LPN - Certified Practical Nurse Physiological Adaptation 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?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia and postural hypotension.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The kidneys will excrete hydrogen ions and conserve bicarbonate.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood glucose and heart rate.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Increased red blood cell count (polycythemia).

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Proliferative phase

Answer

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.

(LPN) Certified Practical Nurse Practice Test

(LPN) Certified Practical Nurse Practice Test

LPN - Certified Practical Nurse Physiological Adaptation Questions and Answers