HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice
1. A client with complaints of shortness of breath and abdominal pain 1 week after bariatric surgery is admitted for follow-up evaluation. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Rectal temperature of 101°F
- B. Complaints of left shoulder pain
- C. Blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg
- D. Sustained sinus tachycardia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg indicates possible hypovolemia or shock, which requires immediate attention. Hypotension can be a sign of decreased perfusion to vital organs, potentially leading to organ failure. The other options, such as a rectal temperature of 101°F, complaints of left shoulder pain, or sustained sinus tachycardia, while important, do not present the same level of immediate threat to the client's well-being as a critically low blood pressure.
2. A client is being treated for paranoid schizophrenia. When the client became loud and boisterous, the nurse immediately placed him in seclusion as a precautionary measure. The client willingly complied. The nurse's action:
- A. May result in charges of unlawful seclusion and restraint
- B. Leaves the nurse vulnerable to charges of assault and battery
- C. Was appropriate given the client's history of violence
- D. Was necessary to maintain the therapeutic milieu of the unit
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Placing a client in seclusion without proper justification and documentation can lead to charges of unlawful seclusion and restraint, regardless of the client's compliance. This legal issue arises from the potential violation of the client's rights and must be avoided. Choice B is incorrect as the situation does not involve assault and battery. Choice C is incorrect as past violence alone does not justify seclusion without immediate risk. Choice D is incorrect as seclusion should be used based on individual risk and necessity, not solely for maintaining the therapeutic milieu.
3. What should an adolescent with type 1 diabetes do if an insulin reaction is experienced while at a basketball game?
- A. Call your parents immediately.
- B. Buy a soda and hamburger to eat.
- C. Administer insulin as soon as possible.
- D. Leave the arena and rest until the symptoms subside.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Choosing option B, 'Buy a soda and hamburger to eat,' is the most appropriate action for an adolescent with type 1 diabetes experiencing an insulin reaction during a basketball game. In this situation, the individual is likely experiencing hypoglycemia, and consuming a soda provides a quick source of sugar to raise blood glucose levels rapidly. The hamburger can offer a more sustained release of energy due to its protein and fat content. Option A is incorrect because while contacting parents for help may be necessary in some situations, immediate action to address hypoglycemia is crucial. Option C is incorrect because administering insulin would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the condition. Option D is incorrect as leaving the arena without addressing the hypoglycemia can lead to a worsening of symptoms and potentially dangerous outcomes.
4. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer a 1.2mL injection to a 4-year-old. Which is the best site to administer an IM injection?
- A. Vastus Lateralis
- B. Radial artery
- C. Dorsogluteal
- D. Rectus femoris
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Vastus Lateralis. The vastus lateralis site is recommended for IM injections in small children due to its large muscle mass, making it suitable for injections in pediatric patients. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The radial artery is not a site for IM injections; it is a site for arterial puncture. The dorsogluteal site is not recommended for children due to potential risks, such as injury to the sciatic nerve. The rectus femoris is not typically used for IM injections in children, as other sites like the vastus lateralis are more commonly preferred.
5. An older adult male client is admitted to the medical unit following a fall at home. When undressing him, the nurse notes that he is wearing an adult diaper and skin breakdown is obvious over his sacral area. What action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Establish a toileting schedule to decrease episodes of incontinence
- B. Complete a functional assessment of the client's self-care abilities
- C. Apply a barrier ointment to intact areas that may be exposed to moisture
- D. Determine the size and depth of skin breakdown over the sacral area
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The first action the nurse should implement is to determine the size and depth of the skin breakdown over the sacral area. This initial assessment will provide crucial information on the extent of the damage and guide appropriate care interventions. Option A is not the priority in this scenario as the immediate concern is addressing the existing skin breakdown. Option B, completing a functional assessment, is important but should come after addressing the acute issue of skin breakdown. Option C, applying a barrier ointment, may be beneficial later but does not address the primary need of assessing the extent of the current skin damage.