HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam
1. A client morning assessment includes bounding peripheral pulses, weight gain of 2 pounds, pitting ankle edema, and moist crackles bilaterally. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?
- A. Restrict daily fluid intake to 1500 ml
- B. Weight the client every morning
- C. Maintain accurate intake and output
- D. Administer prescribed diuretic
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Administering a prescribed diuretic is the most important intervention in this scenario as the client is presenting signs of fluid overload and heart failure. Diuretics help reduce fluid retention in the body, alleviating symptoms like edema and crackles. Restricting fluid intake may be necessary in some cases, but in this acute situation, addressing the immediate fluid overload with a diuretic takes precedence. Weighing the client daily and maintaining accurate intake and output are important aspects of monitoring, but they do not directly address the urgent need to manage fluid overload.
2. Which preventive measure can be employed to decrease the risk of compartment syndrome?
- A. The administration of a potassium-sparing diuretic for heart failure
- B. A bivalve cast for a skeletal fracture
- C. A cerebral diuretic to decrease intracranial pressure after a head injury
- D. A chest tube to restore normal intrathoracic pressure after a pneumothorax
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A bivalve cast can help decrease the risk of compartment syndrome by providing space for swelling, thus preventing the build-up of pressure within the muscles. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they are not directly related to preventing compartment syndrome. Choice A is more focused on managing heart failure, choice C on reducing intracranial pressure, and choice D on restoring intrathoracic pressure after a pneumothorax, which are not relevant to preventing compartment syndrome.
3. What is the most common cause of HHNS?
- A. Insulin overdose
- B. Removal of the adrenal gland
- C. Undiagnosed, untreated hyperpituitarism
- D. Undiagnosed, untreated diabetes mellitus
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Undiagnosed, untreated diabetes mellitus. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) is most commonly caused by undiagnosed and untreated diabetes mellitus. Insulin overdose (Choice A) is not a typical cause of HHNS; it is more related to hypoglycemia. Removal of the adrenal gland (Choice B) can lead to adrenal insufficiency but is not a common cause of HHNS. Undiagnosed, untreated hyperpituitarism (Choice C) is not a usual cause of HHNS; it is more related to pituitary hormone imbalances rather than hyperglycemia.
4. What is the most effective therapy for maintaining remission of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a child?
- A. Surgery to remove enlarged lymph nodes
- B. Long-term chemotherapy
- C. Nutritional supplements to enhance blood cell production
- D. Blood transfusions to replace ineffective red cells
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Long-term chemotherapy. In the case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most effective approach for maintaining remission is long-term chemotherapy, particularly with methotrexate, a chemotherapeutic agent. Surgery to remove enlarged lymph nodes (choice A) is not the primary treatment for leukemia. Nutritional supplements (choice C) may be beneficial for overall health but are not the mainstay of leukemia treatment. Blood transfusions (choice D) are used to manage anemia in leukemia but do not address the underlying disease process.
5. A client with prostate cancer declines to discuss concerns after the provider discusses treatment options. What statement should the nurse make?
- A. I am available to talk if you should change your mind.
- B. It’s important to discuss your concerns with the provider.
- C. You need to make a decision about your treatment options.
- D. Your concerns will be addressed at a later time.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Offering to talk later if the client changes their mind respects their current choice and keeps the dialogue open. Choice B is not the best response as it may pressure the client to share concerns. Choice C is incorrect as it imposes a decision on the client. Choice D does not acknowledge the client's feelings in the moment and postpones addressing concerns.