HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice Test
1. An adult client with severe depression was admitted to the psychiatric unit yesterday evening. Although the client used to run a year ago, his spouse states that the client no longer runs but sits and watches television most of the day. Which is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care for today?
- A. Assist the client in identifying goals for the day
- B. Encourage the client to participate in a team sport for one hour
- C. Schedule the client for a group session that focuses on self-esteem
- D. Help the client develop a list of daily affirmations
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Assisting the client in identifying goals for the day is the most important aspect of the plan of care for a client with severe depression. Setting achievable daily goals helps engage the client in activities and promotes a sense of accomplishment, which can contribute to gradual improvement in their condition. Encouraging participation in team sports may be overwhelming for a client with severe depression as it requires a significant level of energy and motivation that the client may not possess at this time. Group sessions focusing on self-esteem and daily affirmations are beneficial interventions, but they may not have an immediate impact compared to setting achievable daily goals that can provide a sense of purpose and achievement for the client.
2. While administering a cleansing enema, the client reports abdominal cramping. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Have the client hold their breath briefly and bear down.
- B. Clamp the enema tubing.
- C. Remind the client that cramping is common at this time.
- D. Raise the level of the enema fluid container.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a client reports abdominal cramping during a cleansing enema, it is important for the nurse to reassure the client that cramping is a common side effect. This reassurance helps the client understand that the cramping is normal and may subside once the enema is completed. Instructing the client to hold their breath and bear down (Choice A) is not appropriate and may cause discomfort. Clamping the enema tubing (Choice B) is unnecessary and could lead to complications. Raising the level of the enema fluid container (Choice D) does not address the client's discomfort due to cramping. Therefore, the most suitable action is to provide reassurance to the client about the common occurrence of cramping during the enema.
3. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a young adult client. Which of the following injection sites is the safest for this client?
- A. Ventrogluteal
- B. Dorsogluteal
- C. Deltoid
- D. Vastus lateralis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is considered the safest for intramuscular injections in young adult clients due to its location away from major nerves and blood vessels. The ventrogluteal site is preferred over the dorsogluteal site, as the latter is associated with a higher risk of injury to the sciatic nerve. The deltoid site is commonly used for vaccines but may not be suitable for all intramuscular injections due to smaller muscle mass. The vastus lateralis site is often used in infants and young children, but in young adults, the ventrogluteal site is preferred for safety and efficacy.
4. What is an important nursing intervention for a child with a newly inserted central venous catheter?
- A. Regularly monitor for signs of infection
- B. Administer intravenous fluids only as ordered
- C. Restrict the child's movement
- D. Perform daily dressing changes only
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Regularly monitoring for signs of infection is a critical nursing intervention for a child with a newly inserted central venous catheter. This intervention is essential to detect any early signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage at the catheter site, which can lead to serious complications like sepsis. Administering intravenous fluids as ordered is important but not the most crucial intervention for a newly inserted central venous catheter. Restricting the child's movement is unnecessary unless specified by the healthcare provider. Performing daily dressing changes alone is not sufficient to ensure the catheter's integrity and the child's safety; monitoring for signs of infection is key.
5. A 73-year-old female client had a hemiarthroplasty of the left hip yesterday due to a fracture resulting from a fall. In reviewing hip precautions with the client, which instruction should the LPN/LVN include in this client's teaching plan?
- A. You will be able to bend at the waist to reach items on the floor in 8 weeks.
- B. Place a pillow between your knees while lying in bed to prevent hip dislocation.
- C. It is safe to use a walker to get out of bed, but you need assistance when walking.
- D. Take pain medication 30 minutes after your physical therapy sessions.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction to include in the teaching plan for a client who had a hemiarthroplasty of the left hip is to 'Place a pillow between your knees while lying in bed to prevent hip dislocation.' This technique helps maintain proper hip alignment and prevents dislocation during the postoperative recovery period. Choice A is incorrect because bending at the waist to reach items on the floor can strain the hip joint and is not recommended following hip surgery. Choice C is incorrect because using a walker alone without assistance can increase the risk of falls and injury, especially in the immediate postoperative period. Choice D is incorrect because pain medication should be taken as prescribed by the healthcare provider, not specifically timed after physical therapy sessions.