LPN exams medical-surgical practice questions, set 13

LPN exams · medical-surgical

LPN exams medical-surgical practice questions set 13

You practice adult health stems across systems, then name the action that changes the outcome. 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 medical-surgical questions with answers

Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.

Question 1

Which client's laboratory value requires immediate intervention by a nurse?

  1. A. A client with GI bleeding who is receiving a blood transfusion and has a hemoglobin of 7 grams.
  2. B. A client with pancreatitis who has a fasting glucose of 190 mg/dl today and had 160 mg/dl yesterday.
  3. C. A client with hepatitis who is jaundiced and has a bilirubin level that is 4 times the normal value.
  4. D. A client with cancer who has an absolute neutrophil count < 500 today and had 2,000 yesterday.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — A client with cancer who has an absolute neutrophil count < 500 today and had 2,000 yesterday.

The correct answer is D because a client with an absolute neutrophil count < 500 is at high risk for serious infections due to severe neutropenia. Neutrophils are crucial for fighting infections, and a low count puts the client at immediate risk. Therefore, intervention is required to prevent life-threatening complications. Choice A: A hemoglobin of 7 grams in a client with GI bleeding receiving a blood transfusion indicates anemia, but it does not require immediate intervention unless the client is symptomatic. Choice B: A fasting glucose of 190 mg/dl in a client with pancreatitis is elevated but does not require immediate intervention unless the client is symptomatic or experiencing complications. Choice C: A bilirubin level 4 times the normal value in a jaundiced client with hepatitis is concerning but does not require immediate intervention unless there are signs of severe liver dysfunction or complications.

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a client hospitalized with AIDS. A friend comes to visit the client and privately asks the nurse about the risk of contracting HIV when visiting the client. What is the nurse's best response?

  1. A. “Do you think that you might already have HIV?”
  2. B. “Your immune system is likely very healthy.”
  3. C. “AIDS isn't transmitted by casual contact.”
  4. D. “You can't normally contract AIDS in a hospital setting.”
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — “AIDS isn't transmitted by casual contact.”

The correct answer is C: "AIDS isn't transmitted by casual contact." This is the best response because it is accurate and provides the friend with correct information. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, so the friend visiting the client is not at risk of contracting the virus. A: "Do you think that you might already have HIV?" - This response is inappropriate as it raises unnecessary concerns and does not address the friend's question directly. B: "Your immune system is likely very healthy." - This response is irrelevant to the friend's concern about contracting HIV and does not provide any information related to the risk of transmission. D: "You can't normally contract AIDS in a hospital setting." - While this statement is generally true due to universal precautions in healthcare settings, it does not directly address the friend's specific concern about HIV transmission through visiting the client.

Question 3

While assessing a client with diabetes mellitus, the nurse observes an absence of hair growth on the client's legs. What additional assessment provides further data to support this finding?

  1. A. Palpate for the presence of femoral pulses bilaterally.
  2. B. Assess for the presence of a positive Homan's sign.
  3. C. Observe the appearance of the skin on the client's legs.
  4. D. Watch the client's posture and balance during ambulation.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Observe the appearance of the skin on the client's legs.

The correct answer is C: Observe the appearance of the skin on the client's legs. In clients with diabetes mellitus, poor circulation can lead to decreased hair growth on the legs. By observing the skin appearance, the nurse can look for signs of poor circulation such as dry skin, thinning of the skin, or discoloration. This assessment provides further data to support the finding of absent hair growth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the assessment of absent hair growth in clients with diabetes mellitus. Palpating for femoral pulses assesses circulation but does not specifically address the absence of hair growth. Assessing for Homan's sign evaluates for deep vein thrombosis, which is not directly related to hair growth. Watching posture and balance during ambulation assesses mobility and stability but does not provide information on hair growth or circulation in the legs.

Question 4

A nurse is preparing to change a dressing on a client's surgical incision. Which type of dressing should the nurse use to promote autolytic debridement of the wound?

  1. A. Alginate dressing
  2. B. Foam dressing
  3. C. Gauze dressing
  4. D. Hydrogel dressing
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Hydrogel dressing

Hydrogel dressing is the correct answer to promote autolytic debridement in a surgical incision. Autolytic debridement uses the body's enzymes and moisture to break down necrotic tissue, and hydrogel, being water- or glycerin-based, hydrates the wound, creating an ideal moist environment for this process. This is gentle and effective for incisions with minor necrosis or slough, preserving healthy tissue. Alginate dressing is absorbent and suited for heavy exudate, not dry or minimally draining wounds needing debridement. Foam dressing cushions and absorbs moderate exudate but doesn't hydrate enough for autolysis. Gauze dressing can dry out and stick, causing trauma upon removal, and lacks the moisture retention needed for autolytic action. Hydrogel's ability to donate moisture distinguishes it, supporting natural debridement while minimizing pain and disruption, making it the best choice for this healing mechanism.

