Licensed Practical Nurse Flashcards

A patient is prescribed digoxin 0.125 mg daily. Before administering, the LPN assesses an apical pulse of 52 bpm. What is the priority action?

Answer: Hold the medication and notify the provider

Digoxin is held and the provider notified when the apical pulse is below 60 bpm in adults, as bradycardia is a sign of toxicity.

Which electrolyte imbalance most increases a patient's risk for digoxin toxicity?

Answer: Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia potentiates digoxin toxicity because low potassium increases myocardial sensitivity to the drug.

An LPN is caring for a patient with a stage 2 pressure injury on the coccyx. Which dressing type is most appropriate?

Answer: Hydrocolloid dressing

Hydrocolloid dressings maintain a moist wound environment and are recommended for stage 2 pressure injuries with minimal to moderate exudate.

A patient is 24 hours post-operative from abdominal surgery. The LPN notices the wound edges are separated and the bowel is visible. What is the priority intervention?

Answer: Cover the wound with saline-moistened sterile gauze

Evisceration requires immediate coverage with sterile saline-moistened gauze while the provider is notified emergently.

Which finding in a patient receiving a blood transfusion requires the LPN to stop the infusion immediately?

Answer: Temperature rise of 1°F within 15 minutes of starting

A temperature increase of 1°F or more during a transfusion signals a possible transfusion reaction and requires the infusion to be stopped immediately.

A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen therapy. Which oxygen flow rate is safest to initiate?

Answer: 1-2 L/min via nasal cannula

COPD patients rely on hypoxic drive, so low-flow oxygen (1-2 L/min) via nasal cannula is used to avoid suppressing their respiratory stimulus.

The LPN is preparing to administer a subcutaneous insulin injection. Which site should be avoided in a patient who is about to exercise their legs?

Answer: Thigh

Insulin injected into the thigh is absorbed faster during leg exercise, which can cause hypoglycemia, so the abdomen is preferred before leg activity.