or more LPN exams practice questions.
Five fundamentals questions with answers
Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.
Question 1
A patient who has been placed on Contact Precautions for Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) asks you to explain what he should know about this organism. Which statements made by the patient show an understanding of the patient teaching? (Select all that apply.)
A. “The organism is usually transmitted through the fecal-oral route.â€
B. “Hands should always be cleaned with soap and water rather than the alcohol-based hand sanitizer.â€
C. “Everyone coming into the room must wear a gown and gloves.â€
D. “While I am in Contact Precautions, I cannot leave the room.â€
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — “Hands should always be cleaned with soap and water rather than the alcohol-based hand sanitizer.â€
The correct answer is B: "Hands should always be cleaned with soap and water rather than the alcohol-based hand sanitizer."
Rationale:
1. C. difficile spores are not effectively killed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
2. Washing hands with soap and water is essential for removing spores.
3. Proper hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of C. difficile.
4. This statement reflects understanding of the importance of hand hygiene in preventing transmission of C. difficile.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Incorrect. While C. difficile is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, this statement does not directly address patient teaching on prevention.
C: Incorrect. While gowns and gloves are necessary in Contact Precautions, this statement does not emphasize the importance of hand hygiene.
D: Incorrect. Patients on Contact Precautions may leave the room but should practice proper hand hygiene to prevent transmission.
Question 2
The mother of a teen with an eating disorder tells the nurse, "Our family is pretty well adjusted. It's hard for me to imagine what we could have done to have this happen."Â The nurse can promote more complete understanding of the etiology of eating disorders by mentioning that young women are also influenced by:
A. the abundance of nutritious foods available.
B. the fashion industry's idealization of thinness.
C. competition in the work place.
D. the biologic tendency to be underweight.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — the fashion industry's idealization of thinness.
The correct answer is B: the fashion industry's idealization of thinness. This is because the fashion industry often promotes thinness as the ideal body type, leading to societal pressure on young women to conform to this standard. This can contribute to the development of eating disorders as individuals may engage in unhealthy behaviors to achieve or maintain a thin body shape.
A: the abundance of nutritious foods available - While access to nutritious foods is important for overall health, it does not directly influence the development of eating disorders.
C: competition in the work place - While workplace competition may contribute to stress, it is not a primary factor in the development of eating disorders.
D: the biologic tendency to be underweight - While genetic factors can play a role in susceptibility to eating disorders, it is not the primary influence in the development of these disorders in young women.
Question 3
A client is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should be taken to prevent respiratory complications?
A. Instruct the client to exhale into an incentive spirometer
B. Reposition the client every 8 hours
C. Assist the client with early ambulation
D. Maintain the client on bed rest for the first 48 hours
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Assist the client with early ambulation
Assisting the client with early ambulation is crucial in preventing respiratory complications after abdominal surgery. Early ambulation helps to prevent conditions like atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung expansion and preventing pooling of respiratory secretions. It also aids in improving circulation, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis, and enhancing overall recovery. Instructing the client to exhale into an incentive spirometer (Choice A) is beneficial for lung expansion but is more focused on respiratory therapy rather than preventing complications. Repositioning the client every 8 hours (Choice B) is important for preventing pressure ulcers but is not directly related to preventing respiratory complications. Maintaining the client on bed rest for the first 48 hours (Choice D) can lead to complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, and deep vein thrombosis due to decreased lung expansion and mobility.
Question 4
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies have been growing in popularity and surveys show that they are being used to treat several mental health conditions. With these statistics in mind the nurse is careful to assess which client for the possible use of CAM therapies?
A. The teenager who is dealing with sexual identity issues
B. The older adult who has developed early onset dementia
C. The young adult who is experiencing chronic pain as a result of a knee injury
D. The middle-aged adult who is experiencing depression after the death of a parent
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — The middle-aged adult who is experiencing depression after the death of a parent
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The nurse should assess the middle-aged adult experiencing depression after the death of a parent for possible use of CAM therapies because depression is a common mental health condition that CAM therapies can help alleviate. The client's emotional distress and grief may benefit from holistic approaches like mindfulness meditation or acupuncture. It is important to address mental health conditions with appropriate interventions, and CAM therapies can be a valuable supplement to traditional treatments.
