HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice
1. A 13-year-old girl, diagnosed with diabetes mellitus Type 1 at the age of 9, is admitted to the hospital in diabetic ketoacidosis. Which occurrence is the most likely cause of the ketoacidosis?
- A. Ate an extra peanut butter sandwich before gym class
- B. Incorrectly drew up and administered too much insulin
- C. Was not hungry, so she skipped eating lunch
- D. Has had a cold and ear infection for the past two days
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Incorrect insulin administration is a common cause of diabetic ketoacidosis. Administering too much insulin can lead to uncontrolled hyperglycemia, where the body starts breaking down fat for energy, resulting in the production of ketones. Choices A, C, and D are less likely to directly cause diabetic ketoacidosis. Eating an extra peanut butter sandwich, skipping lunch, or having a cold and ear infection would not directly lead to the metabolic derangements seen in diabetic ketoacidosis.
2. How should hydration status in a child with fever and vomiting be assessed?
- A. Monitor skin turgor and mucous membranes
- B. Measure blood glucose levels
- C. Check for signs of jaundice
- D. Assess respiratory rate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To assess hydration status in a child with fever and vomiting, monitoring skin turgor and mucous membranes is essential. Skin turgor refers to the skin's ability to change shape and return to normal; poor skin turgor can indicate dehydration. Mucous membranes, such as the mouth and eyes, can also provide valuable information about hydration levels. Measuring blood glucose levels (Choice B) is not directly related to assessing hydration status. Checking for signs of jaundice (Choice C) is important for liver-related issues, not hydration assessment. Assessing respiratory rate (Choice D) is crucial for evaluating respiratory function, not hydration status.
3. The nurse determines that an adult client who is admitted to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) following abdominal surgery has a tympanic temperature of 94.6°F (34.4°C), a pulse rate of 88 beats/minute, a respiratory rate of 14 breaths/minute, and a blood pressure of 94/68 mmHg. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Check the BP every five minutes for one hour.
- B. Raise the HOB 60 to 90 degrees.
- C. Ask the client to cough and deep breathe.
- D. Take the client’s temperature using another method.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Taking the temperature using another method is essential in this situation to verify if the low reading is accurate and requires further intervention. The tympanic temperature of 94.6°F may be inaccurate due to various factors such as improper technique or environmental conditions. Checking the blood pressure every five minutes for one hour (Choice A) is not the priority in this case as the low blood pressure reading alone does not necessitate such frequent monitoring. Raising the head of the bed 60 to 90 degrees (Choice B) is not directly related to addressing the low temperature and blood pressure. Asking the client to cough and deep breathe (Choice C) is a general intervention that may not directly address the specific concern of the low temperature reading.
4. What is an essential part of care for a child with asthma during an acute episode?
- A. Administer a bronchodilator
- B. Provide high doses of steroids
- C. Increase fluid intake
- D. Restrict all physical activity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is an essential part of caring for a child with asthma during an acute episode because it helps to open airways and relieve acute asthma symptoms effectively. Providing high doses of steroids (Choice B) is typically done in severe cases or when other treatments fail. Increasing fluid intake (Choice C) can be beneficial to prevent dehydration, but it is not the primary intervention during an acute asthma episode. Restricting all physical activity (Choice D) is not recommended as some physical activity may help improve lung function and overall well-being.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who reports a pain level of 5 on a scale from 0-10. The client informs the nurse that pain medication is not an option for managing pain. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. I'm sure it will work if you just give it a chance.
- B. You may take any herbal remedies you bring from home.
- C. Why do you think pain medication is not going to help you?
- D. Would you like me to give you a back massage?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the client has expressed that pain medication is not an option for managing pain. Offering alternative pain relief options like a back massage is appropriate because it respects the client's preferences and provides a non-pharmacological intervention to help alleviate pain. Choices A, B, and C are not as suitable: A may come across as dismissive of the client's decision, B may not be safe as herbal remedies can interact with medical treatments, and C focuses more on questioning the client's decision rather than providing immediate comfort.