HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam 2024
1. A male client, admitted to the mental health unit for a somatoform disorder, becomes angry because he cannot have his pain medication. He demands that the nurse call the healthcare provider and threatens to leave the hospital. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Place the client in seclusion per unit guidelines
- B. Administer a PRN prescription for lorazepam (Ativan)
- C. Call security to help ensure staff and client safety
- D. Ask what other methods he uses to deal with pain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize ensuring safety. When a client becomes aggressive and threatens to leave, calling security is crucial to help maintain a safe environment for both staff and the client. Placing the client in seclusion (choice A) is not the appropriate initial action as it may escalate the situation further. Administering lorazepam (choice B) should not be the first response to behavioral issues. Asking about other pain management methods (choice D) is not the immediate priority when safety is at risk.
2. A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being discharged with home oxygen therapy. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will keep my oxygen tank upright at all times.
- B. I will not use petroleum jelly to keep my nose from drying out.
- C. I will not smoke or allow others to smoke around me.
- D. I will call my doctor if I have difficulty breathing.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Petroleum jelly is flammable and should not be used with oxygen therapy as it can increase the risk of fire. Using petroleum jelly near oxygen can lead to a fire hazard. Choices A, C, and D are correct statements that indicate proper understanding of oxygen therapy safety measures. Choice A emphasizes the importance of keeping the oxygen tank upright to prevent leaks, choice C highlights the necessity of avoiding smoking to prevent exacerbation of COPD, and choice D encourages seeking medical help promptly in case of breathing difficulties.
3. Which of the following most accurately describes a current concern in health care today?
- A. Health care-associated (nosocomial) infections continue to increase, not limited to health-care settings.
- B. Despite preventable deaths increasing from the opioid crisis, life expectancy in the United States has slightly risen over the last 2 years.
- C. Although adverse drug events persist, medication errors have not been completely eliminated through the use of electronic medication administration records.
- D. Gun violence has become a growing public health concern.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Gun violence has become a growing public health concern due to the increasing rates of injury and death caused by the misuse of firearms. Choice A is incorrect because health care-associated infections are not limited to health-care settings and continue to increase. Choice B is inaccurate as preventable deaths from the opioid crisis have not led to a rise in life expectancy in the United States. Choice C is incorrect as medication errors have not been completely eliminated despite the use of electronic medication administration records.
4. A child is postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Administer analgesics to the child on a routine schedule throughout the day and night.
- B. Offer fluids to the child immediately after surgery.
- C. Allow the child to return to solid foods gradually.
- D. Avoid administering any medication until the child is fully awake.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering analgesics to the child on a routine schedule throughout the day and night is crucial for managing postoperative pain effectively and ensuring the child's comfort. Pain management is a priority in the postoperative period to promote healing and prevent complications. Offering fluids to the child immediately after surgery (Choice B) is essential to prevent dehydration, but pain control takes precedence. Allowing the child to return to solid foods gradually (Choice C) is important, but initially, the child may need to start with clear liquids and progress to soft foods post-tonsillectomy. Avoiding administering any medication until the child is fully awake (Choice D) is not advisable because timely pain relief is essential for the child's comfort and recovery.
5. The nurse is caring for a client with hyperthyroidism. Which finding should the nurse expect to observe in this client?
- A. Weight loss
- B. Cold intolerance
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Dry skin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Weight loss is a common finding in clients with hyperthyroidism due to increased metabolic activity. Hyperthyroidism leads to an overactive thyroid gland, which results in an increased metabolic rate and often leads to weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite. Cold intolerance (Choice B) is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, where the body's processes slow down. Bradycardia (Choice C) is a slow heart rate, which is not typically seen in hyperthyroidism; rather, tachycardia or an increased heart rate is more common. Dry skin (Choice D) is also not a typical finding in hyperthyroidism, as the skin is more likely to be warm and moist due to increased metabolic activity.