HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice
1. A client with acute renal failure (ARF) is admitted for uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus and hyperkalemia. The nurse administers an IV dose of regular insulin per sliding scale. Which intervention is the most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?
- A. Monitor the client’s cardiac activity via telemetry.
- B. Maintain venous access with an infusion of normal saline.
- C. Assess glucose levels via finger stick every 4 to 6 hours.
- D. Evaluate hourly urine output for the return of normal renal function.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring cardiac activity is crucial in this scenario because hyperkalemia can lead to serious cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. Regular monitoring of the client’s cardiac activity via telemetry allows for early detection of any potential cardiac complications. Maintaining venous access with a normal saline infusion is important for hydration but does not address the immediate risk of cardiac dysrhythmias posed by hyperkalemia. Assessing glucose levels is essential in diabetes management but is not the priority when dealing with hyperkalemia-induced cardiac risks. Evaluating hourly urine output for the return of normal renal function is important in ARF but is not as urgent as monitoring the client's cardiac activity in the context of hyperkalemia.
2. A client with chronic renal failure selects scrambled eggs for breakfast. What action should the LPN/LVN take?
- A. Commend the client for selecting a high biological value protein.
- B. Remind the client that protein in the diet should be avoided.
- C. Suggest that the client also select orange juice to promote absorption.
- D. Encourage the client to attend classes on dietary management of chronic renal failure.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action is to commend the client for selecting a high biological value protein, as scrambled eggs provide a good protein source for clients with chronic renal failure. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall health in these clients. Reminding the client to avoid protein is incorrect as it may lead to protein-energy malnutrition, which is a common concern in chronic renal failure. Suggesting orange juice for absorption is not relevant to the situation, as protein absorption is not a primary concern in this context. Encouraging the client to attend classes on dietary management of chronic renal failure is important for overall education but is not the immediate action needed in response to the client's breakfast choice.
3. After a mother was diagnosed with gonorrhea immediately after delivery, what is an important goal of the nurse when providing care for her baby?
- A. Prevent the development of ophthalmia neonatorum.
- B. Lubricate the eyes.
- C. Prevent the development of infection.
- D. Teach about the risks of breastfeeding with gonorrhea.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Prevent the development of ophthalmia neonatorum. When a mother has gonorrhea, the baby can be infected during delivery, leading to ophthalmia neonatorum, which can cause permanent blindness. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to prevent this condition by treating the baby's eyes with an antibiotic prophylactically after birth. Choice B, lubricating the eyes, is not the primary goal in this situation as preventing infection takes precedence. Choice C, preventing the development of infection, is too broad and does not specifically address the potential complication of ophthalmia neonatorum. Choice D, teaching about the risks of breastfeeding with gonorrhea, is important but not the immediate goal in this scenario where preventing ophthalmia neonatorum and potential blindness is the priority.
4. The nurse is teaching a 27-year-old client with asthma about the management of their therapeutic regimen. Which statement would indicate the need for additional instruction?
- A. ''I should monitor my peak flow every day.''
- B. ''I should contact the clinic if I am using my medication more often.''
- C. ''I need to limit my exercise, especially activities such as walking and running.''
- D. ''I should learn stress reduction and relaxation techniques.''
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Exercise, especially aerobic activities, is beneficial for clients with asthma as long as it is well-managed. Limiting exercise is not generally recommended unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider, indicating a need for further instruction in this case. Monitoring peak flow, contacting the clinic for increased medication use, and learning stress reduction techniques are all appropriate self-management strategies for asthma, indicating good understanding by the client.
5. A nurse is assessing a client with a suspected diagnosis of hypocalcemia. Which of the following clinical manifestations would the nurse expect to note in the client?
- A. Twitching
- B. Positive Trousseau's sign
- C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
- D. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Twitching. Hypocalcemia often presents with neuromuscular irritability, leading to manifestations such as twitching. Trousseau's sign is actually a positive indicator of hypocalcemia, not negative, making choice B incorrect. Hypoactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with hypocalcemia, making choice C incorrect. Similarly, hypoactive deep tendon reflexes are not a common finding in hypocalcemia, making choice D incorrect.