LPN Reduction of Risk Potential 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client returns from a bronchoscopy procedure. Which assessment finding requires the LPN to notify the charge nurse immediately?
- Mild throat soreness
- Absence of gag reflex (Correct answer)
- Blood pressure 118/76 mmHg
- Heart rate of 78 bpm
Correct answer: Absence of gag reflex
Absence of the gag reflex after bronchoscopy indicates the local anesthetic is still active and the client is at high risk for aspiration.
Question 2: The LPN is caring for a client receiving IV heparin. Which lab value is most important to monitor?
- PT/INR
- aPTT (Correct answer)
- Platelet count only
- Serum fibrinogen
Correct answer: aPTT
Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the primary lab used to monitor and titrate IV heparin therapy.
Question 3: A client with a nasogastric tube is prescribed continuous tube feeding. What is the most important nursing action to reduce aspiration risk?
- Flush the tube with 30 mL water every 8 hours
- Keep the head of the bed elevated at least 30–45 degrees (Correct answer)
- Check residuals once per shift
- Run the feeding at room temperature
Correct answer: Keep the head of the bed elevated at least 30–45 degrees
Elevating the head of the bed 30–45 degrees continuously during tube feeding is the most effective intervention to prevent aspiration.
Question 4: The LPN notes a client's urine output has been 20 mL/hour for the past 3 hours. What is the priority action?
- Increase the IV fluid rate independently
- Document the finding and recheck in 1 hour
- Report the finding to the charge nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Encourage oral fluid intake
Correct answer: Report the finding to the charge nurse immediately
Urine output below 30 mL/hour indicates possible renal compromise or decreased perfusion and must be reported promptly.
Question 5: Which action by the LPN best reduces the risk of a surgical site infection in a postoperative client?
- Change the dressing using sterile technique (Correct answer)
- Apply antibiotic ointment from the supply cart
- Remove the dressing to allow air exposure
- Irrigate the wound with tap water
Correct answer: Change the dressing using sterile technique
Using sterile technique during dressing changes is the standard evidence-based practice to prevent surgical site infections.
Question 6: A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy and asks why they need to complete a bowel prep. What is the best response by the LPN?
- It reduces the risk of bleeding during the procedure
- It helps the physician see the bowel lining clearly and reduces infection risk (Correct answer)
- It prevents constipation after the procedure
- It lowers your blood pressure so you tolerate sedation better
Correct answer: It helps the physician see the bowel lining clearly and reduces infection risk
Bowel prep clears stool from the colon to allow clear visualization and reduces the risk of contamination if bowel perforation occurs.
Question 7: The LPN is caring for a client on bedrest. Which intervention is the highest priority to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
- Encourage deep breathing exercises
- Apply sequential compression devices (SCDs) as ordered (Correct answer)
- Provide a high-protein diet
- Reposition the client every 4 hours
Correct answer: Apply sequential compression devices (SCDs) as ordered
SCDs promote venous return by applying intermittent pneumatic compression, which is the primary mechanical prevention for DVT in immobile clients.
LPN Reduction of Risk Potential 2
A client returns from a bronchoscopy procedure.
Which assessment finding requires the LPN to notify the charge nurse immediately?