LPN Licensed Practical Nurse MCQ 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient is prescribed digoxin 0.125 mg PO daily. Before administering the dose, the LPN assesses an apical pulse of 54 bpm. What is the priority action?
- Administer the dose as ordered
- Hold the medication and notify the charge nurse (Correct answer)
- Administer half the dose
- Document and give the next scheduled dose instead
Correct answer: Hold the medication and notify the charge nurse
Digoxin is held and the provider notified when the apical pulse is below 60 bpm in adults, as bradycardia is a sign of toxicity.
Question 2: Which finding in a patient with a urinary catheter should the LPN report immediately to the RN?
- Urine output of 40 mL/hr
- Cloudy, foul-smelling urine with sediment (Correct answer)
- Catheter tubing positioned below bladder level
- Small amount of mucus in the drainage bag
Correct answer: Cloudy, foul-smelling urine with sediment
Cloudy, foul-smelling urine with sediment indicates a possible catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) requiring prompt evaluation.
Question 3: An LPN is caring for a patient receiving IV potassium chloride. Which assessment finding requires the most immediate intervention?
- Mild burning at the IV site
- Urine output of 35 mL/hr
- Irregular heart rhythm on the monitor (Correct answer)
- Blood pressure of 138/86 mmHg
Correct answer: Irregular heart rhythm on the monitor
Hyperkalemia from IV potassium can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias requiring immediate intervention.
Question 4: A patient with a nasogastric tube for feeding reports nausea and vomiting. The LPN aspirates 320 mL of gastric residual. What is the appropriate action?
- Continue the feeding at the current rate
- Hold the feeding and notify the nurse in charge (Correct answer)
- Flush the tube and restart feeding
- Decrease the feeding rate by half
Correct answer: Hold the feeding and notify the nurse in charge
A gastric residual volume above 250–500 mL (per facility policy) indicates delayed gastric emptying; the feeding should be held and the RN notified.
Question 5: Which positioning is most appropriate for a patient following a below-knee amputation to prevent contractures?
- Elevate the residual limb on pillows at all times
- Keep the residual limb in a dependent position
- Position the patient prone for 20–30 minutes several times daily (Correct answer)
- Place the patient in Trendelenburg position
Correct answer: Position the patient prone for 20–30 minutes several times daily
Prone positioning helps prevent hip flexion contractures that commonly develop after lower-limb amputation.
Question 6: An LPN is reinforcing teaching for a patient starting warfarin therapy. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further instruction?
- 'I will have regular blood tests to check my INR.'
- 'I should use a soft-bristled toothbrush.'
- 'I can take ibuprofen for my headaches instead of aspirin.' (Correct answer)
- 'I will notify my provider before starting any new supplements.'
Correct answer: 'I can take ibuprofen for my headaches instead of aspirin.'
Both ibuprofen and aspirin increase bleeding risk and are contraindicated with warfarin; the patient should use acetaminophen for pain relief instead.
Question 7: A patient on a medical unit is placed on contact precautions for C. difficile infection. Which action by the LPN demonstrates correct understanding of these precautions?
- Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer after removing gloves
- Wearing a gown and gloves when entering the room (Correct answer)
- Placing the patient in a negative-pressure room
- Using an N95 respirator when within 3 feet of the patient
Correct answer: Wearing a gown and gloves when entering the room
Contact precautions require a gown and gloves upon room entry; alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against C. difficile spores—soap and water must be used.
LPN Licensed Practical Nurse MCQ 2
A patient is prescribed digoxin 0.125 mg PO daily.
Before administering the dose, the LPN assesses an apical pulse of 54 bpm.
What is the priority action?