LPN - Certified Practical Nurse Physiological Adaptation Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An LPN is assessing a client with suspected dehydration. Which of the following findings is a key physiological indicator of fluid volume deficit?
- Bounding peripheral pulses and jugular vein distention.
- Increased urine output with a low specific gravity.
- Tachycardia and postural hypotension. (Correct answer)
- Moist mucous membranes and normal skin turgor.
Correct answer: Tachycardia and postural hypotension.
In dehydration (fluid volume deficit), the body compensates for the decreased circulating volume by increasing the heart rate (tachycardia) to maintain cardiac output. Postural hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when moving from a lying to a standing position) occurs because the depleted volume is insufficient to maintain adequate blood pressure with position changes.
Question 2: A client with a chronic respiratory condition has developed respiratory acidosis. Which physiological adaptation will the body use to compensate for this acid-base imbalance over several days?
- The lungs will increase the rate and depth of respirations.
- The kidneys will retain hydrogen ions and excrete bicarbonate.
- Cellular buffers will immediately and fully correct the pH.
- The kidneys will excrete hydrogen ions and conserve bicarbonate. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The kidneys will excrete hydrogen ions and conserve bicarbonate.
In chronic respiratory acidosis, the primary problem is CO2 retention by the lungs. The kidneys compensate over 3-5 days by increasing the excretion of acid (hydrogen ions) and reabsorbing/conserving bicarbonate (a base) to help restore the body's pH to a more normal range.
Question 3: During the alarm stage of Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which physiological response should the LPN anticipate in a client experiencing acute stress?
- Decreased heart rate and blood pressure.
- Pupil constriction and increased salivation.
- Increased blood glucose and heart rate. (Correct answer)
- Decreased respiratory rate and muscle relaxation.
Correct answer: Increased blood glucose and heart rate.
The alarm stage of GAS is the 'fight or flight' response. The body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels to provide the body with immediate energy to respond to the stressor.
Question 4: An LPN is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has chronic hypoxia. Which of the following laboratory results reflects a physiological adaptation to this condition?
- Decreased white blood cell count (leukopenia).
- Increased red blood cell count (polycythemia). (Correct answer)
- Decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
- Increased serum sodium level (hypernatremia).
Correct answer: Increased red blood cell count (polycythemia).
In response to chronic hypoxia (low oxygen levels), the kidneys are stimulated to produce more erythropoietin. This hormone signals the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This condition is known as secondary polycythemia.
Question 5: The LPN is observing a surgical wound and notes the formation of pink, healthy granulation tissue. This finding is a characteristic sign of which phase of wound healing?
- Hemostasis phase
- Inflammatory phase
- Maturation phase
- Proliferative phase (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Proliferative phase
The proliferative phase of wound healing focuses on filling and covering the wound. It is characterized by the formation of granulation tissue, which is new connective tissue and tiny blood vessels that appear pink or red. This tissue fills the wound bed as it heals.
Question 6: Which of the following clients is at the highest risk for developing accidental hypothermia?
- A 30-year-old athlete who is jogging in 50°F (10°C) weather.
- An 82-year-old client with hypothyroidism who lives in a poorly heated home. (Correct answer)
- A 45-year-old client with a well-controlled diabetic diet.
- A 25-year-old who is recovering from anesthesia in a warm post-operative unit.
Correct answer: An 82-year-old client with hypothyroidism who lives in a poorly heated home.
Older adults are at a higher risk for hypothermia due to a slower metabolism, a thinner subcutaneous fat layer, and a decreased ability to regulate body temperature. Chronic conditions like hypothyroidism further impair the body's ability to generate heat, and living in a cold environment is a major contributing factor.
LPN - Certified Practical Nurse Physiological Adaptation Questions and Answers 1
An LPN is assessing a client with suspected dehydration.
Which of the following findings is a key physiological indicator of fluid volume deficit?