HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam
1. A client with rheumatoid arthritis reports a new onset of increasing fatigue. What intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Assist the client in conserving energy during daily activities
- B. Explain to the client that this could be a side effect of the medication
- C. Assess the client for pallor
- D. Encourage the client to maintain a balanced diet and hydration
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct first intervention for a client with rheumatoid arthritis reporting increasing fatigue is to assess the client for pallor. Fatigue can be a sign of anemia or other complications; assessing for pallor can help determine if anemia is the cause. Option A is incorrect as it does not address the underlying cause of fatigue. Option B assumes the cause without further assessment. Option D is important for overall health but assessing for pallor takes precedence to identify immediate issues related to fatigue.
2. What safety measure should be implemented when administering chemotherapy?
- A. Use protective gloves and gown
- B. Prepare the medication in a designated area
- C. Administer the medication at the appropriate rate
- D. Verify the two client identifiers
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When administering chemotherapy, it is crucial to use protective gloves and a gown to protect against exposure to hazardous drugs that can be harmful through skin contact. Choice B is incorrect because chemotherapy medication should be prepared in a designated area to prevent contamination and ensure accurate preparation. Choice C is incorrect as chemotherapy should be administered at the appropriate rate to ensure patient safety and avoid adverse effects. Choice D is incorrect as verifying client identifiers is important for medication administration in general but not a specific safety measure related to chemotherapy administration.
3. A 3-year-old child ingests a substance that may be a poison. The parent calls a neighbor who is a nurse and asks what to do. What should the nurse recommend the parent do?
- A. Administer syrup of ipecac.
- B. Call the poison control center.
- C. Take the child to the emergency department.
- D. Give the child bread dipped in milk to absorb the poison.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In cases of potential poisoning, the best immediate action to take is to call the poison control center. Administering syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended as it can lead to complications such as aspiration and may interfere with subsequent treatments. Taking the child to the emergency department should only be done if advised by the poison control center or if the child is showing severe symptoms. Giving bread dipped in milk to absorb the poison is not an appropriate or effective treatment for poisoning, as it does not address the toxicity of the ingested substance and may delay appropriate medical interventions.
4. A nurse in a provider's office is assessing the deep tendon reflexes of a client. Which of the following techniques should the nurse identify as indicating the correct method for eliciting the client's patellar reflex?
- A. Tap just below the knee
- B. Tap on the upper thigh
- C. Tap on the ankle
- D. Tap on the lower leg
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct technique for eliciting the client's patellar reflex is to tap just below the knee. This action stimulates the stretch receptors in the patellar tendon, leading to a reflex contraction of the quadriceps muscle and extension of the lower leg. Tapping on the upper thigh (Choice B) would not elicit the patellar reflex as it targets a different area. Similarly, tapping on the ankle (Choice C) or tapping on the lower leg (Choice D) would not produce the desired response associated with the patellar reflex, making them incorrect choices.
5. A client with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome is in a non-responsive state, yet vital signs are stable and breathing is independent. What should the nurse document to most accurately describe the client's condition?
- A. Comatose, breathing unlabored
- B. Glasgow Coma Scale 8, respirations regular
- C. Appears to be sleeping, vital signs stable
- D. Glasgow Coma Scale 13, no ventilator required
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A Glasgow Coma Scale of 8 with regular respirations accurately describes a non-responsive state with independent breathing. Choice A is incorrect because 'comatose' implies a deeper state of unconsciousness than what is described in the scenario. Choice C is inaccurate as the client is not merely sleeping but non-responsive. Choice D is incorrect as a Glasgow Coma Scale of 13 indicates a higher level of consciousness than what is presented in the scenario.