MEDICAL SURGICAL LPN CONCEPT REVIEW
GUIDE 2026 ASSESSMENT SKILLS AND
CLINICAL CARE PLANNING
◉ When preparing a patient for a noncontrast computed
tomography (CT) scan STAT, what nursing intervention should the
nurse implement?
A) Determine if the client has any allergies to iodine
B) Explain that the client will not be able to move her head
throughout the CT scan.
C) Premedicate the client to decrease pain prior to having the
procedure.
D) Provide an explanation of relaxation exercises prior to the
procedure.
Answer: B) Explain that the client will not be able to move her head
throughout the CT scan.
Rationale: Because head motion will distort the images, Nancy will
have to remain still throughout the procedure. Allergies to iodine is
important if contrast dye is being used for the CT scan.
Premedicating the client to decrease pain prior to the procedure is
unnecessary because CT scanning is a noninvasive and painless
procedure. Providing an explanation of relaxation exercises prior to
,the procedure is a worthwhile intervention to decrease anxiety but
is not of highest priority.
◉ A neurologist prescribes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of
the head STAT for a patient. Which data warrants immediate
intervention by the nurse concerning this diagnostic test?
A) Elevated blood pressure.
B) Allergy to shell fish.
C) Right hip replacement.
D) History of atrial fibrillation..
Answer: C) Right hip replacement.
The magnetic field generated by the MRI is so strong that metal-
containing items are strongly attracted to the magnet. Because the
hip joint is made of metal, a lead shield must be used during the
procedure. Elevated blood pressure, an allergy to shell fish, and a
history of atrial fibrillation would not affect the MRI.
◉ A client's daughter is sitting by her mother's bedside who was
recently transferred to the Intermediate Care Unit. She states "I don't
understand what a brain attack is. The healthcare provider told me
my mother is in serious condition and they are going to run several
tests. I just don't know what is going on. What happened to my
mother?" What is the best response by the nurse?
,A) "I am sorry, but according to the Health Insurance Portability and
Accounting Act (HIPAA), I cannot give you any information."
B) "Your mother has had a stroke, and the blood supply to the brain
has been blocked."
C) "How do you feel about what the healthcare provider said?"
D) "I will call the healthcare provider so he/she can talk to you about
your mother's serious condition.".
Answer: B) "Your mother has had a stroke, and the blood supply to
the brain has been blocked."
Rationale: The nurse can discuss what a diagnosis means. Nancy is
unable to make decisions, so the next of kin, her daughter, Gail,
needs sufficient information to make informed decisions. The nurse
has the knowledge, and the responsibility, to explain Nancy's
condition to Gail. The nurse should give facts first, and then address
her feelings after the information is provided.
◉ What is the normal range for cardiac output?.
Answer: The normal range for cardiac output to ensure cerebral
blood flow and oxygen delivery is 4 to 8 L/min.
◉ A client was admitted with the diagnosis of a brain attack. Their
symptoms began 24 hours before being admitted. Why would this
client not be a candidate for for thrombolytic therapy?.
, Answer: Thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated in clients with
symptom onset longer than 3 hours prior to admission. This client
had symptoms for 24 hours before being brought to the medical
center
◉ What are plate guards?.
Answer: Plate guards prevent food from being pushed off the plate.
Using plate guards and other assistive devices will encourage
independence in a client with a self-care deficit.
◉ Which condition is considered a non-modifiable risk factor for a
brain attack?
A) High cholesterol levels.
B) Obesity.
C) History of atrial fibrillation.
D) Advanced age..
Answer: D) Advanced age.
Rationale: People over age 55 are a high-risk group for a brain attack
because the incidence of stroke more than doubles in each
successive decade of life. Non-modifiable means the client cannot do
anything to change the risk factor. All the other options are
modifiable risk factors.
GUIDE 2026 ASSESSMENT SKILLS AND
CLINICAL CARE PLANNING
◉ When preparing a patient for a noncontrast computed
tomography (CT) scan STAT, what nursing intervention should the
nurse implement?
A) Determine if the client has any allergies to iodine
B) Explain that the client will not be able to move her head
throughout the CT scan.
C) Premedicate the client to decrease pain prior to having the
procedure.
D) Provide an explanation of relaxation exercises prior to the
procedure.
Answer: B) Explain that the client will not be able to move her head
throughout the CT scan.
Rationale: Because head motion will distort the images, Nancy will
have to remain still throughout the procedure. Allergies to iodine is
important if contrast dye is being used for the CT scan.
Premedicating the client to decrease pain prior to the procedure is
unnecessary because CT scanning is a noninvasive and painless
procedure. Providing an explanation of relaxation exercises prior to
,the procedure is a worthwhile intervention to decrease anxiety but
is not of highest priority.
◉ A neurologist prescribes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of
the head STAT for a patient. Which data warrants immediate
intervention by the nurse concerning this diagnostic test?
A) Elevated blood pressure.
B) Allergy to shell fish.
C) Right hip replacement.
D) History of atrial fibrillation..
Answer: C) Right hip replacement.
The magnetic field generated by the MRI is so strong that metal-
containing items are strongly attracted to the magnet. Because the
hip joint is made of metal, a lead shield must be used during the
procedure. Elevated blood pressure, an allergy to shell fish, and a
history of atrial fibrillation would not affect the MRI.
◉ A client's daughter is sitting by her mother's bedside who was
recently transferred to the Intermediate Care Unit. She states "I don't
understand what a brain attack is. The healthcare provider told me
my mother is in serious condition and they are going to run several
tests. I just don't know what is going on. What happened to my
mother?" What is the best response by the nurse?
,A) "I am sorry, but according to the Health Insurance Portability and
Accounting Act (HIPAA), I cannot give you any information."
B) "Your mother has had a stroke, and the blood supply to the brain
has been blocked."
C) "How do you feel about what the healthcare provider said?"
D) "I will call the healthcare provider so he/she can talk to you about
your mother's serious condition.".
Answer: B) "Your mother has had a stroke, and the blood supply to
the brain has been blocked."
Rationale: The nurse can discuss what a diagnosis means. Nancy is
unable to make decisions, so the next of kin, her daughter, Gail,
needs sufficient information to make informed decisions. The nurse
has the knowledge, and the responsibility, to explain Nancy's
condition to Gail. The nurse should give facts first, and then address
her feelings after the information is provided.
◉ What is the normal range for cardiac output?.
Answer: The normal range for cardiac output to ensure cerebral
blood flow and oxygen delivery is 4 to 8 L/min.
◉ A client was admitted with the diagnosis of a brain attack. Their
symptoms began 24 hours before being admitted. Why would this
client not be a candidate for for thrombolytic therapy?.
, Answer: Thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated in clients with
symptom onset longer than 3 hours prior to admission. This client
had symptoms for 24 hours before being brought to the medical
center
◉ What are plate guards?.
Answer: Plate guards prevent food from being pushed off the plate.
Using plate guards and other assistive devices will encourage
independence in a client with a self-care deficit.
◉ Which condition is considered a non-modifiable risk factor for a
brain attack?
A) High cholesterol levels.
B) Obesity.
C) History of atrial fibrillation.
D) Advanced age..
Answer: D) Advanced age.
Rationale: People over age 55 are a high-risk group for a brain attack
because the incidence of stroke more than doubles in each
successive decade of life. Non-modifiable means the client cannot do
anything to change the risk factor. All the other options are
modifiable risk factors.
