HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam 2022
1. A nurse working on an endocrine unit should see which client first?
- A. An adolescent male with diabetes who is arguing about his insulin dose.
- B. An older client with Addison’s disease whose current blood sugar level is 62mg/dl (3.44 mmol/l).
- C. An adult with a blood sugar of 384mg/dl (21.31mmol/l) and urine output of 350 ml in the last hour.
- D. A client taking corticosteroids who has become disoriented in the last two hours.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The client with Addison’s disease and a blood sugar level of 62mg/dl (3.44 mmol/l) is experiencing hypoglycemia, which can progress to adrenal crisis. This situation requires immediate attention to prevent further complications. Choices A, C, and D, although concerning, do not pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to the client with Addison’s disease and hypoglycemia. The adolescent arguing about his insulin dose can be addressed after stabilizing the client with Addison’s disease. The adult with high blood sugar and increased urine output may have hyperglycemia but is not in immediate danger. The client taking corticosteroids who is disoriented needs evaluation but is not in an acute life-threatening condition as the client with hypoglycemia.
2. A nurse is preparing to check a client's blood pressure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Apply the cuff above the client's antecubital fossa.
- B. Use a cuff with a width that is about 60% of the client's arm circumference.
- C. Have the client sit with their arm resting at the level of their heart.
- D. Release the pressure on the client's arm at a rate of 5 to 6 mm per second.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action when checking a client's blood pressure is to apply the cuff above the client's antecubital fossa. Placing the cuff above this area allows for an accurate measurement of blood pressure. Choice B is incorrect because the cuff width should be approximately 40% of the arm circumference, not 60%. Choice C is incorrect as the client's arm should rest at heart level, not above it, to ensure an accurate reading. Choice D is incorrect as the pressure on the client's arm should be released at a rate of 2 to 3 mm per second, not 5 to 6 mm per second.
3. An infant has just returned from surgery for placement of a gastrostomy tube as an initial treatment for tracheoesophageal fistula. The mother asks, 'When can the tube be used for feeding?' The nurse's best response would be which of these comments?
- A. "Feedings can begin in 5 to 7 days."
- B. "The use of the feeding tube can begin immediately."
- C. "The stomach contents and air must be drained first."
- D. "The incision healing must be complete before feeding."
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The stomach contents and air must be drained first.' Before starting feedings through a gastrostomy tube, it is essential to drain the stomach contents and air. This process helps prevent complications and ensures the proper functioning of the tube after placement. Choice A is incorrect because initiating feedings within 5 to 7 days may lead to complications if the stomach is not adequately prepared. Choice B is incorrect as feeding should not begin immediately to allow for proper preparation of the tube and the stomach. Choice D is incorrect because although incision healing is important, draining the stomach contents and air is a more immediate concern to prevent complications.
4. The nurse is planning care for a 12-year-old child with sickle cell disease in a vaso-occlusive crisis affecting the elbow. Which one of the following should be the priority?
- A. Limiting fluids
- B. Client-controlled analgesia
- C. Applying cold compresses to the elbow
- D. Performing passive range of motion exercises
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease, the priority intervention is effective pain management. Client-controlled analgesia allows the child to self-administer pain relief as needed, promoting comfort and reducing stress. Limiting fluids (choice A) is not appropriate in this scenario as hydration is essential to prevent complications. Cold compresses (choice C) may provide some comfort but do not address the underlying pain. Passive range of motion exercises (choice D) are contraindicated during a vaso-occlusive crisis due to the risk of further pain and tissue damage.
5. What is a common early sign of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) in infants?
- A. High fever
- B. Nasal congestion
- C. Rash
- D. Jaundice
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Nasal congestion is a common early sign of RSV in infants, often accompanied by cough and wheezing. High fever, rash, and jaundice are not typically associated with RSV. While RSV can lead to fever, it is usually not one of the earliest signs. Rash and jaundice are unrelated to RSV symptoms.