Question 5

A nurse is preparing to change a dressing on a client's surgical incision. Which type of dressing should the nurse use to promote autolytic debridement of the wound?

  1. A. Alginate dressing
  2. B. Foam dressing
  3. C. Gauze dressing
  4. D. Hydrogel dressing
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Hydrogel dressing

Hydrogel dressing is the correct answer to promote autolytic debridement in a surgical incision. Autolytic debridement uses the body's enzymes and moisture to break down necrotic tissue, and hydrogel, being water- or glycerin-based, hydrates the wound, creating an ideal moist environment for this process. This is gentle and effective for incisions with minor necrosis or slough, preserving healthy tissue. Alginate dressing is absorbent and suited for heavy exudate, not dry or minimally draining wounds needing debridement. Foam dressing cushions and absorbs moderate exudate but doesn't hydrate enough for autolysis. Gauze dressing can dry out and stick, causing trauma upon removal, and lacks the moisture retention needed for autolytic action. Hydrogel's ability to donate moisture distinguishes it, supporting natural debridement while minimizing pain and disruption, making it the best choice for this healing mechanism.

Keep going past these 15 questions

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Ten more LPN exams medical-surgical questions

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Question 6

After being hospitalized for 3 days with a right femur fracture, a patient suddenly develops shortness of breath and tachypnea. The patient tells the nurse, 'I feel like I am going to die!' Which action should the nurse take first?

  1. A. Stay with the patient and offer reassurance.
  2. B. Administer prescribed PRN O2 at 4 L/min.
  3. C. Check the patient’s legs for swelling or tenderness.
  4. D. Notify the health care provider about the symptoms.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 7

Which of the following terms describes a bed that is completely made with the bedspread and blankets in place?

  1. A. Closed bed
  2. B. Open bed
  3. C. Occupied bed
  4. D. Unoccupied bed
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Question 8

Lois Griffin has just had a heart transplant. The doctor made an incision, performed the surgery, and sutured the incision. This is:

  1. A. Primary intention
  2. B. Delayed primary intention
  3. C. Secondary intention
  4. D. Tertiary intention
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Question 9

Lois Griffin has just had a heart transplant. The doctor made an incision, performed the surgery, and sutured the incision. This is:

  1. A. Primary intention
  2. B. Delayed primary intention
  3. C. Secondary intention
  4. D. Tertiary intention
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 10

A patient has been diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia. The patient is to begin taking interferon alfa 2b. What will the nurse include in her instructions to the patient concerning this drug?

  1. A. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking the drug.
  2. B. Continue to maintain maximal physical activity.
  3. C. Increase fluid intake while taking the drug.
  4. D. Treat constipation with over-the-counter laxatives.
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Question 11

Cells from the stratum germinativum reach the stratum corneum in approximately:

  1. A. 15-20 days
  2. B. 6-8 weeks
  3. C. 8-10 days
  4. D. 12-15 weeks
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Question 12

A client has just received the diagnosis of malignant melanoma, stage 3B. He asks the nurse what this means. The nurse should respond relaying which of the following information? Select all that apply.

  1. A. Malignant melanoma is a very rapid growing, aggressive cancer.
  2. B. This cancer usually extends wide and deep but rarely metastasize.
  3. C. This cancer is mainly contained to the head and neck area.
  4. D. Your cancer has grown into the deep tissues and quite likely into lymph nodes (stage 3B).
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Question 13

Cells from the stratum germinativum reach the stratum corneum in approximately:

  1. A. 15-20 days
  2. B. 6-8 weeks
  3. C. 8-10 days
  4. D. 12-15 weeks
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 14

Cells from the stratum germinativum reach the stratum corneum in approximately:

  1. A. 15-20 days
  2. B. 6-8 weeks
  3. C. 8-10 days
  4. D. 12-15 weeks
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

A home health nurse is caring for a client who has an immunodeficiency. What is the nurse's priority action to help ensure successful outcomes and a favorable prognosis?

  1. A. Encourage the client and family to be active partners in the management of immunodeficiency
  2. B. Encourage the client and family to manage the client's activity level and activities of daily living effectively
  3. C. Make sure that the client and family understand the importance of monitoring fluid balance
  4. D. Make sure that the client and family know how to adjust dosages of the medications used in treatment
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

About these LPN exams medical-surgical questions

LPN exams medical-surgical practice questions, set 13 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the LPN exams exam guide.

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.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.