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 nurse on a pediatric care unit is delegating client care. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel?
A. Initiate a dietary consult for a toddler
B. Administer a glycerin suppository to a preschool-age child
C. Evaluate gastric residual following intermittent feeding of an adolescent
D. Transport a school-age child to x-ray
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Transport a school-age child to x-ray
The correct answer is D because transporting a stable child to x-ray is a task that can be safely delegated to an assistive personnel. This task does not require clinical judgment or specialized skills. Choices A, B, and C involve assessments and interventions that require nursing judgment and should be performed by a qualified nurse. Initiating a dietary consult for a toddler involves assessing the child's nutritional needs and must be done by a nurse. Administering a glycerin suppository to a preschool-age child requires medication administration skills and knowledge of appropriate dosages, which are within the nurse's scope of practice. Evaluating gastric residual following intermittent feeding of an adolescent is a clinical assessment that requires interpretation and decision-making based on the findings, making it a nursing responsibility.
Question 2
The patient has been receiving magnesium sulfate intravenously for 24
A. On assessment, the nurse finds a temperature of 37.3°C (99°F), pulse of 88, respirations at 14, blood pressure of 138/76, 2+ patellar reflexes, and negative ankle clonus. Which intervention would be most appropriate for the nurse to take?
B. Obtain a stat magnesium sulfate level.
C. Discontinue magnesium sulfat
D. Contact the health care provider.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Contact the health care provider.
The correct answer is D: Contact the health care provider. When a patient receiving magnesium sulfate intravenously shows signs of hypermagnesemia such as 2+ patellar reflexes and negative ankle clonus, it indicates a potential magnesium toxicity. Contacting the healthcare provider is crucial as they can assess the situation, recommend appropriate interventions, adjust the magnesium sulfate dosage, or provide further instructions. Obtaining a stat magnesium sulfate level (choice B) may confirm the high magnesium levels but does not provide immediate guidance on managing the patient. Discontinuing magnesium sulfate (choice C) without consulting the healthcare provider can lead to abrupt changes in the patient's condition. Choice A does not address the issue of potential magnesium toxicity and is not the most appropriate action in this scenario.
Question 3
Which behavior indicates the nurse is using a team approach when caring for a patient who is experiencing alterations in mobility?
A. Delegates assessment of lung sounds to nursing assistive personnel
B. Becomes solely responsible for modifying activities of daily living
C. Consults physical therapy for strengthening exercises in the extremities
D. Involves respiratory therapy for altered breathing from severe anxiety levels
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Consults physical therapy for strengthening exercises in the extremities
Consulting physical therapy for strengthening exercises in the extremities demonstrates a team approach in caring for a patient with mobility issues. Involving other healthcare professionals like physical therapists ensures a comprehensive and specialized approach to address the patient's mobility needs. This collaborative approach benefits the patient by providing specialized interventions. Choices A, B, and D do not exemplify a collaborative team approach. Delegating assessment tasks to nursing assistive personnel (Choice A) may not address the mobility issue directly. Becoming solely responsible for modifying activities of daily living (Choice B) limits the scope of interventions. Involving respiratory therapy for anxiety-related breathing issues (Choice D) addresses a different aspect of care and does not directly target mobility concerns.
Question 4
Organisms that cannot use Oxygen but rather find it to be toxic are called
A. Obligate aerobes
B. Obligate anaerobes
C. Aerotolerant anaerobes
D. Facultative aerobes
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Obligate anaerobes
Obligate anaerobes are microorganisms that cannot utilize oxygen for growth and find it toxic, thriving instead in oxygen-free environments. 'Obligate anaerobes,' is correct because these organisms, like Clostridium botulinum, lack the enzymes (e.g., catalase) to neutralize oxygen's reactive byproducts, making oxygen lethal to them. 'Obligate aerobes,' require oxygen for survival, the opposite of the question's description. 'Aerotolerant anaerobes,' can tolerate oxygen but don't use it, differing from being harmed by it. 'Facultative aerobes,' can switch between oxygen and anaerobic metabolism, adapting to its presence. The defining trait here is oxygen's toxicity, not mere avoidance, aligning with obligate anaerobes' biological characteristics, as seen in microbiology studies of anaerobic bacteria, making B the precise answer over the others.
