Practice Questions with Correct
Answers and In-Depth Rationales
for Exam Success
Question 1
A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which assessment
finding indicates that the medication is having the desired effect?
A) Increased jugular venous distentionA
B) Weight gain of 2 kg in 24 hours
C) Decreased peripheral edema
D) Crackles auscultated in the lung bases
Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that reduces fluid overload. The
desired effect is reduced fluid volume, evidenced by decreased peripheral
edema, reduced crackles, weight loss, and decreased jugular venous
distention.
Question 2
The LPN is caring for a client with heart failure who reports sudden
onset of dyspnea and coughing up pink, frothy sputum. What is the
nurse's priority action?
A) Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
B) Position the client in high-Fowler's position
C) Notify the healthcare provider
D) Check the client's pulse oximetry
,Answer: B
Rationale: Positioning the client in high-Fowler's immediately reduces
venous return to the heart and decreases pulmonary congestion, which is
the priority intervention for acute pulmonary edema.
Question 3
A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is prescribed metformin. Which
adverse effect should the LPN teach the client to report immediately?
A) Nausea and metallic taste
B) Muscle pain and weakness
C) Weight gain and edema
D) Hyperglycemia and polyuria
Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin can cause lactic acidosis, a rare but serious condition.
Symptoms include muscle pain, weakness, and malaise. The client must
report these immediately to prevent life-threatening complications.
Question 4
The LPN is reinforcing teaching for a client prescribed warfarin. Which
instruction is essential to include?
A) "Avoid eating leafy green vegetables."
B) "Report any signs of bleeding or dark stools."
C) "Take the medication with a high-fat meal."
D) "Use a straight razor for shaving."
Answer: B
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases bleeding risk. The
client must be taught to monitor for signs of bleeding, such as dark, tarry
stools, hematuria, or easy bruising.
,Question 5
The LPN is assessing a client's stoma following an ileostomy. Which
finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
A) Stoma is moist and pink
B) Stoma is slightly edematous
C) Stoma appears dark purple
D) Stoma has a small amount of bleeding
Answer: C
Rationale: A dark purple or black stoma indicates ischemia or necrosis due
to compromised blood supply, which is a surgical emergency requiring
immediate intervention.
Question 6
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has an
oxygen saturation of 88%. The LPN should anticipate which healthcare
provider prescription?
A) Increase oxygen to 4 L via nasal cannula
B) Initiate oxygen at 2 L via nasal cannula
C) Prepare for intubation
D) Administer albuterol nebulizer only
Answer: B
Rationale: COPD clients rely on hypoxic drive, so oxygen should be titrated
to achieve a saturation of 88-92%. Starting at 2 L prevents suppressing the
respiratory drive while correcting hypoxia.
Question 7
, The LPN is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of digoxin. The
client's apical pulse is 52 beats per minute. What is the nurse's priority
action?
A) Administer the medication as ordered
B) Hold the dose and recheck the pulse in 30 minutes
C) Hold the dose and notify the healthcare provider
D) Administer half the dose
Answer: C
Rationale: Digoxin decreases heart rate. A pulse rate below 60 bpm is a
contraindication for administration. The nurse should hold the dose and
notify the provider.
Question 8
A client with a postoperative hip replacement is being positioned. How
should the LPN maintain the client's hip to prevent dislocation?
A) Keep the hip in adduction and external rotation
B) Use a wedge to maintain abduction
C) Position the client flat on the back
D) Keep the legs straight and together
Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining abduction with a pillow between the legs prevents
adduction and internal rotation, which are the primary positions that cause
dislocation of a posterior hip prosthesis.
Question 9
The LPN is reinforcing dietary teaching for a client with acute
glomerulonephritis. Which food selection indicates the client
understands the prescribed low-sodium diet?