Summary:
A: While sexual identity issues are important, they do not necessarily indicate a need for CAM therapies in this context.
B: Early onset dementia is a neurological condition, and CAM therapies may not be the primary focus for treatment.
C: Chronic pain from a knee injury may require more conventional medical interventions before exploring CAM therapies for pain management.
Question 5
An X-ray of a trauma patient reveals rib fractures and the patient is diagnosed with a small flail chest injury. Which intervention should the nurse include in the patients plan of care?
A. Suction the patients airway secretions
B. Immobilize the ribs with an abdominal binder
C. Prepare the patient for surgery
D. Immediately sedate and intubate the patient
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Suction the patients airway secretions
A small flail chest injury, where a segment of ribs is fractured in multiple places, disrupts chest wall stability but, if minor, is managed supportively. Suctioning airway secretions is critical because pain from rib movement discourages coughing, leading to mucus retention and potential atelectasis or pneumonia. This intervention clears the airway, supports ventilation, and prevents complications, aligning with the goal of maintaining respiratory function. Immobilizing ribs with a binder restricts breathing, worsening oxygenation, and is contraindicated. Surgery is rare and reserved for severe cases with large flail segments or internal damage. Immediate sedation and intubation are unnecessary for a small injury unless respiratory failure ensues, which isn't indicated here. The nurse's focus on secretion clearance via suctioning, alongside pain control and breathing exercises, optimizes recovery in this trauma patient.
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Question 6
The school nurse is presenting a class on smoking cessation at the local high school. A participant in the class asks the nurse about the risk of lung cancer in those who smoke. What response related to risk for lung cancer in smokers is most accurate?
A. The younger you are when you start smoking, the higher your risk of lung cancer
B. The risk for lung cancer never decreases once you have smoked, which is why smokers need annual chest x-rays
C. The risk for lung cancer is determined mostly by what type of cigarettes you smoke
D. The risk for lung cancer depends primarily on the other risk factors for cancer that you have
Correct answer:
Lung cancer risk in smokers is heavily influenced by the age of smoking initiation, with earlier exposure amplifying cumulative damage to lung tissue. Starting young extends the duration of carcinogen exposure (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), increasing DNA mutations and oncogenic potential, as evidenced by higher incidence in lifelong smokers who began in adolescence. Risk does decrease after cessation dropping significantly within 10-15 years contradicting the notion of permanent risk or mandatory annual X-rays, which aren't standard for all ex-smokers. Cigarette type (e.g., tar, nicotine levels) matters, but pack-years and initiation age outweigh this factor. Other risk factors (e.g., radon, genetics) contribute but are secondary to smoking's dose-dependent effect. The nurse's accurate response educates students on the preventable, time-sensitive nature of this risk, reinforcing cessation's protective impact.
A client is receiving 115 ml/hr of continuous IVF. The nurse noticed that the venipuncture site was red and swollen. Which of the following interventions would the nurse perform first?
A. Stop the infusion
B. Call the attending physician
C. Slow that infusion to 20 ml/hr
D. Place a cold towel on the site
Correct answer:
Stopping the infusion is the nurse's first intervention when observing a red, swollen venipuncture site, as this may indicate phlebitis, infiltration, or infection. Halting the IV prevents further tissue damage or fluid extravasation, prioritizing patient safety. Redness and swelling suggest inflammation or leakage into surrounding tissue, requiring immediate cessation to assess severity and plan next steps, like site relocation or physician consultation. Calling the physician follows assessment, not precedes stopping the infusion, as the nurse acts within scope to mitigate harm first. Slowing the infusion might worsen damage if fluid is already escaping the vein. A cold towel could reduce swelling later but doesn't address the active infusion causing the issue. Stopping the infusion is the critical initial step, enabling evaluation and preventing complications, aligning with nursing's focus on prompt, protective action.
A 44-year-old woman presents with an unexpected pregnancy. She asks the nurse, 'Is my baby going to have a birth defect? My third cousin has Down syndrome.' What is the nurse's best response?
A. Tell the patient she is at risk for gene mutation because a birth defect in a distant relative places the woman at increased risk.