Question 5
A 45-year-old man is in the clinic for a routine physical examination. During the recording of his health history, the patient states that he has been having difficulty sleeping. 'I'll be sleeping great, and then I wake up and feel like I can't get my breath.' The nurse's best response to this would be:
A. When was your last electrocardiogram?'
B. It's probably because it's been so hot at night.'
C. Do you have any history of problems with your heart?'
D. Have you had a recent sinus infection or upper respiratory infection?'
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Do you have any history of problems with your heart?'
The correct answer is C: 'Do you have any history of problems with your heart?'
Rationale:
1. Difficulty sleeping and waking up feeling breathless can be indicative of cardiac issues like heart failure or arrhythmias.
2. Asking about a history of heart problems is crucial to assess the patient's risk factors and determine the need for further cardiac evaluation.
3. This response shows the nurse's understanding of the potential seriousness of the symptoms and the need to investigate cardiac health.
Summary:
- Option A (Electrocardiogram) is not the best initial response as it jumps to a specific test without gathering more information.
- Option B (Hot at night) dismisses the symptoms without considering underlying health issues.
- Option D (Sinus or respiratory infection) does not address the potential cardiac cause of the symptoms.
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Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing manifestations of anxiety. The nurse should recognize which of the following statements about the neurophysiologic manifestations of anxiety as correct?
A. The amygdala-centered (ACC) circuit of the brain is associated with feelings of panic.
B. The amygdala-centered (ACC) circuit of the brain is associated with feelings of apprehension.
C. The cortico-strato-thalamo-cortical circuit (CSTC) of the brain is associated with phobias.
D. The cortico-stratto-thalamo-cortical circuit (CSTC) of the brain is associated with feelings of fear.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: The amygdala-centered (ACC) circuit of the brain is associated with feelings of panic. The amygdala is a key structure in the brain's emotional processing and is involved in the generation of fear responses, including panic. When a person experiences anxiety, the amygdala is activated, leading to increased feelings of panic. This is why understanding the role of the amygdala in anxiety is important for nurses caring for anxious clients.
Summary of other choices:
B: Incorrect. The amygdala is associated with feelings of panic, not just apprehension.
C: Incorrect. The CSTC circuit is not specifically associated with phobias but plays a role in various cognitive functions.
D: Incorrect. The CSTC circuit is not primarily associated with feelings of fear but is involved in motor control and decision-making processes.
A client with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus is being taught about dietary management. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. You should avoid foods that contain carbohydrates.
B. You should decrease your intake of high-fiber foods.
C. You should increase your intake of high-protein foods.
D. You should monitor your carbohydrate intake.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: 'You should monitor your carbohydrate intake.' Monitoring carbohydrate intake is essential for managing blood glucose levels in clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. By monitoring carbohydrate intake, individuals can make informed decisions about their dietary choices and better control their blood sugar levels. Avoiding foods that contain carbohydrates (choice A) is not advisable as carbohydrates are an essential nutrient that can be consumed in moderation. Decreasing intake of high-fiber foods (choice B) is not recommended as fiber is beneficial for glycemic control and overall health. Increasing intake of high-protein foods (choice C) is not the primary focus of dietary management for type 2 diabetes; while protein is important, it is more crucial to monitor carbohydrate intake for effective blood sugar management.
When working as a licensed vocational nurse, you determine that your client scheduled for surgery does not understand the physician's earlier explanation of the surgery. The client is asking many questions about the risks and seems worried. Which of the following actions would be best on your part?
