HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam
1. An older male client arrives at the clinic complaining that his bladder always feels full. He complains of a weak urine flow, frequent dribbling after voiding, and increasing nocturia with difficulty initiating his urine stream. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Palpate the client’s suprapubic area for distention
- B. Advise the client to maintain a voiding diary for one week
- C. Instruct the client in effective techniques for cleansing the glans penis
- D. Obtain a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Advising the client to maintain a voiding diary is the appropriate action in this case. A voiding diary helps track symptoms and patterns essential for diagnosing conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia or other urinary issues. Palpating the client’s suprapubic area for distention (Choice A) may provide information about bladder fullness but does not address the need for tracking symptoms. Instructing the client in techniques for cleansing the glans penis (Choice C) is not relevant to the client's urinary complaints. Obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity (Choice D) may be necessary but does not directly address the client's symptoms of weak urine flow and difficulty initiating the urine stream.
2. A client morning assessment includes bounding peripheral pulses, weight gain of 2 pounds, pitting ankle edema, and moist crackles bilaterally. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?
- A. Restrict daily fluid intake to 1500 ml
- B. Weight the client every morning
- C. Maintain accurate intake and output
- D. Administer prescribed diuretic
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Administering a prescribed diuretic is the most important intervention in this scenario as the client is presenting signs of fluid overload and heart failure. Diuretics help reduce fluid retention in the body, alleviating symptoms like edema and crackles. Restricting fluid intake may be necessary in some cases, but in this acute situation, addressing the immediate fluid overload with a diuretic takes precedence. Weighing the client daily and maintaining accurate intake and output are important aspects of monitoring, but they do not directly address the urgent need to manage fluid overload.
3. A client is still experiencing mild back pain after receiving analgesia 1 hour ago. Which of the following nonpharmacological pain management techniques should the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Encourage the client to apply a heating pad for 2 hours at a time
- B. Apply an ice pack to the client’s back for 1 hour
- C. Remove distractions from the client’s room
- D. Instruct the client to take deep, rhythmic breaths
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should instruct the client to take deep, rhythmic breaths as a nonpharmacological pain management technique. Deep, rhythmic breathing helps with relaxation and pain management, potentially reducing the perception of pain. Encouraging the client to apply a heating pad for 2 hours at a time (Choice A) is not recommended as prolonged heat application can lead to tissue damage and is not suitable for mild back pain. Applying an ice pack for 1 hour (Choice B) may not be appropriate for mild back pain as cold therapy is more commonly used for acute injuries. Removing distractions from the client’s room (Choice C) may help create a more calming environment, but it does not directly address the client's pain.
4. A clinical instructor teaches a class for the public about diabetes mellitus. Which individual does the nurse assess as being at highest risk for developing diabetes?
- A. The 50-year-old client who does not engage in any physical exercise
- B. The 56-year-old client who drinks three glasses of wine daily
- C. The 42-year-old client who is 50 pounds overweight
- D. The 38-year-old client who smokes one pack of cigarettes daily
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The 42-year-old client who is 50 pounds overweight is at the highest risk for developing diabetes. Excess weight is a significant risk factor for diabetes as it can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities. Choices A, B, and D are also risk factors for diabetes, but being overweight has a stronger association with the development of the condition compared to lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, or smoking.
5. A client with diabetes mellitus presents with confusion and diaphoresis. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Check the blood glucose level
- B. Administer insulin immediately
- C. Offer a high-protein snack
- D. Place the client in a supine position
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the blood glucose level. In a client with diabetes mellitus presenting with confusion and diaphoresis, it is important to assess the blood glucose level first to determine if the symptoms are due to hypoglycemia. Administering insulin immediately (Choice B) without knowing the blood glucose level can worsen the condition if the client is hypoglycemic. Offering a high-protein snack (Choice C) is not appropriate as the severity of hypoglycemia is unknown, and placing the client in a supine position (Choice D) is not the priority action for these symptoms.