LPN exams medical-surgical practice questions, set 4

LPN exams · medical-surgical

LPN exams medical-surgical practice questions set 4

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

The male client diagnosed with a stage 4 pressure ulcer on the coccyx area is being treated with an autolytic medication for debridement and an occlusive dressing. The wife asks about a foul odor. Which statement is the nurse's best response?

  1. A. I will contact your husband's doctor when he makes rounds.'
  2. B. The odor is secondary to an infection and he is taking antibiotics.'
  3. C. The odor is an expected reaction to the pressure dressing.'
  4. D. I am sorry the odor bothers you. We will bathe your husband.'
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — The odor is an expected reaction to the pressure dressing.'

The correct answer is C: 'The odor is an expected reaction to the pressure dressing.' The rationale is that in the scenario provided, the male client is being treated with an occlusive dressing for the pressure ulcer. Occlusive dressings can sometimes lead to a foul odor due to the accumulation of exudate and bacteria under the dressing, which is a normal part of the healing process. The nurse's response should reassure the wife that the odor is expected and not necessarily indicative of an infection. Option A: 'I will contact your husband's doctor when he makes rounds.' This response does not address the wife's concern about the foul odor and delays providing necessary information. Option B: 'The odor is secondary to an infection and he is taking antibiotics.' This response assumes an infection without proper assessment and may mislead the wife about the cause of the odor. Option D: 'I am sorry the odor bothers you. We will bathe your husband.' This response does not address the underlying cause

Question 2

A client with diabetes mellitus has a diabetic foot ulcer on the left heel. The nurse is preparing to apply a hydrocolloid dressing to the wound. What is an advantage of using this type of dressing?

  1. A. It provides a moist environment for wound healing
  2. B. It absorbs large amounts of exudate from the wound
  3. C. It allows frequent inspection of the wound without removal
  4. D. It stimulates autolytic debridement of necrotic tissue in the wound
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — It stimulates autolytic debridement of necrotic tissue in the wound

as hydrocolloid dressings stimulate autolytic debridement of necrotic tissue, a key advantage for a diabetic foot ulcer. These dressings are occlusive, forming a gel-like layer over the wound that traps moisture and enzymes, naturally breaking down dead tissue without mechanical intervention. This process is gentle, reducing trauma to surrounding healthy tissue, which is crucial for diabetic patients prone to slow healing. While providing a moist environment is true, it's not unique to hydrocolloids other dressings like hydrogels also do this making it less specific. Absorbing large amounts of exudate is incorrect, as hydrocolloids handle only minimal to moderate drainage, unlike alginates, and can leak if overwhelmed. Allowing frequent inspection is false; hydrocolloids are opaque and typically left in place for days, not designed for regular viewing. Autolytic debridement stands out as the distinct benefit, supporting healing in chronic wounds like diabetic ulcers by clearing necrotic debris efficiently.

Question 3

A client with diabetes mellitus has a diabetic foot ulcer on the left heel. The nurse is preparing to apply a hydrocolloid dressing to the wound. What is an advantage of using this type of dressing?

  1. A. It provides a moist environment for wound healing
  2. B. It absorbs large amounts of exudate from the wound
  3. C. It allows frequent inspection of the wound without removal
  4. D. It stimulates autolytic debridement of necrotic tissue in the wound
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — It stimulates autolytic debridement of necrotic tissue in the wound

as hydrocolloid dressings stimulate autolytic debridement of necrotic tissue, a key advantage for a diabetic foot ulcer. These dressings are occlusive, forming a gel-like layer over the wound that traps moisture and enzymes, naturally breaking down dead tissue without mechanical intervention. This process is gentle, reducing trauma to surrounding healthy tissue, which is crucial for diabetic patients prone to slow healing. While providing a moist environment is true, it's not unique to hydrocolloids other dressings like hydrogels also do this making it less specific. Absorbing large amounts of exudate is incorrect, as hydrocolloids handle only minimal to moderate drainage, unlike alginates, and can leak if overwhelmed. Allowing frequent inspection is false; hydrocolloids are opaque and typically left in place for days, not designed for regular viewing. Autolytic debridement stands out as the distinct benefit, supporting healing in chronic wounds like diabetic ulcers by clearing necrotic debris efficiently.

Question 4

When assessing a new patient at the outpatient clinic, the nurse notes dry, scaly skin; thin hair; and thick, brittle nails. What is the nurse’s most important action?

  1. A. Instruct the patient about the importance of nutrition for skin health.
  2. B. Make a referral to a podiatrist so that the nails can be safely trimmed.
  3. C. Consult with the health care provider about the need for further diagnostic testing.
  4. D. Teach the patient about using moisturizing creams and lotions to decrease dry skin.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Consult with the health care provider about the need for further diagnostic testing.

