______________________________________
HESI PN MEDICAL SURGICAL
(NGN-STYLE QUESTIONS & CASE
“SCENARIOS”)
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS| 100% CORRECT| GRADED
A+
EXAM COVER SHEET
PROGRAM: Practical Nursing (PN / LPN)
COURSE NAME: Medical-Surgical Nursing (PN Level)
EXAM NAME: HESI PN Medical-Surgical Exam
HESI PN MEDICAL SURGICAL
700+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS
,TEST
Lithium Therapy: Laboratory Value Requiring Immediate Reporting
A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking lithium for bipolar disorder. The
client reports experiencing persistent nausea and vomiting for the past 2 days. The
nurse reviews the client's laboratory results and recognizes that fluid and
electrolyte imbalances can significantly affect lithium levels and increase the risk of
toxicity. Which laboratory value should the nurse report to the healthcare
provider?
a) Potassium 4.0 mEq/L
b) Lithium 0.9 mEq/L
c) BUN 12 mg/dL
d) Sodium 132 mEq/L
D. Sodium 132 mEq/L
Rationale:
Lithium and sodium have a closely related relationship within the body. When
sodium levels decrease (hyponatremia), the kidneys may retain more lithium,
resulting in increased lithium concentrations and a greater risk of lithium
toxicity. A sodium level of 132 mEq/L is below the normal range (135–145
mEq/L) and is especially concerning in a client who has experienced several days
of nausea and vomiting. The nurse should report this finding because continued
sodium loss and dehydration can rapidly lead to dangerous lithium
accumulation. Early intervention can help prevent serious neurological
complications associated with lithium toxicity.
Nursing Care for a Client With Cancer and a Low White Blood Cell Count
A nurse is caring for a client who has cancer and a white blood cell (WBC) count of
,4,000/mm³. The nurse recognizes that clients with decreased white blood cell
counts are at increased risk for infection and require interventions to reduce
exposure to microorganisms. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
a) Cleanse the client's toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide.
b) Instruct the client to use a disposable razor to shave.
c) Decrease the client's protein intake.
d) Encourage the client to eat unpasteurized dairy products.
A. Cleanse the client's toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide.
Rationale:
A WBC count of 4,000/mm3 is considered low and is known as leukopenia. A low
WBC count can be caused by cancer or cancer treatment. The nurse should
instruct the client to cleanse their toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide. People with
leukemia or leukopenia should avoid using disposable razors, which can cause cuts
and bleeding that can lead to infections. Instead, they recommend using an electric
razor to reduce the risk of injury. Encouraging the client to eat unpasteurized dairy
products is not recommended as they can contain harmful bacteria that can cause
infections. Decreasing the client's protein intake is not recommended as protein is
important for wound healing and immune function
, TEST
Fire Safety Priority: First Action When Smoke Is Observed
A nurse enters a client's hospital room and notices smoke coming from the
bathroom. The nurse must respond quickly to protect the client and others from
harm. Using the RACE fire response protocol (Rescue, Alarm, Contain,
Extinguish/Evacuate), the nurse should determine the priority action. Which action
should the nurse take first?
a) Activate the fire alarm system.
b) Use a fire extinguisher at the source of the
smoke.
c) Assist the client to a nearby common area.
d) Close the doors to the room and to the
bathroom.
C. Assist the client to a nearby common area.
Rationale:
The nurse should follow the RACE procedure for fire emergencies:
R – Rescue anyone in immediate danger.
A – Alarm by activating the fire alarm system.
C – Contain the fire by closing doors and windows.
E – Extinguish/Evacuate if safe to do so.
Because the client is in an area where smoke is present, the nurse's first priority is to
rescue the client from immediate danger and move them to a safe location. Protecting
human life takes precedence over all other actions. Once the client is safe, the nurse can
activate the alarm, contain the fire, and assist with further emergency procedures
.TEST
A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who reports difficulty
eating due to chronic arthritis. Which of the following interventions should the
nurse include in the plan?