A. Quickly explain the surgery procedures and the risks to the client.
B. Cancel the surgery.
C. Ask your supervising RN to explain the surgery procedure and its risks.
D. Notify the physician.
Correct answer:
When a client scheduled for surgery shows a lack of understanding and expresses concern, notifying the physician is the best action for a licensed vocational nurse. The physician, as the primary decision-maker and the one obtaining informed consent, has the responsibility to ensure the client fully comprehends the procedure, risks, and benefits. The nurse's role is to facilitate communication and advocate for the client's needs, not to independently explain complex medical details outside their scope or cancel the surgery, which exceeds their authority. Asking the supervising RN might help, but it delays direct resolution by the physician, who is legally accountable for ensuring consent is informed. This approach upholds the nurse's duty to prioritize client understanding and safety while respecting professional boundaries and legal standards.
A patient is brought by ambulance to the emergency department with multiple traumas received in an automobile accident. He is alert and cooperative, but his injuries are quite severe. How would the nurse proceed with data collection?
A. Collect history information first, then perform the physical examination and institute life-saving measures.
B. Simultaneously ask history questions while performing the examination and initiating life-saving measures.
C. Collect all information on the history form, including social support patterns, strengths, and coping patterns.
D. Perform life-saving measures and delay asking any history questions until the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B. In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize immediate actions to ensure the patient's survival. By simultaneously asking history questions, performing the examination, and initiating life-saving measures, the nurse can quickly gather essential information while addressing the patient's critical needs. This approach allows for efficient data collection without compromising the patient's well-being.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not prioritize the patient's immediate needs. A delays life-saving measures by collecting history first, which can be detrimental in a critical situation. C focuses on detailed history information that is not essential for immediate care. D delays gathering any history information, which is crucial for understanding the patient's condition and providing appropriate care.
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has signs of hemorrhagic shock. When the nurse notifies the surgeon, he directs her to continue to measure the client's vitals every 15 minutes and call him back in 1 hour. From a legal perspective, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
A. Notify the nursing manager.
B. Document the client's condition and communication with the surgeon.
C. Administer additional fluids as per standard procedure.
D. Call the surgeon back immediately to ensure timely intervention.
Correct answer:
In this scenario, the nurse should choose option B, which is to document the client's condition and communication with the surgeon. By documenting the client's condition and the communication with the surgeon, the nurse ensures legal protection and maintains continuity of care. This documentation serves as evidence of the actions taken, communication exchanged, and the rationale behind decisions made. Option A, notifying the nursing manager, may not be necessary at this stage unless there are specific institutional protocols requiring it. Administering additional fluids without further clarification may not be appropriate and could worsen the client's condition if not indicated. Calling the surgeon back immediately (option D) may disrupt the agreed-upon plan of action and fail to follow the surgeon's instructions of reassessment after an hour.
A nurse is explaining to a patient with asthma what her new prescription for prednisone is used for. What would be the most accurate explanation that the nurse could give?
A. To ensure long-term prevention of asthma exacerbations
B. To cure any systemic infection underlying asthma attacks
C. To prevent recurrent pulmonary infections
D. To gain prompt control of inadequately controlled, persistent asthma
Correct answer:
Prednisone, an oral corticosteroid, is prescribed for asthma to gain prompt control of inadequately controlled, persistent symptoms, typically as a short-term burst (3-10 days). It rapidly reduces severe inflammation driving exacerbations swelling, mucus, and bronchospasm when inhaled therapies fail, restoring airway patency fast. Long-term prevention relies on inhaled corticosteroids, not oral prednisone, due to systemic side effects (e.g., osteoporosis). Asthma isn't infection-driven; prednisone doesn't cure systemic infections, nor is it for pulmonary infection prevention antibiotics serve that role if needed. The nurse's explanation clarifies prednisone's acute role highlighting duration and monitoring (e.g., glucose spikes) ensuring the patient understands its temporary, potent purpose in asthma crisis management, per clinical guidelines.
