HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam
1. After a motor vehicle collision, a client is admitted to the medical unit with acute adrenal insufficiency (Addisonian crisis). Which prescription should the nurse implement?
- A. Determine serum glucose levels
- B. Withhold potassium additives to IV fluids
- C. Give IV corticosteroid replacement
- D. Prepare to initiate IV vasopressors
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a client with acute adrenal insufficiency (Addisonian crisis) following a motor vehicle collision, the priority intervention is to administer IV corticosteroid replacement. This is crucial to manage the crisis by replacing the deficient cortisol. Determining serum glucose levels (Choice A) may be important but is not the immediate priority in this situation. Withholding potassium additives to IV fluids (Choice B) is not indicated and may exacerbate electrolyte imbalances. Initiating IV vasopressors (Choice D) is not the primary treatment for acute adrenal insufficiency and should be reserved for managing hypotension that is unresponsive to corticosteroid therapy.
2. While administering penicillin intravenously, you notice that the patient becomes hypotensive with a bounding, rapid pulse rate. What is the first action you should take?
- A. Decrease the rate of the intravenous medication flow.
- B. Increase the rate of the intravenous medication flow.
- C. Call the doctor.
- D. Stop the intravenous flow.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct action to take when a patient becomes hypotensive with a bounding, rapid pulse rate after administering penicillin intravenously is to stop the intravenous flow immediately. This can help prevent further complications by discontinuing the administration of the medication that might be causing the adverse effects. Decreasing or increasing the rate of medication flow may not address the underlying issue of the patient's adverse reaction. While it's important to involve the healthcare provider in such situations, the immediate priority is to halt the administration of the medication.
3. A client with generalized anxiety disorder is being treated with lorazepam (Ativan). What is the most important teaching point for the LPN/LVN to reinforce?
- A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
- B. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
- C. This medication may cause drowsiness, so avoid driving.
- D. You can stop taking the medication once you feel better.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most important teaching point for the LPN/LVN to reinforce is to avoid drinking alcohol while taking lorazepam (Ativan). Alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of lorazepam, increasing the risk of severe side effects and complications. Choice A is incorrect because lorazepam can be taken with or without food. Choice C is not the most critical teaching point, although it is essential to avoid activities that require mental alertness until the effects of the medication are known. Choice D is incorrect because abruptly stopping lorazepam can lead to withdrawal symptoms and should only be done under medical supervision.
4. What is a primary goal in managing a child with asthma?
- A. Avoiding all physical activities
- B. Achieving and maintaining control of asthma symptoms
- C. Increasing daily sugar intake
- D. Restricting all forms of medication
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal in managing a child with asthma is to achieve and maintain control of asthma symptoms to ensure the child's well-being and quality of life. This involves using appropriate medications as prescribed, identifying and avoiding triggers, and developing an asthma action plan. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding all physical activities can lead to deconditioning and is not recommended, increasing daily sugar intake is unrelated to managing asthma, and restricting all forms of medication can be harmful as medications are often necessary to control asthma symptoms.
5. After an unsuccessful resuscitation attempt, the nurse calls the family of the deceased. The family wishes to see the body before it is taken to the funeral home. Which interventions should the nurse take to prepare the body before the family enters the room? (Select all that apply)
- A. Take out dentures and place them in a labeled cup
- B. Apply a body shroud
- C. Place a small pillow under the head
- D. Gently close the eyes
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct interventions for the nurse to prepare the body before the family enters the room include taking out dentures and placing them in a labeled cup. This is essential to ensure the dignity of the deceased and maintain their appearance. Applying a body shroud is not typically done before the family views the body, as it may be more appropriate during preparation for transportation to the funeral home. Placing a small pillow under the head and gently closing the eyes are actions that can be comforting but are not essential preparations for the family viewing.