Ultimate Flashcards

A patient with diabetes mellitus type 2 presents with Kussmaul respirations, fruity breath, and blood glucose of 420 mg/dL. These findings are most consistent with:

Answer: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

DKA presents with Kussmaul respirations (compensatory hyperventilation for acidosis), fruity breath from ketones, and hyperglycemia.

The LPN is caring for a patient in Buck's traction. Which assessment is most important?

Answer: Skin integrity under the traction boot

Skin integrity under the traction boot is the priority because continuous pressure can cause pressure ulcers, skin breakdown, and neurovascular compromise.

A patient taking lithium reports nausea, tremor, and blurred vision. The LPN recognizes these as signs of:

Answer: Lithium toxicity

Nausea, tremors, and blurred vision are early signs of lithium toxicity, which has a narrow therapeutic index (0.6–1.2 mEq/L).

When teaching a patient about iron supplement administration, the LPN should instruct the patient to take it:

Answer: On an empty stomach or with vitamin C

Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) enhances iron absorption by keeping it in the ferrous state.

A patient with a history of COPD is admitted with increased dyspnea. Which oxygen delivery method should the LPN anticipate using?

Answer: Venturi mask at a controlled FiO2

COPD patients require controlled, low-concentration oxygen via a Venturi mask to avoid suppressing their hypoxic respiratory drive.

Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely in a patient who has been vomiting for 3 days?

Answer: Hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis

Prolonged vomiting causes loss of hydrochloric acid and potassium, resulting in hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis.

A postpartum patient is at highest risk for hemorrhage when:

Answer: The uterus is boggy and displaced to the right

A boggy (atonic) uterus cannot contract to compress bleeding vessels; displacement may also indicate bladder distension impeding contraction.