LPN Physiological Adaptation 3

Question 1

A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance is the most common adverse effect the LPN should monitor?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant urinary potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia as its most common electrolyte adverse effect.

Question 2

A patient with acute pancreatitis has a serum calcium of 7.0 mg/dL. Which assessment finding is consistent with hypocalcemia?

Accepted Answer

Positive Trousseau's sign

Answer

Trousseau's sign (carpal spasm when BP cuff is inflated) is a classic bedside test for hypocalcemia indicating neuromuscular excitability.

Question 3

A patient develops respiratory alkalosis. Which condition is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Hyperventilation due to anxiety

Answer

Hyperventilation blows off CO2, raising pH and causing respiratory alkalosis; anxiety is a common precipitating cause.

Question 4

A patient with burns over 40% of the body surface area is in the emergent phase (first 24 hours). The priority fluid replacement is:

Accepted Answer

Lactated Ringer's solution

Answer

Lactated Ringer's is the standard isotonic crystalloid for burn resuscitation in the emergent phase to replace fluid lost from capillary leakage.

Question 5

Which clinical finding indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in an adult patient?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's triad: hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations

Answer

Cushing's triad (widened pulse pressure with hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations) is a late, ominous sign of severely elevated ICP.

(LPN) Certified Practical Nurse Practice Test