B. Discuss the potential risk for intrauterine growth retardation due to the mother's advanced age.
C. Discuss the patient's situation with the physician to ask for a referral to high-risk obstetrics.
D. Discuss the potential risk for a chromosomal abnormality based on the patient's advanced age.
Correct answer:
Step 1: The correct answer is D because advanced maternal age (AMA), generally defined as 35 years or older, is a well-known risk factor for chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.
Step 2: Down syndrome is more common in babies born to mothers over the age of 35 due to the increased likelihood of errors in cell division during egg development.
Step 3: Given the patient's age of 44, she falls into the category of AMA and is at an increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities in her baby.
Step 4: Option A is incorrect as the risk is not solely based on gene mutation but rather on the increased chance of chromosomal abnormalities due to age.
Step 5: Option B is incorrect as it focuses on intrauterine growth retardation, which is not directly related to the patient's query about birth defects.
Step 6: Option C is incorrect as a referral to high-risk obstetrics may not be necessary solely based on the patient's
A nurse in an emergency department is preparing change-of-shift report for an adult client who is transferring to a medical-surgical unit using the SBAR communication tool. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the report? Select one that does not apply.
A. The client has a do-not-resuscitate order.
B. The client has a continuous IV of lactated Ringer's.
C. The client was straight catheterized for 350 mL 2 hr ago.
D. The client has Medicare insurance.
Correct answer:
The client has a do-not-resuscitate order is correct. The nurse should include the client's current prescriptions, including code status, in a change-of-shift report. The client has a continuous IV of lactated Ringer's is correct. The type of IV solution being administered is an element of the 'Background' portion of the SBAR tool. The nurse should provide a summary of any medications or treatments the client has received to date, which will prevent medication errors and promote client safety. The client was straight catheterized for 350 mL 2 hr ago is correct. The amount of urine output is an element of the 'Background' portion of the SBAR tool. Other pertinent elements of this category are vital signs, pain rating, and any change from previous assessments. The client has Medicare insurance is incorrect. This information is not relevant to the client's clinical care and is not an element of the SBAR communication tool.
You are evaluating a trauma patient who may have sustained a spinal cord injury. Which of the following would you expect to see in a trauma patient with a spinal cord injury with autonomic nervous system involvement?
A. Bradycardia, hypotension, and a loss of sweating or shivering ability
B. Bradycardia, hypertension, warm, dry skin, and numbness of fingertips
C. Tachycardia, hypertension, one-sided paralysis, and amnesia
D. Tachycardia, hypotension, diaphoresis, cool, and clammy skin
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A. In spinal cord injury with autonomic nervous system involvement, there is disruption of sympathetic and parasympathetic control. This leads to bradycardia due to loss of sympathetic tone, hypotension due to disrupted baroreceptor reflexes, and loss of sweating or shivering ability due to impaired temperature regulation.
Choice B is incorrect because hypertension and warm, dry skin are more indicative of sympathetic overactivity, not autonomic dysfunction. Numbness of fingertips is not a typical feature of autonomic involvement.
Choice C is incorrect as tachycardia and hypertension are more suggestive of sympathetic overactivity, and one-sided paralysis and amnesia are not specific to autonomic dysfunction.
Choice D is incorrect as tachycardia and diaphoresis suggest sympathetic overactivity, while cool and clammy skin is more indicative of hypovolemia rather than autonomic dysfunction.
The nurse is assessing a 14-year-old girl with a tumor. Which of the following findings would indicate Ewing sarcoma?
A. Child complains of dull bone pain just above the knee.
B. Palpation reveals non-tender swelling on the right ribs.
C. Parents report a mass on the abdomen that crosses the midline.
D. Palpation reveals asymptomatic mass on the upper back.
Correct answer:
Ewing sarcoma is a rare bone cancer primarily affecting children and adolescents, typically arising in flat bones like the pelvis, chest wall (e.g., ribs), or vertebrae, and the diaphysis of long bones. A hallmark is a palpable, non-tender mass, making non-tender swelling on the ribs a strong indicator, as it aligns with the tumor's common chest wall location and lack of initial pain sensitivity. Dull bone pain above the knee suggests a long bone issue, possibly osteosarcoma, which favors the metaphysis, not Ewing's typical diaphysis site. An abdominal mass crossing the midline is more characteristic of Wilms tumor or neuroblastoma, not Ewing sarcoma. An asymptomatic upper back mass could suggest various tumors, but lacks specificity for Ewing's flat bone preference. Nurses must recognize this presentation to facilitate prompt imaging and biopsy, critical for early diagnosis and treatment planning in pediatric oncology.
