HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam Quizlet
1. Following a thyroidectomy, a client experiences tetany. The nurse should expect to administer which intravenous medication?
- A. Sodium iodide solution
- B. Levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid)
- C. Calcium gluconate
- D. Propranolol (Inderal)
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Following a thyroidectomy, tetany can occur due to hypoparathyroidism, leading to low calcium levels. Therefore, the nurse should administer calcium gluconate intravenously to raise the calcium levels. Choice A, Sodium iodide solution, is incorrect as it is used for thyroid conditions, not for treating tetany. Choice B, Levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid), is incorrect as it is a thyroid hormone replacement and does not address low calcium levels. Choice D, Propranolol (Inderal), is incorrect as it is a beta-blocker used for conditions like hypertension and not indicated for tetany after thyroidectomy.
2. Which statement best describes the composition of most foods?
- A. Most foods contain a mixture of the three energy nutrients, with one or two predominating.
- B. Foods do not typically contain equal amounts of the three energy nutrients.
- C. Most foods contain mixtures of the three energy nutrients, although only one or two may predominate.
- D. Most foods contain all three energy nutrients in varying amounts.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Most foods contain a mixture of the three energy nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), with one or two predominating. Choice A is correct because most foods do contain a combination of energy nutrients, with one or two types usually being predominant. Choice B is incorrect as foods typically do not contain equal amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Choice D is incorrect because most foods contain all three energy nutrients, not just one or two types.
3. The nurse is caring for a client with a suspected stroke. Which assessment finding is most indicative of a stroke?
- A. Chest pain
- B. Sudden confusion and difficulty speaking
- C. Gradual onset of weakness in the legs
- D. Nausea and vomiting
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sudden confusion and difficulty speaking. These are classic signs of a stroke, indicating a neurological deficit that requires urgent medical attention. Choices A, C, and D are less indicative of a stroke. Chest pain is more commonly associated with cardiac issues, gradual onset of weakness in the legs could be related to other conditions like peripheral neuropathy, and nausea/vomiting may suggest gastrointestinal problems rather than a stroke.
4. A client is reporting difficulty falling asleep. Which of the following measures should the nurse recommend?
- A. Drink a cup of hot cocoa before bedtime
- B. Exercise 1 hour before going to bed
- C. Use progressive relaxation techniques at bedtime
- D. Reflect on the day's activities before going to bed
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to recommend the client to use progressive relaxation techniques at bedtime. Progressive relaxation techniques help reduce stress and muscle tension, which can promote better sleep. Choice A, drinking a cup of hot cocoa before bedtime, contains caffeine which can interfere with falling asleep. Choice B, exercising 1 hour before going to bed, can stimulate the body and mind, making it harder to fall asleep. Choice D, reflecting on the day's activities before going to bed, may lead to increased mental activity and prevent relaxation, making it difficult to fall asleep.
5. A 6-month-old infant is prescribed digoxin for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Which observation by the practical nurse (PN) warrants immediate intervention for signs of digoxin toxicity?
- A. Apical heart rate of 60 beats/min
- B. Sweating across the forehead
- C. Poor sucking effort
- D. Respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A heart rate of 60 beats/min for a 6-month-old infant warrants immediate intervention as it falls below the normal range. The normal heart rate for a 6-month-old is 80 to 150 beats/min when awake, and a rate of 70 beats/min while sleeping is considered within normal limits. Bradycardia (heart rate <60 beats/min) in infants can be a sign of digoxin toxicity, necessitating prompt evaluation and intervention to prevent adverse effects. Sweating across the forehead (Choice B) is a non-specific symptom and may not directly indicate digoxin toxicity. Poor sucking effort (Choice C) and a respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min (Choice D) are not typically associated with digoxin toxicity and do not require immediate intervention in the context of this question.