HESI PN MEDICAL SURGICAL
(NGN-STYLE QUESTIONS & CASE
“SCENARIOS”)
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS| 100% CORRECT| GRADED
A+
EXAM COVER SHEET
PROGRAM: Practical Nursing (PN / LPN)
COURSE NAME: Medical-Surgical Nursing (PN Level)
EXAM NAME: HESI PN Medical-Surgical Exam
HESI PN MEDICAL SURGICAL
700+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS
,TEST
Lithium Therapy: Laboratory Value Requiring Immediate Reporting
A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking lithium for bipolar disorder. The
client reports experiencing persistent nausea and vomiting for the past 2 days. The
nurse reviews the client's laboratory results and recognizes that fluid and
electrolyte imbalances can significantly affect lithium levels and increase the risk of
toxicity. Which laboratory value should the nurse report to the healthcare
provider?
a) Potassium 4.0 mEq/L
b) Lithium 0.9 mEq/L
c) BUN 12 mg/dL
d) Sodium 132 mEq/L
D. Sodium 132 mEq/L
Rationale:
Lithium and sodium have a closely related relationship within the body. When
sodium levels decrease (hyponatremia), the kidneys may retain more lithium,
resulting in increased lithium concentrations and a greater risk of lithium
toxicity. A sodium level of 132 mEq/L is below the normal range (135–145
mEq/L) and is especially concerning in a client who has experienced several days
of nausea and vomiting. The nurse should report this finding because continued
sodium loss and dehydration can rapidly lead to dangerous lithium
accumulation. Early intervention can help prevent serious neurological
complications associated with lithium toxicity.
Nursing Care for a Client With Cancer and a Low White Blood Cell Count
A nurse is caring for a client who has cancer and a white blood cell (WBC) count of
,4,000/mm³. The nurse recognizes that clients with decreased white blood cell
counts are at increased risk for infection and require interventions to reduce
exposure to microorganisms. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
a) Cleanse the client's toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide.
b) Instruct the client to use a disposable razor to shave.
c) Decrease the client's protein intake.
d) Encourage the client to eat unpasteurized dairy products.
A. Cleanse the client's toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide.
Rationale:
A WBC count of 4,000/mm3 is considered low and is known as leukopenia. A low
WBC count can be caused by cancer or cancer treatment. The nurse should
instruct the client to cleanse their toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide. People with
leukemia or leukopenia should avoid using disposable razors, which can cause cuts
and bleeding that can lead to infections. Instead, they recommend using an electric
razor to reduce the risk of injury. Encouraging the client to eat unpasteurized dairy
products is not recommended as they can contain harmful bacteria that can cause
infections. Decreasing the client's protein intake is not recommended as protein is
important for wound healing and immune function
, TEST
Fire Safety Priority: First Action When Smoke Is Observed
A nurse enters a client's hospital room and notices smoke coming from the
bathroom. The nurse must respond quickly to protect the client and others from
harm. Using the RACE fire response protocol (Rescue, Alarm, Contain,
Extinguish/Evacuate), the nurse should determine the priority action. Which action
should the nurse take first?
a) Activate the fire alarm system.
b) Use a fire extinguisher at the source of the
smoke.
c) Assist the client to a nearby common area.
d) Close the doors to the room and to the
bathroom.
C. Assist the client to a nearby common area.
Rationale:
The nurse should follow the RACE procedure for fire emergencies:
R – Rescue anyone in immediate danger.
A – Alarm by activating the fire alarm system.
C – Contain the fire by closing doors and windows.
E – Extinguish/Evacuate if safe to do so.
Because the client is in an area where smoke is present, the nurse's first priority is to
rescue the client from immediate danger and move them to a safe location. Protecting
human life takes precedence over all other actions. Once the client is safe, the nurse can
activate the alarm, contain the fire, and assist with further emergency procedures
.TEST
A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who reports difficulty
eating due to chronic arthritis. Which of the following interventions should the
nurse include in the plan?
