LPN Reduction of Risk Potential - 2026 Update
1. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a patient receiving heparin.
Which value should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
A. Platelet count of 90,000/mm3
B. PTT of 70 seconds
C. INR of 1.1
D. Hemoglobin of 14 g/dL
Answer: A
Rationale: A platelet count below 150,000/mm3 indicates thrombocytopenia. In a patient
on heparin, this could signify Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious
complication that must be reported.
2. Which assessment finding should the LPN prioritize as a potential sign of
internal bleeding following an abdominal surgery?
A. Incisional pain rated 6/10
B. Rapid, thready pulse
C. Increased bowel sounds
D. Urinary output of 40 mL/hr
Answer: B
Rationale: A rapid, thready pulse (tachycardia) and dropping blood pressure are classic
signs of hypovolemic shock due to hemorrhage.
,3. The nurse is preparing a client for a scheduled MRI. Which finding is a
contraindication for this procedure?
A. Allergy to shellfish
B. Permanent cardiac pacemaker
C. History of claustrophobia
D. Dental fillings
Answer: B
Rationale: MRI uses powerful magnets. Metal implants like pacemakers can be deactivated
or moved, posing a lethal risk to the client.
4. A client with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is at risk for which complication?
A. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Increased muscle strength
C. Fluid volume deficit
D. Cardiac dysrhythmias
Answer: D
Rationale: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) can cause life-threatening cardiac
arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
5. A nurse is monitoring a client post-thyroidectomy. Which sign indicates a
potential risk for hypocalcemia?
A. Negative Chvostek’s sign
B. Tingling in the fingers and toes
C. Bradycardia
D. Flaccid paralysis
Answer: B
Rationale: Paresthesia (tingling) and muscle twitching are early signs of hypocalcemia,
often caused by accidental parathyroid gland removal during thyroid surgery.
, 6. A client is prescribed Warfarin. Which lab value indicates the medication is in
the therapeutic range for a client with atrial fibrillation?
A. PTT 1.5 times the control
B. INR 2.5
C. Platelets 250,000
D. Hct 45%
Answer: B
Rationale: For atrial fibrillation, the therapeutic INR range for warfarin therapy is typically
between 2.0 and 3.0.
7. The LPN is caring for a patient who just returned from a cardiac
catheterization. Which action is most important to reduce risk of hematoma?
A. Encourage oral fluid intake
B. Keep the affected extremity straight for the prescribed time
C. Apply firm pressure to the site if bleeding occurs
D. Check the distal pulses every 4 hours
Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining the extremity in a straight position prevents the arterial puncture
site from reopening and forming a hematoma or bleeding.
8. Which laboratory result would the nurse expect to see in a client with chronic
kidney disease (CKD)?
A. BUN 45 mg/dL
B. Creatinine 0.8 mg/dL
C. Potassium 3.8 mEq/L
D. Hemoglobin 15 g/dL
Answer: A
Rationale: BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) and Creatinine are typically elevated in CKD
because the kidneys cannot effectively filter waste.
1. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a patient receiving heparin.
Which value should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
A. Platelet count of 90,000/mm3
B. PTT of 70 seconds
C. INR of 1.1
D. Hemoglobin of 14 g/dL
Answer: A
Rationale: A platelet count below 150,000/mm3 indicates thrombocytopenia. In a patient
on heparin, this could signify Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious
complication that must be reported.
2. Which assessment finding should the LPN prioritize as a potential sign of
internal bleeding following an abdominal surgery?
A. Incisional pain rated 6/10
B. Rapid, thready pulse
C. Increased bowel sounds
D. Urinary output of 40 mL/hr
Answer: B
Rationale: A rapid, thready pulse (tachycardia) and dropping blood pressure are classic
signs of hypovolemic shock due to hemorrhage.
,3. The nurse is preparing a client for a scheduled MRI. Which finding is a
contraindication for this procedure?
A. Allergy to shellfish
B. Permanent cardiac pacemaker
C. History of claustrophobia
D. Dental fillings
Answer: B
Rationale: MRI uses powerful magnets. Metal implants like pacemakers can be deactivated
or moved, posing a lethal risk to the client.
4. A client with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is at risk for which complication?
A. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Increased muscle strength
C. Fluid volume deficit
D. Cardiac dysrhythmias
Answer: D
Rationale: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) can cause life-threatening cardiac
arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
5. A nurse is monitoring a client post-thyroidectomy. Which sign indicates a
potential risk for hypocalcemia?
A. Negative Chvostek’s sign
B. Tingling in the fingers and toes
C. Bradycardia
D. Flaccid paralysis
Answer: B
Rationale: Paresthesia (tingling) and muscle twitching are early signs of hypocalcemia,
often caused by accidental parathyroid gland removal during thyroid surgery.
, 6. A client is prescribed Warfarin. Which lab value indicates the medication is in
the therapeutic range for a client with atrial fibrillation?
A. PTT 1.5 times the control
B. INR 2.5
C. Platelets 250,000
D. Hct 45%
Answer: B
Rationale: For atrial fibrillation, the therapeutic INR range for warfarin therapy is typically
between 2.0 and 3.0.
7. The LPN is caring for a patient who just returned from a cardiac
catheterization. Which action is most important to reduce risk of hematoma?
A. Encourage oral fluid intake
B. Keep the affected extremity straight for the prescribed time
C. Apply firm pressure to the site if bleeding occurs
D. Check the distal pulses every 4 hours
Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining the extremity in a straight position prevents the arterial puncture
site from reopening and forming a hematoma or bleeding.
8. Which laboratory result would the nurse expect to see in a client with chronic
kidney disease (CKD)?
A. BUN 45 mg/dL
B. Creatinine 0.8 mg/dL
C. Potassium 3.8 mEq/L
D. Hemoglobin 15 g/dL
Answer: A
Rationale: BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) and Creatinine are typically elevated in CKD
because the kidneys cannot effectively filter waste.
