Licensed Practical Nurse-PN Flashcards
7 cards from real LPN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Licensed Practical Nurse-PN flashcards as text
A patient receiving IV potassium chloride develops pain and redness at the IV site. What is the priority nursing action?
Answer: Discontinue the IV and notify the physician
Signs of phlebitis or infiltration require immediate discontinuation of the IV to prevent tissue damage.
Which laboratory value should the LPN report immediately to the registered nurse for a patient on digoxin therapy?
Answer: Serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L
Hypokalemia (potassium below 3.5 mEq/L) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity and must be reported promptly.
An LPN is caring for a patient in Buck's traction. Which action is most important to prevent complications?
Answer: Assess neurovascular status of the affected limb every 4 hours
Regular neurovascular checks detect early signs of compromised circulation or nerve damage in patients in traction.
When performing oral suctioning on an unconscious patient, the LPN should position the patient in which way?
Answer: Semi-Fowler's with head turned to one side
Turning the head to the side allows secretions to drain by gravity and reduces the risk of aspiration.
A patient with a urinary catheter has output of 20 mL over 2 hours. After ruling out catheter obstruction, what is the LPN's next action?
Answer: Report the finding to the RN
Urine output less than 30 mL/hr may indicate renal insufficiency or hypovolemia and must be reported to the RN.
Which technique should the LPN use when administering an intradermal injection for tuberculin skin testing?
Answer: Insert needle at 5-15 degree angle, bevel up, creating a wheal
Intradermal injections are given at a 5-15 degree angle with the bevel up to form a visible wheal just under the skin surface.
A patient with COPD has an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. The physician orders oxygen at 1-2 L/min via nasal cannula. The patient asks why they can't have more oxygen. What is the best explanation?
Answer: Patients with COPD may rely on low oxygen levels to drive their breathing stimulus
Some COPD patients develop hypoxic drive, where low oxygen (not CO2) triggers breathing, so high-flow O2 can suppress respirations.