HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam
1. A child with heart failure (HF) is taking digitalis. Which sign indicates to the nurse that the child may be experiencing digitalis toxicity?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Dyspnea
- C. Vomiting
- D. Muscle cramps
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Vomiting is a common sign of digitalis toxicity and should be closely monitored. While tachycardia is a common sign of heart failure, it is not typically associated with digitalis toxicity (Choice A). Dyspnea (Choice B) and muscle cramps (Choice D) are not specific signs of digitalis toxicity and can be present in other conditions. Therefore, the presence of vomiting should raise concerns about digitalis toxicity in the child with heart failure.
2. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first when using the nursing process?
- A. Obtain client information
- B. Develop a plan of care
- C. Implement nursing interventions
- D. Evaluate the client's response to treatment
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Obtain client information. The first step in the nursing process is assessment, which involves gathering data about the client's condition, needs, and preferences. This information forms the foundation for developing a comprehensive plan of care. Developing a plan of care (Choice B) comes after assessment to address the identified needs. Implementing nursing interventions (Choice C) follows the development of the plan of care. Evaluating the client's response to treatment (Choice D) occurs after implementing the interventions to determine the effectiveness of the care provided. Therefore, the initial and priority step is to obtain client information through assessment.
3. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is washing her hands prior to assisting with a surgical procedure. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates proper surgical hand-washing technique?
- A. The nurse washes with her hands held higher than her elbows.
- B. The nurse uses an alcohol-based hand rub for 30 seconds.
- C. The nurse scrubs hands and forearms for 2 minutes with soap and water.
- D. The nurse washes her hands with soap and water for only 15 seconds.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Proper surgical hand-washing technique involves washing with the hands held higher than the elbows. This positioning is essential to ensure proper rinsing and to prevent the risk of contamination. Option B, using an alcohol-based hand rub for 30 seconds, is not specific to surgical hand-washing and is more commonly used for routine hand hygiene. Option C, scrubbing hands and forearms for 2 minutes with soap and water, is excessive and not typically required for routine hand-washing. Option D, washing hands with soap and water for only 15 seconds, is insufficient for thorough surgical hand-washing.
4. A male client who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia is withdrawn, isolates himself in the day room, and answers questions with one or two-word responses. This morning, the practical nurse observes that he is diaphoretic and is pacing in the hall. Which intervention is most important for the PN to implement?
- A. Persuade the client to lie down
- B. Provide a drink high in electrolytes
- C. Observe the client during the shift
- D. Measure appropriate vital signs
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Measuring vital signs is crucial in this situation as it helps to determine if the client is experiencing a physical health issue or if the symptoms are related to a mental health crisis, such as anxiety or agitation. The presence of diaphoresis and pacing may indicate physiological changes requiring immediate attention. Providing a drink high in electrolytes or persuading the client to lie down may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms. Simply observing the client during the shift without taking necessary actions to assess his physiological status may delay appropriate intervention.
5. In the implementation of the national family planning program, the government assumes the role of a:
- A. decision-maker in the practice of family planning methods
- B. regulator
- C. facilitator
- D. dictator
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'facilitator.' In the implementation of a national family planning program, the government plays a role as a facilitator, meaning it helps to support and enable the access to family planning services and information. The government's role is to ensure that services are available, accessible, and of good quality, rather than making decisions for individuals or regulating them. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the government's role is not to make decisions on behalf of individuals (decision-maker), strictly regulate family planning practices (regulator), or impose decisions without considering individual choices (dictator).