HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice
1. An adult client presents to the clinic with large draining ulcers on both lower legs that are characteristic of Kaposi’s Sarcoma lesions. The client is accompanied by two family members. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Obtain a blood sample to determine if the client is HIV positive
- B. Send the family to the waiting area while conducting a head-to-toe assessment
- C. Complete a head-to-toe assessment to identify other signs of HIV
- D. Ask the family members to wear gloves when touching the client
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take is to complete a head-to-toe assessment to identify other signs of HIV. Kaposi’s Sarcoma is commonly associated with HIV infection, and conducting a comprehensive assessment can provide crucial information on potential signs and symptoms related to HIV. This information is essential for providing appropriate care and treatment. Option A is not the priority at this moment, as the focus should be on assessing the client comprehensively first. Sending the family members away (Option B) may not be necessary if they are not interfering with the assessment process. While infection control is important, asking the family members to wear gloves (Option D) is not the most critical action to take in this situation.
2. An 18-month-old was brought to the emergency department by her mother, who states, 'I think she broke her arm.' The child is sent for a radiograph to confirm the fracture. Additional assessment of the child leads the nurse to suspect possible child abuse. Which type of fracture would the radiograph most likely reveal?
- A. Plastic deformity
- B. Buckle fracture
- C. Spiral fracture
- D. Greenstick fracture
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A spiral fracture is a type of fracture often associated with twisting injuries and can raise suspicion of child abuse. This type of fracture is caused by a twisting force applied to a bone. Plastic deformity is not typically associated with fractures but refers to the ability of a material to change shape and retain that shape. A buckle fracture, also known as a torus fracture, is an incomplete break in a bone commonly seen in children. A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture where the bone is bent and partially broken, more commonly seen in children due to their bone flexibility.
3. Which of the following is a fatal genetic neurologic disorder whose onset is in middle age?
- A. Tay-Sachs disease
- B. Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- C. Hemophilia
- D. Huntington’s disease
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Huntington's disease is a fatal genetic neurologic disorder characterized by progressive nerve cell degeneration in the brain. It typically manifests in middle age with symptoms such as involuntary movements, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disturbances. Tay-Sachs disease (Choice A) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system in early childhood, not middle age. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Choice B) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects muscle function and usually presents in early childhood. Hemophilia (Choice C) is a genetic disorder related to blood clotting, and its onset is not typically in middle age.
4. A client has been on bed rest for several weeks. Which finding should the nurse identify as the priority during assessment?
- A. Musculoskeletal weakness
- B. Loss of appetite
- C. Increased heart rate during physical activity
- D. Left lower extremity tenderness
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should prioritize assessing left lower extremity tenderness as it could indicate deep vein thrombosis, a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Musculoskeletal weakness, loss of appetite, and increased heart rate during physical activity are important but not as critical as a potential thrombotic event that could lead to life-threatening complications. Deep vein thrombosis is a common risk for individuals on prolonged bed rest due to reduced mobility and blood stasis.
5. The practical nurse is caring for a client whose urine drug screen is positive for cocaine. Which behavior is this client likely to exhibit during cocaine withdrawal?
- A. Elevated energy level
- B. Euphoria
- C. High self-esteem
- D. Powerful craving for more
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Powerful craving for more. During cocaine withdrawal, individuals often experience intense cravings for the drug, along with symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and anxiety. These cravings can be overpowering and lead to a strong desire to seek out more cocaine to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as elevated energy level, euphoria, and high self-esteem are more associated with the effects of cocaine rather than withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from cocaine is characterized by the opposite, such as fatigue, low mood, and intense cravings.