HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam
1. When admitting a client diagnosed with active tuberculosis to isolation, which infection control measures should the nurse implement?
- A. Negative pressure environment
- B. Contact precautions
- C. Droplet precautions
- D. Protective environment
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Negative pressure environment. Tuberculosis is transmitted through airborne particles, so a negative pressure room is essential to prevent the spread of the bacteria. Choice B, contact precautions, are used for infections spread by direct or indirect contact, not for tuberculosis. Choice C, droplet precautions, are for infections transmitted through respiratory droplets, not airborne particles like tuberculosis. Choice D, protective environment, is used for protecting immunocompromised patients from outside pathogens, not for preventing the spread of tuberculosis.
2. A client presents to the emergency department with symptoms of a myocardial infarction. What should the nurse administer immediately under doctor's orders?
- A. Aspirin to prevent further blood clotting
- B. High-flow oxygen
- C. Intravenous fluids
- D. Nitroglycerin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aspirin to prevent further blood clotting. Administering aspirin is crucial in the immediate management of a myocardial infarction as it helps prevent further blood clot formation, which is a key component in the treatment and prevention of myocardial infarction. Oxygen therapy (Choice B) is often provided, but aspirin takes precedence due to its role in reducing clot formation. Intravenous fluids (Choice C) may be needed but are not the immediate priority in this situation. Nitroglycerin (Choice D) is commonly used for chest pain relief in myocardial infarction but is not the first medication to be administered in this scenario.
3. The occupational health nurse is completing a yearly self-evaluation. Which activity should the nurse document as an example of proficient performance criteria in professionalism?
- A. Contributes money to a professional society or organization
- B. Maintains chairmanship of the hospital nursing council
- C. Documents the nursing process in care management
- D. Develops policy initiatives that impact occupational health and safety
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining chairmanship of the hospital nursing council demonstrates leadership and professionalism. This role involves overseeing and leading nursing activities at the hospital, showcasing a high level of responsibility and professionalism. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to demonstrating professionalism. Contributing money to a professional society, documenting the nursing process, or developing policy initiatives, while valuable activities, do not directly reflect the same level of leadership and professionalism as maintaining chairmanship.
4. A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder develops diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness. What action should the LPN/LVN take?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately and prepare for administration of an antidote.
- B. Notify the healthcare provider of the symptoms prior to the next administration of the drug.
- C. Record the symptoms as normal side effects and continue administration of the prescribed dosage.
- D. Hold the medication and refuse to administer additional amounts of the drug.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a client being treated with lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder develops symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness, it could indicate lithium toxicity. The appropriate action for the LPN/LVN is to notify the healthcare provider immediately of these symptoms before the next administration of the drug. This prompt communication is crucial to ensure that the healthcare provider can assess the situation, adjust the treatment plan if necessary, and prevent potential complications associated with lithium toxicity. Option A is incorrect because administering an antidote should be based on the healthcare provider's assessment. Option C is incorrect as these symptoms are not normal side effects and could indicate a serious issue. Option D is incorrect because refusing to administer the drug without consulting the healthcare provider could delay necessary interventions.
5. At 2 years of age, a child is readmitted to the hospital for additional surgery. What is the most important factor in preparing the toddler for this experience?
- A. Satisfying the child’s wishes
- B. Previous experience of hospitalization
- C. Preventing the child from being with strangers
- D. Ensuring the child still receives parental affection
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most important factor in preparing a toddler for additional surgery is their previous experience of hospitalization. This familiarity can help reduce anxiety and fear associated with the hospital environment and medical procedures. Choice A, satisfying the child’s wishes, may not always be feasible or in the child's best interest during medical procedures. Choice C, preventing the child from being with strangers, may not address the core issue of preparing the child for surgery. Choice D, ensuring the child still receives parental affection, is important but may not directly address the preparation needed for surgery.