The correct answer is C: Consult with the health care provider about the need for further diagnostic testing. The nurse's most important action is to investigate the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms, as dry, scaly skin; thin hair; and thick, brittle nails can be indicative of various underlying health conditions such as thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, or skin disorders. By consulting with the health care provider for further diagnostic testing, the nurse can determine the root cause of the symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Choice A is incorrect because while nutrition is important for skin health, the patient's symptoms may be indicative of a more serious underlying health issue that needs to be addressed first. Choice B is incorrect as referring to a podiatrist for nail trimming does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms. Choice D is incorrect as using moisturizing creams may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of the issue.

Question 5

The nurse is preparing a patient to receive immunosuppressant drugs on an outpatient basis. What is the priority for the nurse to arrange for this patient in the home environment?

  1. A. A caregiver who is skilled in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  2. B. A caregiver who will provide adequate nutrition
  3. C. Supportive care and comfort measures
  4. D. Arrange for a home care nurse to administer injections
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Supportive care and comfort measures

Rationale for correct answer (C): Providing supportive care and comfort measures is the priority for the nurse preparing a patient for immunosuppressant drugs at home. This is crucial to monitor the patient's well-being, manage side effects, and ensure the patient's comfort during treatment. Supportive care includes monitoring vital signs, managing symptoms, and addressing any concerns the patient may have, which are essential for the patient's safety and well-being. Summary of incorrect choices: A: A caregiver skilled in CPR is important but not the priority. CPR may be needed in emergencies, but ensuring ongoing supportive care and comfort measures take precedence. B: Adequate nutrition is important for overall health but not the immediate priority when preparing a patient for immunosuppressant drugs. D: Having a home care nurse administer injections may be helpful, but it is not the priority. Providing supportive care and comfort measures can be managed by the patient themselves or the caregiver.

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Question 6

Which of the following is not a function of the integument?

  1. A. prevention of body dehydration
  2. B. synthesis of vitamin A
  3. C. regulation of body fluids
  4. D. regulation of body temperature
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 7

A client presents at the primary health care provider's office with complaints of a ring-like rash on his upper leg. Which question should the nurse ask first?

  1. A. Do you have any cats in your home?'
  2. B. Have you been camping in the last month?'
  3. C. Have you or close contacts had any flu-like symptoms within the last few weeks?'
  4. D. Have you been in physical contact with anyone who has the same type of rash?'
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 8

The male client diagnosed with a stage 4 pressure ulcer on the coccyx area is being treated with an autolytic medication for debridement and an occlusive dressing. The wife asks about a foul odor. Which statement is the nurse's best response?

  1. A. I will contact your husband's doctor when he makes rounds.'
  2. B. The odor is secondary to an infection and he is taking antibiotics.'
  3. C. The odor is an expected reaction to the pressure dressing.'
  4. D. I am sorry the odor bothers you. We will bathe your husband.'
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 9

The type of immunological protection provided by plasma therapy is

  1. A. Natural active
  2. B. Natural passive
  3. C. Artificial active
  4. D. Artificial passive
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 10

A nurse is caring for a client who has undergone a skin graft to cover a burn injury on the right arm. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care to promote graft adherence?

  1. A. Elevate the right arm above the level of the heart
  2. B. Apply negative pressure wound therapy to the graft site
  3. C. Immobilize the right arm with a splint or sling
  4. D. Irrigate the graft site with normal saline twice daily
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

A nurse is caring for a client who has undergone a skin graft to cover a burn injury on the right arm. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care to promote graft adherence?

  1. A. Elevate the right arm above the level of the heart
  2. B. Apply negative pressure wound therapy to the graft site
  3. C. Immobilize the right arm with a splint or sling
  4. D. Irrigate the graft site with normal saline twice daily
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 12

After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

  1. A. Patient with a repaired mandibular fracture who is complaining of facial pain
  2. B. Patient with an unrepaired intracapsular left hip fracture whose leg is externally rotated
  3. C. Patient with an unrepaired Colles’ fracture who has right wrist swelling and deformity
  4. D. Patient with repaired right femoral shaft fracture who is complaining of tightness in the calf
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 13

Therapy for autoimmune diseases does NOT include

  1. A. Immuno-suppressive drugs such as cortisone
  2. B. Aspirin
  3. C. Anti-TNF therapy
  4. D. Anti-CD20
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 14

One way for a nursing assistant to make a positive first impression on a new resident is to

  1. A. Place his personal items where the NA thinks they look best
  2. B. Get the admission process completed as quickly as possible
  3. C. Allow the resident to introduce himself to everyone in the facility
  4. D. Prepare his room before his arrival so that he feels expected and welcome
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

A person has acne. You tell them the reason(s) are because: (You may pick more than one answer)

  1. A. Excess carotene
  2. B. Excess Sebum
  3. C. Hypersecretion of hormones
  4. D. Wash your face! (ie. bacterial infection)
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 4 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.