LPN Fundamentals Practice Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Positioning the client on their left side is crucial when administering an enema as it helps facilitate the flow of the solution into the sigmoid and descending colon. This position allows gravity to assist in the process. Placing the client on the left side is a standard practice to promote optimal outcomes during the procedure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A provides a specific measurement for the insertion depth of the rectal tube, which is not typically necessary to include in the plan of action. Choice B is essential but not specific to enema administration. Choice D mentions holding the solution bag without specifying the correct height, which should typically be around 18-24 inches above the rectum for a cleansing enema.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: For infants and young children, the vastus lateralis muscle located over the anterior thigh is the preferred site for intramuscular injections. This site is chosen for its large muscle mass and reduced risk of injury to major nerves and blood vessels. Infants have less developed muscle structures, making the vastus lateralis a safer and more effective site for injections compared to other sites like the deltoid, ventrogluteal, or dorsogluteal. Using the correct injection site is essential to prevent complications and ensure the proper absorption of the medication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In cirrhosis, decreasing the intake of sodium-rich foods is essential to manage fluid retention and symptoms. Excessive sodium intake can worsen fluid accumulation and lead to complications such as ascites. Therefore, advising the client to decrease sodium-rich foods demonstrates an understanding of the dietary management necessary for cirrhosis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because increasing sodium-rich foods can exacerbate fluid retention and complications in cirrhosis, increasing potassium-rich foods is not the primary focus of dietary management in cirrhosis, and decreasing potassium-rich foods is not a key recommendation for managing cirrhosis-related dietary issues.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a client with major fecal incontinence reports irritation in the perianal area, the nurse's initial action should be to assess the client's perineum to gather more information. By checking the perineum, the nurse can identify the extent and nature of the irritation, allowing for appropriate interventions to be initiated. This assessment is crucial in developing a comprehensive care plan and addressing the client's immediate needs effectively. Applying the nursing process priority-setting framework helps in planning care and prioritizing nursing actions, making assessment the initial step in this scenario. Applying a fecal collection system (choice A) would be premature without assessing the perineal area first. Similarly, applying a barrier cream (choice B) or cleansing and drying the area (choice C) should follow the assessment to ensure appropriate interventions are chosen based on the assessment findings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Administering an intramuscular injection at a 90� angle is essential for proper medication delivery into the muscle tissue. Injecting at a 45� angle is incorrect for intramuscular injections and is typically used for subcutaneous injections where the needle is inserted into the fatty tissue layer beneath the skin. Choice A is correct as selecting a 25-gauge needle is appropriate for an intramuscular injection. Choice C is also correct as the ventrogluteal site is a suitable site for intramuscular injections. Choice D is correct as aspirating for blood return is a necessary step to ensure the needle is not in a blood vessel before injecting the medication.