CAT Exam Practice

HESI LPN

1. While a patient is receiving beta-1b interferon every other day for multiple sclerosis, which serum laboratory test findings should the nurse monitor to assess for possible bone marrow suppression caused by the medication? (Select all that apply)

A. Platelet count
B. White blood cell count (WBC)
C. Sodium and potassium
D. Red blood cell count (RBC)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Beta-1b interferon can lead to bone marrow suppression, impacting blood cell production. Therefore, monitoring the platelet count, white blood cell count (WBC), and red blood cell count (RBC) is essential. Platelet count is a direct indicator of bone marrow function and can show early signs of bone marrow suppression. While sodium, potassium, and albumin/protein levels are important for overall health assessment, they are not directly associated with bone marrow suppression caused by the medication.

2. While changing the pressure ulcer dressing of a client who is immobile, the nurse notes that the boundary edges of the wound have increased. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should review which of the client’s serum laboratory values?

A. Potassium
B. Platelets
C. Creatinine
D. Albumin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Albumin. Reviewing albumin levels is crucial in this situation because low albumin levels can impact wound healing and contribute to increased wound edges. Potassium (choice A) is not directly related to wound healing or wound edges. Platelets (choice B) are more related to blood clotting than wound healing. Creatinine (choice C) is related to kidney function, not specifically to wound healing or wound edges.

3. A continuous infusion of nitroglycerin is prescribed for an adult male admitted with an acute myocardial infarction. The client is experiencing active chest pain that he describes as 8 out of 10. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

A. Administer the infusion via an infusion pump
B. Obtain the current serum potassium level
C. Continuously monitor blood pressure
D. Teach guided imagery to decrease pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Continuously monitoring blood pressure is crucial in this case because nitroglycerin can cause hypotension as a side effect. Monitoring blood pressure allows the nurse to assess the client's response to the medication and detect any signs of hypotension promptly. This intervention is essential to ensure the effectiveness of nitroglycerin therapy and prevent potential complications. Administering the infusion via an infusion pump is important for accurate dosing but not the most critical at this moment. Obtaining the current serum potassium level is important but not the most immediate concern when the client is experiencing active chest pain. Teaching guided imagery may be beneficial for pain management, but in this scenario, monitoring blood pressure takes precedence due to the potential side effects of nitroglycerin.

4. The client has silvery scaling plaques bilaterally on elbows, forearms, and palms. When scratched, the skin bleeds over these plaques. What is most important to include in this client’s plan of care?

A. Interventions to decrease emotional stress
B. Precautions about avoiding sunlight
C. Strategies to increase omega-3 fatty acids in the diet
D. Instruct about applying a corticosteroid cream

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important aspect to include in this client's plan of care is interventions to decrease emotional stress. Psoriasis, characterized by silvery scaling plaques on the skin, can be exacerbated by emotional stress. Managing stress is crucial in controlling the condition. Precautions about avoiding sunlight are important in psoriasis management, but emotional stress has a more significant impact. While omega-3 fatty acids may provide some benefits, stress management should take priority. Applying a corticosteroid cream may help with symptoms, but addressing emotional stress is crucial for long-term management of psoriasis.

5. When caring for a laboring client whose contractions are occurring every 2-3 minutes, the nurse should document that the pump is infusing how many ml/hour? (Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number. Click on each chart tab for additional information. Please be sure to scroll to the bottom right corner of each tab to view all information contained in the client’s medical record.)

A. 5
B. 10
C. 15
D. 20

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct infusion rate can be calculated based on the information provided in the chart. With contractions occurring every 2-3 minutes, the recommended infusion rate is 5 ml/hr. This rate ensures proper hydration and medication delivery to support the client during labor. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the calculated rate based on the contractions frequency and the client's needs.