LVN Physiological Integrity Test 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is NOT an adverse side effect of external radiation?
- Xerostomia (dry mouth)
- Stomatitis (irritation of the oral mucous membranes)
- Colitis (Correct answer)
- Dysgeusia (a diminished sense of taste)
Correct answer: Colitis
Colitis, which is inflammation of the colon, is an adverse effect of external radiation only when the radiation field specifically includes the abdominal or pelvic region. In contrast, xerostomia (dry mouth), stomatitis (oral irritation), and dysgeusia (altered taste) are common adverse effects of external radiation to the head and neck area. Therefore, colitis is not a universal adverse effect of all external radiation, making it the correct answer.
Question 2: A client is prescribed Betapace (sotalol). This medication is known to cause what?
- Hyperkalemia (Correct answer)
- An increase in the heart rate
- Anorexia
- Hypoglycemia
Correct answer: Hyperkalemia
Betapace (sotalol) is a beta-blocker with Class III antiarrhythmic properties. A known adverse effect of beta-blockers is hyperkalemia, as they can inhibit the cellular uptake of potassium. This can lead to elevated serum potassium levels, especially in vulnerable patients, making it a crucial electrolyte imbalance to monitor.
Question 3: Which of the following is a nursing responsibility after a lumbar procedure?
- Instruct the client to empty the bladder
- Support the back of the client's neck
- Monitor the client's vital signs
- Help the client to the dorsal recumbent position (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Help the client to the dorsal recumbent position
After a lumbar procedure, such as a lumbar puncture, placing the client in a dorsal recumbent (flat on back) position is crucial. This position helps to minimize the risk of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) by reducing cerebrospinal fluid leakage and promoting the closure of the puncture site. Maintaining this position for several hours helps prevent complications and promotes patient comfort.
Question 4: Which is NOT a treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension?
- Vasodilators
- Diuretics
- Oxygen
- Anticoagulants (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are not considered a primary treatment for primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). While they may be used in specific cases of secondary pulmonary hypertension or if there's a risk of thrombosis, the mainstays of PPH treatment focus on improving pulmonary blood flow and reducing pressure, such as vasodilators, diuretics, and oxygen therapy.
Question 5: A client is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Which of the following clinical findings indicates diabetes mellitus?
- Muscle weakness
- Glucose in the urine (Correct answer)
- Protein in urine
- Elevated electrolyte levels
Correct answer: Glucose in the urine
Glucose in the urine (glycosuria) is a classic clinical finding indicating diabetes mellitus. When blood glucose levels are excessively high due to insufficient insulin or insulin resistance, the kidneys' reabsorption capacity is overwhelmed, leading to glucose spilling into the urine. This symptom is a direct manifestation of hyperglycemia in diabetes.
Question 6: All of the following are signs of Addison’s disease EXCEPT:
- pale skin color (Correct answer)
- arrhythmias
- weight loss
- hypertension (Correct answer)
Correct answer: pale skin color
Addison's disease, or adrenal insufficiency, is characterized by a deficiency in adrenal hormones. This typically leads to symptoms like hypotension, weight loss, and arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances. A hallmark sign is hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), not pale skin, and patients usually experience hypotension, not hypertension, making these the incorrect options.
Question 7: To assess the effectiveness of cardiac compressions during adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the nurse should palpate which pulse site:
- Radial
- Apical
- Carotid (Correct answer)
- Brachial
Correct answer: Carotid
During adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the carotid pulse is the most reliable and accessible central pulse to palpate. Checking the carotid pulse allows the nurse to quickly assess if chest compressions are effectively generating blood flow to the brain and vital organs. Peripheral pulses like the radial or brachial may not be palpable even with adequate compressions.
LVN Physiological Integrity Test 1
Which of the following is NOT an adverse side effect of external radiation?