The nurse is assessing a 75-year-old man. As the nurse begins the mental status portion of the assessment, the nurse expects that this patient:
A. Will have no decrease in any of his abilities, including response time
B. Will have difficulty on tests of remote memory because this ability typically decreases with age
C. May take a little longer to respond, but his general knowledge and abilities should not have declined
D. Will exhibit had a decrease in his response time because of the loss of language and a decrease in general knowledge
Correct answer:
Rationale for Correct Answer C:
1. Normal Aging Process: It is normal for older adults to take a little longer to respond due to age-related changes in cognitive processing speed.
2. General Knowledge and Abilities: The patient's general knowledge and abilities should not have declined significantly just due to age.
3. Overall Mental Status: Despite potential slower response times, the patient's mental status should be intact in terms of memory, attention, and orientation.
Summary of Other Choices:
A. Incorrect - Unrealistic expectation as aging typically results in some decline in cognitive abilities.
B. Incorrect - While remote memory may decline with age, it is not a guarantee for all individuals.
D. Incorrect - Response time may be slower, but loss of language and general knowledge is not necessarily expected solely due to age.
What are the nursing interventions for a patient with hypertension?
A. Monitor blood pressure and educate the patient about lifestyle changes
B. Administer antihypertensive medications and provide dietary education
C. Provide regular monitoring of blood pressure and administer diuretics
D. Provide regular blood glucose monitoring
Correct answer:
The correct nursing interventions for a patient with hypertension involve monitoring blood pressure and educating the patient about lifestyle changes. These interventions help in managing hypertension by keeping track of the patient's blood pressure readings and empowering them with knowledge to make lifestyle modifications such as adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Administering antihypertensive medications (choice B) is typically done by a healthcare provider rather than a nurse. While regular monitoring of blood pressure (choice C) is important, administering diuretics is a specific medical intervention that should be prescribed by a healthcare provider. Monitoring blood glucose (choice D) is more relevant for patients with diabetes rather than hypertension.
A visiting nurse is making an initial home visit for a patient who has many chronic medical problems. Which type of data base is most appropriate to collect in this setting?
A. A follow-up data base to evaluate changes at appropriate intervals.
B. An episodic data base because of the continuing, complex medical problems of this patient.
C. A complete health data base because of the nurse's primary responsibility for monitoring the patient's health.
D. An emergency data base because of the need to collect information and make accurate diagnoses rapidly.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C, a complete health data base. In this initial home visit for a patient with chronic medical problems, the nurse's primary responsibility is to gather comprehensive information about the patient's health status, medical history, current medications, social support, and lifestyle factors. This type of data base allows for a holistic assessment and forms the foundation for ongoing care planning and monitoring.
Choice A is incorrect because a follow-up data base is not suitable for an initial visit as it focuses on evaluating changes over time. Choice B is incorrect as an episodic data base is more appropriate for acute, single-issue visits. Choice D is incorrect as an emergency data base is used in urgent situations requiring rapid assessment and treatment, not for a routine initial visit for chronic medical problems.
The nurse is caring for a client who has disturbed sleep patterns. Which measures should the nurse implement to promote sleep? Select all that apply.
A. Dimming the lights.
B. Administration of a diuretic.
C. Promoting daytime exercises.
D. Suggest a bottle of wine before sleep.
Correct answer:
Correct Answer: A (Dimming the lights)
Rationale:
1. Dimming the lights helps create a conducive environment for sleep by signaling the body to produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
2. Reduced light exposure promotes relaxation and triggers the body's natural sleep mechanisms.
3. Bright lights can interfere with the body's circadian rhythm, making it difficult to fall asleep.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B. Administration of a diuretic is unrelated to promoting sleep and may actually disrupt sleep patterns by causing frequent trips to the bathroom.
C. Promoting daytime exercises can be beneficial for overall health but may not directly address disturbed sleep patterns.
D. Suggesting a bottle of wine before sleep is not recommended as alcohol can disrupt sleep quality and lead to fragmented sleep patterns.
LPN exams fundamentals practice questions, set 79 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.
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