HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice
1. Which type of wound would most likely require immediate intervention by the healthcare provider?
- A. Laceration
- B. Abrasion
- C. Contusion
- D. Ulceration
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A laceration would most likely require immediate intervention by the healthcare provider due to its deeper tissue damage, significant bleeding, and higher risk of infection compared to abrasions, contusions, and ulcerations. Lacerations often need prompt attention to control bleeding, clean the wound, and reduce the risk of infection. Abrasions are superficial wounds that usually do not require urgent attention as they tend to heal well on their own with basic wound care. Contusions are bruises that typically resolve on their own without immediate intervention. Ulcerations are open sores that may require intervention but not necessarily immediate action unless complicated by infection or other issues.
2. The charge nurse of a cardiac telemetry unit is assigning client care to a registered nurse (RN) and a practical nurse (PN). Which client should be assigned to the RN?
- A. One day after a permanent pacemaker insertion, a client's telemetry monitor shows a pacer rhythm.
- B. Two hours after undergoing cardioversion, a client's telemetry monitor shows a normal sinus rhythm.
- C. A client started on carvedilol the previous day for heart failure has controlled atrial fibrillation.
- D. Four hours after admission, a client with syncope shows complete heart block on the telemetry monitor.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because complete heart block is a critical condition that requires immediate assessment and management by a registered nurse (RN). In complete heart block, there is a significant conduction disturbance that can lead to serious complications. The RN is better equipped to handle such complex and potentially life-threatening situations. Choices A, B, and C involve less critical conditions that can be managed by a practical nurse (PN) under the supervision of the RN. Therefore, assigning the client with complete heart block to the RN ensures prompt and appropriate intervention.
3. A young adult female presents at the emergency center with acute lower abdominal pain. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Pain scale rating of 9 on a 0-10 scale
- B. Last menstrual period was 7 weeks ago
- C. Reports white curdy vaginal discharge
- D. History of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A missed menstrual period could indicate a possible pregnancy-related issue, requiring urgent evaluation. Assessing the menstrual history in a female of reproductive age takes precedence in this scenario. Choice A, the pain scale rating, is important but not as urgent as evaluating the menstrual history. Choice C, reporting white curdy vaginal discharge, may suggest a vaginal infection but is not as critical as ruling out a potential pregnancy. Choice D, the history of irritable bowel syndrome, is relevant but not as crucial as determining pregnancy-related issues in this context.
4. Which client’s vital signs indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that the nurse should report to the healthcare provider?
- A. P 70, BP 120/60 mmHg; P 100, BP 90/60 mmHg; rapid respirations.
- B. P 55, BP 160/70 mmHg; P 50, BP 194/70 mmHg; irregular respirations.
- C. P 130, BP 190/90 mmHg; P 136, BP 200/100 mmHg; Kussmaul respirations.
- D. P 110, BP 130/70 mmHg; P 100, BP 110/70 mmHg; shallow respirations.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer. The vital signs presented (P 130, BP 190/90 mmHg; P 136, BP 200/100 mmHg; Kussmaul respirations) indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which can be a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Kussmaul respirations are deep and labored breathing patterns associated with metabolic acidosis and can be a late sign of increased ICP. Choices A, B, and D do not demonstrate vital sign patterns consistent with increased ICP. Choice A shows variations in blood pressure and pulse rate but does not provide a clear indication of increased ICP. Choice B displays fluctuations in blood pressure and pulse rate with irregular respirations, but these vital signs do not specifically suggest increased ICP. Choice D presents relatively stable vital signs with shallow respirations, which do not align with the typical vital signs seen in increased ICP.
5. After successful resuscitation, a client is given propranolol and transferred to the Intensive Coronary Care Unit (ICCU). On admission, magnesium sulfate 4 grams IV in 250 ml D5W at one gram/hour. Which assessment findings require immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Dark amber urine draining via an indwelling catheter at a rate of 40 ml per hour
- B. Serum calcium of 9.0 mg/dl (2.2 mmol/L SI) and magnesium of 1.8 mg/dl or Eq/L (0.74 mmol/L SI)
- C. Sinus rhythm at 72 beats/minute and peripheral blood pressure of 99/62
- D. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A low respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute is indicative of possible magnesium toxicity, which can be a serious condition requiring immediate intervention. It is a critical finding that needs prompt attention to prevent further complications. The other options are not as urgent: A - dark amber urine may indicate dehydration but does not require immediate intervention, B - serum calcium and magnesium levels are within normal limits, C - sinus rhythm and blood pressure values are also within normal range and do not require immediate action.
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