HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice Test
1. A client with osteoporosis related to long-term corticosteroid therapy receives a prescription for calcium carbonate. Which client’s serum laboratory value requires intervention by the nurse?
- A. Total calcium 9 mg/dl (2.25 mmol/L SI)
- B. Creatinine 4 mg/dl (354 micromol/L SI)
- C. Phosphate 4 mg/dl (1.293 mmol/L SI)
- D. Fasting glucose 95 mg/dl (5.3 mmol/L SI)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An elevated creatinine level indicates possible renal impairment, which requires intervention. High creatinine levels are associated with decreased kidney function, and in this case, it suggests potential renal issues due to long-term corticosteroid therapy. Monitoring renal function is crucial in clients with osteoporosis on corticosteroid therapy to prevent further complications. Total calcium levels within the normal range are suitable for a client with osteoporosis receiving calcium carbonate. Phosphate and fasting glucose levels do not directly indicate renal impairment in this scenario.
2. How should a caregiver manage a child with a known allergy to peanuts?
- A. Avoid all peanut-containing products
- B. Encourage regular exposure to peanuts
- C. Administer antihistamines daily
- D. Recommend peanut-containing supplements
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Avoiding peanut-containing products is crucial for managing a peanut allergy and preventing allergic reactions. Choice B suggesting regular exposure to peanuts can be harmful and trigger severe allergic reactions in a child with a peanut allergy. Regular exposure can increase the risk of anaphylaxis. Choice C of administering antihistamines daily is not a primary prevention strategy and should not be the first-line approach for managing a peanut allergy. Antihistamines only treat symptoms and do not prevent the allergic reaction. Choice D of recommending peanut-containing supplements can also lead to severe allergic reactions and is not recommended for a child with a known peanut allergy. It is essential to eliminate all sources of peanuts to prevent accidental exposure and potential life-threatening reactions.
3. The healthcare provider would expect which eating disorder to have the greatest fluctuations in potassium?
- A. Binge eating disorder
- B. Anorexia nervosa
- C. Bulimia
- D. Purge syndrome
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bulimia. Bulimia involves cycles of binge eating and purging, where individuals may induce vomiting or use laxatives and diuretics. These purging behaviors can lead to significant fluctuations in potassium levels due to electrolyte imbalances caused by excessive loss of potassium through vomiting and purging. In contrast, Binge eating disorder (A) does not involve purging behaviors, so it is less likely to cause significant potassium fluctuations. Anorexia nervosa (B) is characterized by severe food restriction rather than purging, leading to a different pattern of electrolyte imbalances. Purge syndrome (D) is not a recognized eating disorder and is not associated with specific patterns of potassium fluctuations seen in bulimia.
4. What is a major benefit of electronic health records (EHRs)?
- A. Increased paperwork
- B. Better coordination of care
- C. Higher risk of data breaches
- D. More manual data entry
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The major benefit of electronic health records (EHRs) is better coordination of care. EHRs allow healthcare providers to access and share patient information more efficiently, leading to improved coordination and continuity of care. Choice A, increased paperwork, is incorrect as EHRs aim to reduce paperwork by digitizing and centralizing health records. Choice C, higher risk of data breaches, is incorrect as EHRs have security measures in place to protect patient data. Choice D, more manual data entry, is incorrect as EHRs aim to automate and streamline data entry processes.
5. The nurse is implementing care for a school-age child admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which prescribed intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Begin 0.9% saline solution intravenously as prescribed
- B. Administer regular insulin intravenously as prescribed
- C. Place the child on a cardiac monitor
- D. Place the child on a pulse oximetry monitor
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct first intervention when managing a child with diabetic ketoacidosis is to begin intravenous saline solution to address dehydration and restore electrolyte balance. Rehydration is essential to improve perfusion and correct electrolyte imbalances. Administering insulin without addressing dehydration can potentially lead to further complications. Placing the child on a cardiac monitor or pulse oximetry monitor is important but not the initial priority in managing DKA.