HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice Test
1. The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client with acute gastritis caused by drinking contaminated water. The nurse should emphasize the need to report the onset of which problem?
- A. Low-grade fever
- B. Bruising of the skin
- C. Abdominal cramping
- D. Bloody emesis
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bloody emesis. Bloody emesis indicates potential bleeding or severe irritation, which should be reported immediately. In the context of acute gastritis, bloody emesis could indicate a more serious complication that requires urgent medical attention. Choices A, B, and C are not typically associated with acute gastritis caused by contaminated water and do not signal as critical of a condition as bloody emesis. Low-grade fever, bruising of the skin, and abdominal cramping are more commonly associated with other conditions or may be less urgent in this context.
2. A 9-year-old received a short arm cast for a right radius. To relieve itching under the child’s cast, which instructions should the nurse provide to the parents?
- A. Blow cool air from a hair dryer under the cast
- B. Twist the cast back and forth
- C. Shake powder into the cast
- D. Push a pencil under the cast edge
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Blowing cool air from a hair dryer under the cast is a safe method to relieve itching without damaging the cast or causing injury. The air helps to dry out the moisture that is causing the itching. Twisting the cast back and forth (choice B) can create pressure points and discomfort for the child. Shaking powder into the cast (choice C) can introduce foreign material that may cause skin irritation. Pushing a pencil under the cast edge (choice D) can injure the child's skin or even dislodge the cast.
3. The nurse enters the room of a client who is awaiting surgery for appendicitis. The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) has helped the client to a position of comfort with the right leg flexed and has applied a heating pad to the client’s abdomen to relieve the client’s pain. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Remove the heating pad.
- B. Reposition the client’s right leg.
- C. Monitor for signs of inflammation.
- D. Assess the client’s pain level.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement first is to remove the heating pad. Heating pads should not be used for suspected appendicitis as they can mask symptoms and potentially worsen inflammation. Choice B is not the priority as the position of comfort chosen by the UAP may be appropriate. Monitoring for signs of inflammation (Choice C) is important but not the initial action to address the immediate issue of the heating pad. Assessing the client's pain level (Choice D) can be done after removing the heating pad to evaluate the effectiveness of pain relief measures.
4. The healthcare provider prescribes lidocaine (Lidoject-1) 100 mg IV push for ventricular tachycardia for an unconscious client. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
- A. Measure the client's cardiac output
- B. Assess neurological status q15 min
- C. Collect a blood specimen for serum potassium
- D. Infuse lidocaine (Lidoject-1) at 20 to 50 mg/min
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority intervention for the nurse is to assess the client's neurological status q15 min. This is crucial to monitor for potential side effects of lidocaine, especially its neurotoxic effects. While measuring the client's cardiac output and collecting a blood specimen for serum potassium are important assessments, assessing the neurological status is the priority when administering lidocaine. Infusing lidocaine at a specific rate should follow the initial assessment of the client's neurological status to ensure safety.
5. 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.
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