HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice Test
1. The nurse receives change of shift report on a group of clients for the upcoming shift. A client with which condition requires the most immediate attention by the nurse?
- A. Gunshot wound three hours ago with dark drainage of 2 cm on the dressing
- B. Mastectomy 2 days ago with 50 ml bloody drainage in the Jackson-Pratt drain
- C. Collapsed lung after a fall 8 hours ago with 100 ml blood in the chest tube collection container
- D. Abdominal-perineal resection 2 days ago with no drainage on dressing and fever and chills
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A collapsed lung with significant blood accumulation requires immediate attention to prevent respiratory compromise. Option A may also require attention, but the immediate threat to airway and breathing in option C takes precedence over the others. Option B has expected drainage after a mastectomy, and option D's fever and chills, while concerning, do not pose an immediate life-threatening risk as in option C.
2. A nurse working on an endocrine unit should see which client first?
- A. An adolescent male with diabetes who is arguing about his insulin dose.
- B. An older client with Addison’s disease whose current blood sugar level is 62mg/dl (3.44 mmol/l).
- C. An adult with a blood sugar of 384mg/dl (21.31mmol/l) and urine output of 350 ml in the last hour.
- D. A client taking corticosteroids who has become disoriented in the last two hours.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The client with Addison’s disease and a blood sugar level of 62mg/dl (3.44 mmol/l) is experiencing hypoglycemia, which can progress to adrenal crisis. This situation requires immediate attention to prevent further complications. Choices A, C, and D, although concerning, do not pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to the client with Addison’s disease and hypoglycemia. The adolescent arguing about his insulin dose can be addressed after stabilizing the client with Addison’s disease. The adult with high blood sugar and increased urine output may have hyperglycemia but is not in immediate danger. The client taking corticosteroids who is disoriented needs evaluation but is not in an acute life-threatening condition as the client with hypoglycemia.
3. The nurse notes that an older adult client has a moist cough that increases in severity during and after meals. Based on this finding, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Encourage the client to perform deep breathing exercises daily.
- B. Offer the client additional clear fluids frequently.
- C. Collect a sputum specimen immediately.
- D. Request a consultation to confirm dysphagia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The moist cough that worsens during and after meals suggests possible dysphagia, a condition related to swallowing difficulties. Requesting a consultation for dysphagia is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Encouraging the client to perform deep breathing exercises (choice A) may not address the underlying issue of dysphagia. Offering additional clear fluids (choice B) may not be appropriate for someone with swallowing difficulties. Collecting a sputum specimen (choice C) is not the priority in this scenario as the focus should be on identifying and managing the swallowing problem.
4. The client with diabetes mellitus type 1 has a fruity breath odor. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Evaluate the client’s intake and output
- B. Measure the client’s capillary blood glucose
- C. Consult with the dietitian about the client’s diet
- D. Apply a pulse oximeter to the client’s finger
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Fruity breath odor in a client with diabetes mellitus type 1 can indicate ketoacidosis, a serious complication. Measuring the client’s capillary blood glucose is the priority nursing action in this scenario as it helps diagnose and manage the condition effectively. Evaluating intake and output may be important for overall assessment but not the priority when dealing with a potential emergency like ketoacidosis. Consulting with a dietitian about the client’s diet is important for long-term management but not the immediate priority. Applying a pulse oximeter is not relevant to addressing the fruity breath odor and suspected ketoacidosis.
5. The nurse is teaching a class on child care to new parents. Which instruction should be included about the prevention of rotavirus infection in infants who are starting to eat foods?
- A. Keep house pets away from the food preparation area
- B. Avoid feeding infants fresh fruits
- C. Use only lactose-free formulas
- D. Wash hands before any food preparation
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Wash hands before any food preparation. Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that can be prevented by maintaining proper hygiene. Washing hands before handling food can help prevent the spread of infections, including rotavirus. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while they are good practices for general hygiene and infant care, they are not specifically targeted at preventing rotavirus infection.
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