HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice Test
1. A client is being treated for minor injuries following an automobile accident in which the only other passenger was killed. The client asks the nurse, 'Is my friend who was in the car with me ok?' What response is best for the nurse to provide?
- A. I am sorry, but your friend was killed in the accident.
- B. Right now you need to concentrate on getting well.
- C. Was the passenger in the car your friend?
- D. I think your friend is going to be all right.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'I am sorry, but your friend was killed in the accident.' In this situation, honesty and compassion are essential. The nurse should provide the client with truthful information, acknowledging the client's need to know the reality of the situation. Choice B is dismissive and does not address the client's inquiry directly. Choice C is a deflecting question and does not offer the direct information the client is seeking. Choice D provides false reassurance, which is not appropriate in this circumstance where the reality needs to be communicated.
2. When designing a community health project based on a report provided by the World Health Organization that describes healthcare problems in the United States, which healthcare issue should the nurse prioritize the highest when planning the project?
- A. Overuse of diagnostic technology.
- B. Government-based health insurance.
- C. The neonatal and infant mortality rates.
- D. Number of people without access to health care.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The neonatal and infant mortality rates should be given the highest priority when planning the project because they are critical indicators of the overall health and healthcare system's effectiveness. High neonatal and infant mortality rates signify underlying issues in prenatal care, access to healthcare services, and quality of care for newborns and infants. Choice A, overuse of diagnostic technology, though important, may not be as critical as addressing neonatal and infant mortality rates. Choice B, government-based health insurance, is significant but may not directly impact neonatal and infant mortality rates. Choice D, the number of people without access to healthcare, is a crucial issue, but addressing neonatal and infant mortality rates should take precedence due to their immediate impact on the health and well-being of the most vulnerable population.
3. Which of the following new opportunities might a new nurse see in the future?
- A. Transitional care
- B. Traditional care
- C. Hospital-based care
- D. Care based on cost
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In the future, new nurses may see opportunities in transitional care. Transitional care involves the coordination and continuity of healthcare during a movement from one healthcare setting to another. This type of care is increasingly important in today's healthcare landscape due to the focus on improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital readmissions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent emerging opportunities for new nurses in the future. Traditional care and hospital-based care are existing models of care delivery, while care based solely on cost does not align with the holistic approach to patient care that is becoming more prevalent in healthcare.
4. After administering a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which action should the nurse take to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication?
- A. Ask the client about gastrointestinal pain
- B. Measure the client’s fluid intake and output
- C. Monitor the client’s serum electrolyte levels
- D. Auscultate for bowel sounds in all quadrants
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ask the client about gastrointestinal pain. The effectiveness of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is best evaluated by assessing the relief of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as heartburn, acid reflux, or stomach pain. These medications work by reducing the production of stomach acid, so improvement in these symptoms indicates the effectiveness of the PPI. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly reflect the effectiveness of a PPI. Measuring fluid intake and output, monitoring serum electrolyte levels, and auscultating for bowel sounds are important for assessing hydration status, electrolyte balance, and gastrointestinal motility, respectively. However, they are not specific to evaluating PPI effectiveness.
5. The nurse is caring for an older adult patient diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who is ambulatory but requires total assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). The nurse notices that the patient is edentulous. Which area should the nurse assess?
- A. Assess oral cavity.
- B. Assess room for drafts.
- C. Assess ankles for edema.
- D. Assess for reduced sensations.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the oral cavity. 'Edentulous' means without teeth, so the nurse should assess the oral cavity for any issues related to oral health, dentures, or potential complications. This assessment is crucial to prevent oral health problems and ensure proper care for the patient. Assessing the room for drafts (choice B) is unrelated to the patient's edentulous status and does not address the immediate care needs. Assessing ankles for edema (choice C) is important for circulatory assessment but not directly related to the patient being edentulous. Assessing for reduced sensations (choice D) would be more relevant for neurological or sensory concerns, which are not specifically associated with being edentulous.