HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice Test
1. What instruction should the nurse provide a pregnant client experiencing heartburn?
- A. Limit fluid intake between meals to prevent stomach over-distension
- B. Take an antacid at bedtime and when symptoms worsen
- C. Maintain an upright position for two hours after eating
- D. Eat small meals throughout the day to avoid a full stomach
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Eat small meals throughout the day to avoid a full stomach.' Heartburn is common in pregnancy due to increased intra-abdominal pressure and hormonal changes. Consuming small, frequent meals prevents the stomach from becoming overly full, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux and heartburn. Choice A is incorrect because limiting fluid intake between meals may not significantly impact heartburn. Choice B is not ideal as antacids should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider, not just at bedtime or when symptoms worsen. Choice C is less effective advice, as maintaining an upright position after eating may not directly address the root cause of heartburn.
2. Before administering an intramuscular injection, the nurse's finger is stuck with the needle. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Go to the emergency room to have blood drawn
- B. Prepare the medication using a new syringe
- C. Apply clean gloves before giving the medication
- D. Review the medical history in the client's chart
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, if the nurse's finger is stuck with the needle before administering the injection, the correct action is to prepare the medication using a new syringe. This step is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of the patient. Going to the emergency room to have blood drawn is unnecessary and does not address the immediate issue of contamination. Applying clean gloves is important for infection control but does not address the potential contamination from the needlestick. Reviewing the medical history in the client's chart is important for overall patient care but is not the priority in this situation where immediate action is required to prevent harm.
3. The nurse is assigned to care for four surgical clients. After receiving report, which client should the nurse see first?
- A. An older client receiving packed RBCs on the third day postoperatively for colon resection
- B. An older client with continuous bladder irrigation who is 2 days postoperatively for bladder surgery
- C. An adult one day postoperatively from laparoscopic cholecystectomy requesting pain medication
- D. An adult in Buck’s traction, scheduled for hip arthroplasty within the next 12 hours
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the client with continuous bladder irrigation post-bladder surgery is at risk for complications like infection or bleeding. This client requires immediate attention to assess for any signs of complications such as urinary retention, hemorrhage, or infection. Choices A, C, and D have less urgent needs compared to a client with continuous bladder irrigation, which requires priority assessment.
4. What is the best response when a two-year-old boy begins to cry when his mother starts to leave?
- A. Say, 'Let's wave bye-bye to Mommy.'
- B. Say, 'Let me read this book to you.'
- C. Say, 'Two-year-olds usually stop crying the minute the parent leaves.'
- D. Say, 'Now, now, be a big boy, Mommy will be back soon.'
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The best response in this situation is to offer a distraction to the child. Reading a book can help soothe the child during separation from the parent by redirecting their attention. Choice A might not be as effective as providing a distraction like reading a book. Choice C dismisses the child's feelings and generalizes behavior, which is not helpful. Choice D diminishes the child's emotions and does not provide a constructive way to help the child cope with the separation anxiety.
5. A 10-month-old girl is admitted with a diagnosis of possible cystic fibrosis. What question should the nurse ask the parent to assist in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF)?
- A. When you kiss her, does she taste salty?
- B. Do you notice if her urine has a musty odor?
- C. Has she been drinking cow's milk in her daily diet?
- D. How often does she have a normal bowel movement?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Salty skin is a common sign of cystic fibrosis due to high levels of sodium in sweat. Asking about the taste of the child's skin provides valuable information related to the diagnosis of CF. Choices B, C, and D are not helpful in diagnosing cystic fibrosis. A musty odor in urine is not a typical symptom of CF. Drinking cow's milk or bowel movement frequency are not specific to CF diagnosis.
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