HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam
1. A client complains of paresthesia in the fingers and toes and experiences hand spasms when the blood pressure cuff is inflated. Which serum laboratory finding should the nurse expect to find when assessing the client?
- A. Elevated serum calcium
- B. Low serum magnesium
- C. Low serum calcium
- D. Elevated serum potassium
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Low serum calcium. Hand spasms and paresthesia are indicative of potential hypocalcemia, which is characterized by low serum calcium levels. Elevated serum calcium (Choice A) is not consistent with the symptoms described. Low serum magnesium (Choice B) and elevated serum potassium (Choice D) are not typically associated with hand spasms and paresthesia.
2. An infant is receiving penicillin G procaine 220,000 units IM. The drug is supplied as 600,000 units/ml. How many ml should the nurse administer? (Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth)
- A. 0.4
- B.
- C.
- D.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To calculate the volume to administer, use the formula: Desired dose (220,000 units) / Dose on hand (600,000 units) x Volume of the available dose (1 ml). This results in 0.4 ml to be administered. Choice A is correct. Choice B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not provided.
3. A client with a history of congestive heart failure is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin). Which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain before administering this medication?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Heart rate
- C. Respiratory rate
- D. Oxygen saturation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Heart rate. Before administering digoxin to a client with a history of congestive heart failure, the nurse must assess the client's heart rate. Digoxin can cause bradycardia, so monitoring the heart rate is crucial to prevent potential complications. Assessing blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation are important assessments but are not as directly influenced by digoxin as heart rate is in this scenario. Blood pressure can be affected by various factors, including dehydration or other medications. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are more related to respiratory function and gas exchange, which are not the primary concerns when administering digoxin to a client with heart failure.
4. A healthcare professional working in the emergency department is witnessing the signing of informed consent forms for the treatment of multiple clients during their shift. Which of the following signatures may the healthcare professional legally witness?
- A. A 16-year-old client who is married
- B. A 27-year-old who has schizophrenia
- C. An adoptive parent who brings in their 8-year-old child
- D. A 17-year-old mother who brings in her toddler
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A 16-year-old who is married can legally sign an informed consent form. In this case, being married at 16 may indicate legal emancipation or the ability to consent to medical treatment. Choice B is incorrect because having schizophrenia doesn't automatically imply incapacity to provide informed consent. Choice C is incorrect as an adoptive parent does not have the legal authority to provide consent for medical treatment on behalf of a child without proper documentation. Choice D is incorrect as a 17-year-old mother would generally not have the legal capacity to give consent for her toddler, as parental consent is usually required for minors.
5. Which patient will lead the nurse to select a nursing diagnosis of Impaired physical mobility for a care plan?
- A. A patient who is completely immobile
- B. A patient who is not completely immobile
- C. A patient at risk for single-system involvement
- D. A patient who is at risk for multisystem problems
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nursing diagnosis of Impaired physical mobility is appropriate for a patient who has some limitations in mobility but is not completely immobile. Choice A is incorrect as a patient who is completely immobile would not have impaired physical mobility but rather no physical mobility at all. Choices C and D are also incorrect as they do not directly relate to the defining characteristics of Impaired physical mobility, which involve limitations in movement and physical activity.