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. Which techniques should be used to administer an intradermal (ID) injection for a Mantoux test to screen for tuberculosis (TB)? Select all that apply.
- A. Observe for an intradermal bleed after the antigen is injected
- B. Select an ID site using the volar surface of the forearm
- C. Use a 26 or 27-gauge needle with a length of 1/4 to 5/8 inches on a 1 ml calibrated syringe
- D. Ensure that the needle is inserted into the skin with the bevel up
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Observing for an intradermal bleed after the antigen is injected is a proper technique for an ID injection. This is important to confirm the correct placement of the injection. Choice B is correct because the recommended site for an ID injection for a Mantoux test is the volar surface of the forearm. Choice C is incorrect because the standard needle size for an ID injection is usually 26 or 27 gauge with a length of 1/4 to 5/8 inches, not 25 gauge with a length of 1/2 inch. Choice D is incorrect because the needle should be inserted into the skin with the bevel facing up, not down.
3. While eating at a restaurant, a gravid woman begins to choke and is unable to speak. What action should the nurse who witnesses the event take?
- A. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation with uterine tilt
- B. The Heimlich maneuver using chest thrusts
- C. The Heimlich maneuver using subdiaphragmatic thrusts
- D. Call 911 immediately then begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a pregnant woman is choking and unable to speak is to perform the Heimlich maneuver using subdiaphragmatic thrusts. This technique is recommended for a pregnant woman to prevent harm to the fetus. Option A, cardiopulmonary resuscitation with uterine tilt, is not indicated for a choking episode. Option B, the Heimlich maneuver using chest thrusts, can potentially harm the gravid uterus. Option D, calling 911 immediately before providing assistance, can lead to a delay in addressing the immediate choking emergency.
4. What assessment data should lead the nurse to suspect that a client has progressed from HIV infection to AIDS?
- A. Enlarged and tender cervical lymph nodes
- B. Presence of low-grade fever and sore throat
- C. Recent history of recurrent pneumonia
- D. CD4 blood cell count of 300
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Recent history of recurrent pneumonia.' Recurrent pneumonia is a hallmark indicator of progression to AIDS in clients with HIV infection. It signifies advanced immunosuppression when the body is unable to fight off infections effectively. Enlarged and tender cervical lymph nodes (Choice A) are more indicative of local infections or inflammation rather than AIDS progression. The presence of a low-grade fever and sore throat (Choice B) may be common in various infections and are not specific to AIDS progression. While a CD4 blood cell count of 300 (Choice D) is below the normal range and indicates immunosuppression, it alone may not be sufficient to suspect progression to AIDS without other supporting indicators like opportunistic infections such as recurrent pneumonia.
5. To reduce the risk of symptoms exacerbation for a client with multiple sclerosis (MS), which instructions should the nurse include in the client’s discharge plan? (Select all that apply).
- A. Practice relaxation exercises
- B. Limit fluids to avoid bladder distention
- C. Space activities to allow for rest periods
- D. Avoid persons with infections
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction to include in the discharge plan for a client with MS to reduce symptom exacerbation is practicing relaxation exercises. Relaxation exercises can help manage MS symptoms by reducing stress. Limiting fluids to avoid bladder distention is not appropriate as adequate hydration is essential for overall health and helps prevent complications like urinary tract infections. While spacing activities to allow for rest periods can be beneficial for general well-being, it is not directly related to symptom exacerbation in MS. Avoiding persons with infections is important to prevent infections, but it is not specifically targeted at reducing MS symptom exacerbation.
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