HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice Test
1. An elderly client with Alzheimer's disease is being admitted to a long-term care facility. The client’s spouse expresses concern about the level of care the client will receive. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. Reassure the spouse that the client will be well cared for and provide information about the facility’s care practices.
- B. Inform the spouse that care will be adjusted based on the client’s condition and needs.
- C. Advise the spouse to visit frequently to monitor the quality of care the client receives.
- D. Suggest that the spouse speak with other family members for reassurance.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse in this situation is to reassure the spouse that the client will be well cared for and provide information about the facility’s care practices. This response not only addresses the spouse's concerns directly but also helps in building trust and confidence in the care provided. Choice B is not ideal as it may cause unnecessary worry about the fluctuating care levels. Choice C puts the responsibility on the spouse to monitor care, which may not always be feasible or appropriate. Choice D deflects the concern to other family members instead of addressing the spouse's worries directly.
2. A 10-year-old client is recovering from a splenectomy following a traumatic injury. The client's laboratory results show a hemoglobin of 9 g/dL and a hematocrit of 28 percent. The best approach for the nurse to use is to:
- A. Limit milk and milk products
- B. Encourage bed rest and quiet activities
- C. Plan nursing care around lengthy rest periods
- D. Promote a diet rich in iron
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging bed rest and quiet activities is crucial for a child recovering from a splenectomy with low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. This approach helps conserve energy, promotes healing, and allows the body to focus on rebuilding red blood cells. Limiting milk and milk products (Choice A) is not directly related to improving the child's condition. Encouraging bed rest and quiet activities (Choice B) is appropriate as it helps in conserving energy and preventing physical exertion. Promoting a diet rich in iron (Choice D) is beneficial for improving hemoglobin levels in the long term, but immediate rest and recovery take precedence in this scenario.
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. Which ethnic group has the highest risk for diabetes?
- A. African Americans
- B. Hispanic Americans
- C. Asian Americans
- D. Native Americans
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Native Americans have the highest risk for diabetes compared to other ethnic groups. This is due to genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and limited access to healthcare. African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans also have an increased risk of developing diabetes, but statistically, Native Americans have the highest prevalence of the disease. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect.
5. When a nurse assigned to a manipulative client for 5 days becomes aware of feelings of reluctance to interact with the client, the next action by the nurse should be to
- A. Discuss the feeling of reluctance with an objective peer or supervisor
- B. Limit contacts with the client to avoid reinforcement of manipulative behavior
- C. Confront the client about the negative effects of behaviors on other clients and staff
- D. Develop a behavior modification plan that will promote more functional behavior
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a nurse experiences reluctance to interact with a manipulative client, it is essential to address these feelings constructively. Discussing the feeling of reluctance with an objective peer or supervisor allows the nurse to gain perspective, reflect on the situation, and develop appropriate strategies for patient care. This action promotes self-awareness, professional growth, and ensures that patient care is not compromised. Option B is incorrect because avoiding the client may not address the underlying issues and can impact the therapeutic relationship. Option C is inappropriate as confronting the client may escalate the situation and hinder effective communication. Option D is not the immediate action needed in this scenario, as it focuses on behavior modification rather than addressing the nurse's feelings of reluctance.