HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam
1. A male client reports the onset of numbness and tingling in his fingers and around his mouth. Which lab value is important for the nurse to review before contacting the health care provider?
- A. capillary glucose
- B. urine specific gravity
- C. Serum calcium
- D. white blood cell count
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Serum calcium. Numbness and tingling can be indicative of hypocalcemia, which can affect the nervous system. Reviewing serum calcium levels is crucial to address this potential issue. Options A, B, and D are not directly related to the symptoms described by the client and are not typically associated with numbness and tingling around the mouth and fingers. Capillary glucose levels are more relevant in assessing for diabetes or monitoring glucose control. Urine specific gravity is useful in evaluating hydration status. White blood cell count is typically checked to assess infection or immune response, which are not indicated by the client's symptoms of numbness and tingling.
2. After successful resuscitation, a client is given propranolol and transferred to the Intensive Coronary Care Unit (ICCU). On admission, magnesium sulfate 4 grams IV in 250 ml D5W at one gram/hour. Which assessment findings require immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Dark amber urine draining via an indwelling catheter at a rate of 40 ml per hour
- B. Serum calcium of 9.0 mg/dl (2.2 mmol/L SI) and magnesium of 1.8 mg/dl or Eq/L (0.74 mmol/L SI)
- C. Sinus rhythm at 72 beats/minute and peripheral blood pressure of 99/62
- D. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A low respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute is indicative of possible magnesium toxicity, which can be a serious condition requiring immediate intervention. It is a critical finding that needs prompt attention to prevent further complications. The other options are not as urgent: A - dark amber urine may indicate dehydration but does not require immediate intervention, B - serum calcium and magnesium levels are within normal limits, C - sinus rhythm and blood pressure values are also within normal range and do not require immediate action.
3. When caring for a client with a urinary catheter, what is the most important intervention to prevent infection?
- A. Use sterile technique for catheter care
- B. Ensure the catheter bag is below the level of the bladder
- C. Provide perineal care daily
- D. Change the catheter only when necessary
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most important intervention to prevent infection when caring for a client with a urinary catheter is to ensure that the catheter bag is below the level of the bladder. This positioning helps prevent urine backflow, reducing the risk of infection. While using sterile technique for catheter care (Choice A) is important, ensuring proper drainage by keeping the catheter bag below the bladder is crucial to prevent infection. Providing perineal care daily (Choice C) is essential for hygiene but not directly related to preventing catheter-related infections. Changing the catheter only when necessary (Choice D) is important for maintenance, but correct positioning of the catheter bag is more critical in preventing immediate infection.
4. A client who is a Jehovah's Witness is admitted to the nursing unit. Which concern should the LPN have for planning care in terms of the client's beliefs?
- A. Autopsy of the body is prohibited.
- B. Blood transfusions are forbidden.
- C. Alcohol use in any form is not allowed.
- D. A vegetarian diet must be followed.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Blood transfusions are forbidden.' Jehovah's Witnesses typically refuse blood transfusions due to their religious beliefs. This is crucial for the LPN to consider when planning the client's care to ensure that alternative treatments are explored. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the specific beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses. Autopsy prohibition, alcohol use restrictions, and dietary preferences are not primary concerns related to the religious beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses.
5. When developing the plan of care for a child with burns requiring fluid replacement therapy, what information would the nurse expect to include?
- A. Administration of colloid initially followed by a crystalloid
- B. Determination of fluid replacement based on the type of burn
- C. Administration of most of the volume during the first 8 hours
- D. Monitoring of hourly urine output to achieve less than 1 mL/kg/hr
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. In fluid replacement therapy for burns, the majority of the volume should be administered within the first 8 hours to prevent shock and maintain perfusion. Choice A is incorrect because crystalloids are typically administered first in fluid resuscitation for burns. Choice B is incorrect as fluid replacement in burn patients is primarily determined by the extent of the burn injury rather than the type of burn. Choice D is incorrect as the goal for hourly urine output in burn patients is generally higher, aiming for 1-2 mL/kg/hr in children to ensure adequate renal perfusion and prevent dehydration.