George is a junior college student. Recently he has felt anxious and jittery. He decides that he will swim during his lunch hour. After several days he notices a decrease in feeling anxious. What type of stress management did George use?
A. Exercise.
B. Deep breathing.
C. Guided imagery.
D. Progressive muscle relaxation.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Exercise. George used exercise as a stress management technique. Swimming during his lunch hour helped him reduce his anxiety and jitteriness. Exercise is known to release endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. It also helps in reducing stress hormones like cortisol. By engaging in physical activity, George was able to alleviate his feelings of anxiety.
Summary:
- Choice B: Deep breathing focuses on controlling breathing patterns to reduce stress, but it was not mentioned in the scenario that George used this technique.
- Choice C: Guided imagery involves visualizing calming and peaceful images to reduce stress, which was not mentioned in George's case.
- Choice D: Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to reduce stress, but George did not use this technique as mentioned in the scenario.
What is the primary role of progesterone in early pregnancy?
A. To stimulate fetal development.
B. To maintain the uterine lining for implantation and pregnancy.
C. To trigger ovulation and release of the egg.
D. To increase the production of amniotic fluid.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: To maintain the uterine lining for implantation and pregnancy. Progesterone is crucial in early pregnancy as it helps in thickening and maintaining the uterine lining to support implantation of the fertilized egg and sustain the pregnancy. It also plays a role in suppressing the immune response to prevent rejection of the embryo.
A: To stimulate fetal development - Incorrect. Progesterone primarily focuses on preparing the uterus for pregnancy rather than directly stimulating fetal development.
C: To trigger ovulation and release of the egg - Incorrect. Progesterone is involved in the second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation has occurred and is not responsible for triggering ovulation.
D: To increase the production of amniotic fluid - Incorrect. Progesterone does not directly impact the production of amniotic fluid, which is mainly regulated by the fetal kidneys and placenta.
Helmeted motorcyclist struck broadside, unconscious, blood pressure 140/90, heart rate 90 bpm, GCS 6. Immobilization includes all EXCEPT:
A. "Air splints"
B. "Bolstering devices"
C. "A long spine board"
D. "A scoop-style stretcher"
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: "Air splints." Air splints are not typically used in the immobilization of a patient with suspected spinal cord injury. The rationale behind this is that air splints do not provide adequate support and stabilization for potential spinal injuries.
On the other hand, choices B, C, and D are commonly used in spinal immobilization. "Bolstering devices" help maintain proper alignment of the spine. "A long spine board" is used to safely transfer the patient while keeping the spine in a neutral position. "A scoop-style stretcher" allows for easy and gentle transfer of the patient onto a backboard without compromising spinal alignment.
In summary, the use of air splints is not recommended for spinal immobilization due to inadequate support, while bolstering devices, a long spine board, and a scoop-style stretcher are appropriate tools for immobilizing a patient with suspected spinal cord injury.
A patient admitted yesterday for injuries sustained while intoxicated believes the window blinds are snakes trying to get into the room. The patient is anxious, agitated, and diaphoretic. Which medication can the nurse anticipate the health care provider will prescribe?
A. Monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as phenelzine (Nardil)
B. Phenothiazine, such as thioridazine (Mellaril)
C. Benzodiazepine, such as lorazepam (Ativan)
D. Narcotic analgesic, such as morphine
Correct answer:
The correct medication to anticipate for this patient is a benzodiazepine, such as lorazepam (Ativan).
Rationale:
1. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat acute agitation and anxiety in patients, which is present in this case.
2. Lorazepam has a rapid onset of action and can help calm the patient quickly.
3. It can help manage the patient's perception of the window blinds as snakes and reduce agitation.
4. Benzodiazepines are safer for patients with alcohol intoxication compared to other sedatives or antipsychotics.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are not typically used for acute agitation and anxiety. They have a slower onset of action and are not first-line for this situation.
B: Phenothiazines may worsen the patient's condition due to their potential side effects like sedation and hypotension.
D: Narcotic analgesics are not appropriate for managing anxiety or agitation
LPN exams fundamentals practice questions, set 38 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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