HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice
1. A 41-week gestation primigravida woman is admitted to labor and delivery for induction of labor. What finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider before initiating the infusion of oxytocin?
- A. Fetal heart tones located in the upper right quadrant
- B. Biophysical profile results showing oligohydramnios
- C. Regular contractions occurring every 10 minutes
- D. Sterile vaginal exam revealing 3 cm dilation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid) is a significant concern before starting oxytocin and should be reported to ensure safe labor induction. This finding can indicate potential fetal compromise and requires immediate evaluation. Fetal heart tones located in a specific quadrant, regular contractions, and cervical dilation are common assessments during labor but are not as critical as oligohydramnios in this scenario.
2. What class of laxative would the nurse recommend to a patient asking about the best way to prevent constipation?
- A. Stimulant laxatives
- B. Bulk-forming laxatives
- C. Emollient laxatives
- D. Hyperosmotic laxatives
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bulk-forming laxatives. These laxatives are recommended to prevent constipation because they work by absorbing liquid in the intestines, forming a bulky, soft stool that is easier to pass. They are safe and considered the most natural option. Stimulant laxatives (choice A) work by promoting bowel movements through intestinal contractions and are more suitable for treating occasional constipation rather than preventing it. Emollient laxatives (choice C) soften the stool by increasing the incorporation of water into the feces and are more suitable for patients who need to avoid straining during defecation. Hyperosmotic laxatives (choice D) work by drawing water into the intestine through osmosis and are typically used for more severe cases of constipation, not for prevention.
3. What is one of the most important factors that a healthcare professional must consider when parents of a toddler request to be present at a procedure occurring on the hospital unit?
- A. Type of procedure to be performed
- B. Individual assessment of the parents
- C. Whether the toddler wants the parents present
- D. Probable reaction to the toddler’s response to pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When parents of a toddler request to be present during a procedure, it is crucial to conduct an individual assessment of the parents. This assessment helps healthcare professionals understand the parents' ability to cope with the procedure, provide support to their child, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all involved. Choice A, the type of procedure to be performed, while important, is not the most critical factor in this scenario. Choice C, whether the toddler wants the parents present, is significant but secondary to assessing the parents themselves. Choice D, probable reaction to the toddler’s response to pain, is important but focuses more on the child's reaction rather than the parents' capacity to provide appropriate support.
4. When assessing the respiratory system for complications of immobility, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Inspect chest wall movements primarily during the expiratory cycle.
- B. Auscultate the entire lung region to assess lung sounds.
- C. Focus auscultation on the upper lung fields.
- D. Assess the patient at least every 4 hours.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse when assessing the respiratory system for complications of immobility is to auscultate the entire lung region. This approach allows the nurse to identify any diminished breath sounds, crackles, or wheezes that may indicate respiratory issues. Inspecting chest wall movements primarily during the expiratory cycle (Choice A) may not provide a comprehensive assessment of lung sounds. Focusing auscultation on the upper lung fields (Choice C) may miss important findings in the lower lung fields. Assessing the patient at least every 4 hours (Choice D) is important for monitoring overall patient condition but does not specifically address the assessment of respiratory complications related to immobility.
5. A client with diabetes mellitus is admitted with hyperglycemia. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Administer insulin as prescribed
- B. Encourage fluid intake
- C. Monitor blood glucose levels frequently
- D. Assess for signs of hypoglycemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering insulin is the priority nursing action for a client admitted with hyperglycemia due to diabetes mellitus. Insulin helps lower blood glucose levels and prevent further complications associated with hyperglycemia. Encouraging fluid intake is important but not the priority as insulin administration takes precedence to address the immediate hyperglycemic state. Monitoring blood glucose levels frequently is essential but comes after administering insulin to ensure the treatment's effectiveness. Assessing for signs of hypoglycemia is incorrect as the client is admitted with hyperglycemia, which requires raising blood glucose levels, not lowering them further.