HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam 2022
1. A client with endometrial carcinoma is receiving brachytherapy and has radioactive Cesium loaded in a vaginal applicator. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Wear a dosimeter film badge when in the client’s room
- B. Spend 30 minutes at the bedside when providing direct care
- C. Change the linens every day after assisting with a bed bath
- D. Use gloves to remove the applicator if it is dislodged in the bed
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement when caring for a client with a radioactive Cesium-loaded vaginal applicator during brachytherapy is to wear a dosimeter film badge when in the client’s room. Wearing a dosimeter badge is essential to monitor radiation exposure and ensure the safety of healthcare providers. Choice B is incorrect as the duration is not specified and unnecessary. Choice C is incorrect as changing linens daily does not directly relate to radiation safety. Choice D is incorrect as using gloves to remove the applicator if dislodged is important but not the primary action to monitor radiation exposure.
2. A client has a blood glucose level of 70 mg/dl and reports feeling shaky and weak. What is the best initial action by the nurse?
- A. Obtain a fingerstick glucose reading
- B. Administer 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate
- C. Perform a quick assessment of the client’s neuro status
- D. Provide a glass of milk and monitor the client’s symptoms
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate is the best initial action to address hypoglycemia symptoms promptly by raising blood glucose levels. This intervention is crucial to prevent further deterioration in the client's condition. Obtaining a fingerstick glucose reading is important but may delay treatment. Performing a quick assessment of the client's neuro status is secondary to addressing the immediate low blood glucose levels. Providing a glass of milk is not the recommended first-line treatment for hypoglycemia; fast-acting carbohydrates are preferred to rapidly increase blood sugar levels.
3. The nursing staff on a medical unit includes a registered nurse (RN), practical nurse (PN), and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which task should the charge nurse assign to the RN?
- A. Transport a client who is receiving IV fluid to the radiology department
- B. Administer PRN oral analgesics to a client with a history of chronic pain
- C. Supervise a newly hired graduate nurse during an admission assessment
- D. Complete ongoing focused assessments of a client with wrist restraints
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because supervising a newly hired graduate nurse during an admission assessment is a task that falls within the registered nurse's scope of practice. Registered nurses are responsible for overseeing and delegating tasks, especially to new staff, to ensure proper assessment and care delivery. Choices A, B, and D involve tasks that can be appropriately assigned to practical nurses or unlicensed assistive personnel as they are within their scope of practice. Transporting a client, administering oral analgesics, and completing focused assessments do not require the advanced knowledge and skills of a registered nurse.
4. Several clients on a telemetry unit are scheduled for discharge in the morning, but a telemetry-monitored bed is needed immediately. The charge nurse should make arrangements to transfer which client to another medical unit? The client who is
- A. Learning to self-administer insulin injections after being diagnosed with diabetes mellitus
- B. Ambulatory following coronary artery bypass graft surgery performed six days ago.
- C. Wearing a sling immobilizer following permanent pacemaker insertion earlier that day
- D. Experiencing syncopal episodes resulting from dehydration caused by severe diarrhea
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the client who is ambulatory following coronary artery bypass graft surgery performed six days ago is stable enough for transfer compared to the other clients. Choice A should not be transferred as the client is still in the learning phase of self-administering insulin injections after being diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, requiring close monitoring. Choice C should not be transferred immediately after having a permanent pacemaker insertion as they need telemetry monitoring for any complications. Choice D should not be transferred as the client is experiencing syncopal episodes due to dehydration caused by severe diarrhea, requiring immediate intervention and close monitoring on the telemetry unit.
5. 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.
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