HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice Test
1. The urinary drainage of a client with continuous bladder irrigation is becoming increasingly red. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Increase the irrigation rate
- B. Lower the head of the bed
- C. Milk the catheter tubing
- D. Evaluate for fluid overload
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Increasing the irrigation rate can help clear any blood clots and reduce the redness in the urinary drainage. This intervention aims to improve the flushing of the bladder and potentially resolve the issue. Lowering the head of the bed would not directly address the red urinary drainage. Milking the catheter tubing is not recommended as it can cause trauma to the catheter or bladder, leading to further complications. While evaluating for fluid overload is an important nursing consideration, it does not directly address the immediate concern of redness in the urinary drainage, which requires a focused intervention to clear any blockages or clots in the system.
2. 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.
3. Three hours following a right carotid endarterectomy, the nurse notes a moderate amount of bloody drainage on the client’s dressing. Which additional assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Sore throat when swallowing
- B. Tongue deviation to the left
- C. Palpable temporal pulses
- D. Temperature of 99.2°F (37.3°C)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Tongue deviation to the left is the correct answer. It could indicate a complication such as nerve injury or hematoma, which requires immediate attention. A sore throat when swallowing may be expected postoperatively but does not indicate an immediate complication. Palpable temporal pulses are a normal finding and do not require immediate intervention. A temperature of 99.2°F (37.3°C) is slightly elevated but does not suggest a critical issue related to the surgery.
4. A client with chronic alcoholism is admitted with a decreased serum magnesium level. Which snack option should the nurse recommend to this client?
- A. Cheddar cheese and crackers
- B. Carrot and celery sticks
- C. Beef bologna sausage slices
- D. Dry roasted almonds
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Dry roasted almonds are the most suitable snack option for a client with chronic alcoholism and a decreased serum magnesium level because they are high in magnesium. Magnesium is essential in addressing the deficiency. Cheddar cheese and crackers (Choice A) do not contain as much magnesium as almonds. Carrot and celery sticks (Choice B) are healthy choices but do not provide a significant amount of magnesium. Beef bologna sausage slices (Choice C) are not a good choice as processed meats are not rich in magnesium.
5. The charge nurse is making assignments for clients on an endocrine unit. Which client is best to assign to a new graduate nurse?
- A. A female adult with hyperthyroidism who is returning to the unit after a thyroidectomy
- B. A male adult with Cushing's syndrome who reports a headache and visual disturbances
- C. An older man with Addison's disease who is diaphoretic and has hand tremors
- D. A perimenopausal woman with Graves' disease who is nervous and has exophthalmos
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A new graduate nurse can manage the care of a stable client returning from a thyroidectomy. Choice B is not suitable for a new graduate nurse as it involves complex symptoms of Cushing's syndrome that require more experience and knowledge. Choice C presents a client with acute manifestations of Addison's disease, which may be challenging for a new graduate nurse. Choice D involves a client with Graves' disease experiencing nervousness and exophthalmos, which also require a higher level of expertise to manage effectively.
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