ATI LPN
LPN Fundamentals of Nursing Test Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a child with a diagnosis of meningitis. What clinical findings indicate an increase in intracranial pressure? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Meningitis can raise intracranial pressure (ICP); bradycardia (B) is a classic sign of Cushing's triad (with hypertension and irregular breathing), indicating severe ICP elevation. Irritability (A) is early, not specific. Hyperalertness (C) contrasts with lethargy. Decreased pulse pressure (D) isn't typical. B is correct. Rationale: Bradycardia reflects brainstem compression from ICP, a late and critical sign requiring urgent intervention, per pediatric neurology standards, distinguishing it from earlier or unrelated findings.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who is tetraplegic following a diving accident and is experiencing autonomic dysreflexia due to a blocked urinary catheter. Which immediate nursing action is appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomic dysreflexia in tetraplegia from a blocked catheter requires removing the stimulus (B), e.g., unblocking the catheter, to halt the sympathetic surge causing hypertension. Medication (A) or elevation (C) treats symptoms, not the cause. Notification (D) follows. B is correct. Rationale: Relieving the trigger (catheter obstruction) stops the reflex, a priority per SCI emergency protocols, preventing stroke or seizure, unlike secondary symptomatic management.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client with a traumatic brain injury who has a ventriculostomy in place. Which finding indicates a complication that requires immediate reporting?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Yellowish drainage (D) from a ventriculostomy suggests infection (e.g., meningitis), needing immediate reporting. Clear fluid (A) is normal CSF. ICP 18 (B) is borderline. Fever (C) is nonspecific. D is correct. Rationale: Infection risks brain damage, requiring antibiotics, per neurosurgical care, a critical complication.
Question 4 of 5
The physician writes an order for 'progressive ambulation, as tolerated.' The RN writes an order for 'Dangle for 5 min. 12 h post op and stand at bedside 24 h post op.' The LVN assigned to care for this client should do which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For an LVN following orders for progressive ambulation, checking vital signs before dangling or standing is essential to ensure client safety. Post-operative clients may experience instability like low blood pressure making assessment critical before activity. Calling the physician or State Board is unnecessary unless orders conflict, and client agreement alone doesn't guarantee safety. This action aligns with the LVN's role in monitoring and implementing care, preventing complications like syncope while adhering to the RN's specific directives.
Question 5 of 5
You are working with a client who has cancer and is undergoing treatment. The client complains of a loss of appetite. You will most need to make certain that your client eats which one of the following foods?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: For a cancer client with poor appetite, protein is most critical to maintain muscle mass and support healing during treatment. Fruits and vegetables offer vitamins, and carbohydrates provide energy, but protein deficiency risks wasting, common in cancer. Nurses prioritize this nutrient to bolster resilience against treatment side effects.