HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam 2022
1. Following morning care, a client with C-5 spinal cord injury who is sitting in a wheelchair becomes flushed and complains of a headache. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Check for any kinks or obstructions in the client’s Foley tubing
- B. Assess the client’s blood pressure every 15 minutes
- C. Administer a prescribed PRN dose of hydralazine (Apresoline)
- D. Educate the client on recognizing symptoms of dysreflexia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a client with a C-5 spinal cord injury experiencing flushing and a headache, the priority intervention is to assess the client's blood pressure every 15 minutes. These symptoms could indicate autonomic dysreflexia, a potentially life-threatening condition. Assessing the blood pressure is crucial to identify and address this emergency situation promptly. Checking for kinks or obstructions in the Foley tubing (Choice A) is important but not the priority in this scenario. Administering hydralazine (Choice C) without knowing the blood pressure could be harmful as it may lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure. Educating the client on recognizing symptoms of dysreflexia (Choice D) is important for long-term management but is not the immediate action needed in this acute situation.
2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a child admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute glomerulonephritis?
- A. Monitoring for hypertension
- B. Providing pain relief
- C. Restricting fluid intake
- D. Encouraging fluid intake
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with acute glomerulonephritis is monitoring for hypertension. Acute glomerulonephritis involves inflammation of the kidney's glomeruli, leading to impaired kidney function. Hypertension is a common complication due to fluid retention and increased renin-angiotensin system activity. Monitoring for hypertension is crucial for early detection and management to prevent further kidney damage and complications. Providing pain relief (Choice B) may be required for discomfort but is not the priority. Restricting fluid intake (Choice C) may be necessary in some kidney diseases, but in acute glomerulonephritis, the focus is on monitoring and managing hypertension. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice D) is inappropriate as it can exacerbate fluid overload and hypertension in acute glomerulonephritis.
3. What should parents be taught when a 7-year-old child with a history of seizures is being discharged from the hospital?
- A. Administer antiepileptic medication as prescribed
- B. Ensure the child receives adequate sleep
- C. Restrict the child's activities to prevent seizures
- D. Teach seizure first aid to family members
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Teaching seizure first aid to family members is crucial in ensuring the child's safety during a seizure. This education empowers family members to respond effectively, protect the child from injury, and provide appropriate care. Option A is incorrect because antiepileptic medication should be administered as prescribed, not only when a seizure occurs. Option B, while important for overall health, is not specific to managing seizures. Option C is incorrect as there is no evidence that restricting activities prevents seizures, and it may negatively impact the child's quality of life without offering additional safety benefits.
4. A client with chronic renal failure is receiving erythropoietin (Epogen). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hypocalcemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertension. Erythropoietin can lead to hypertension as a side effect due to its stimulation of red blood cell production, which can increase blood viscosity. This can result in elevated blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Hypoglycemia is not a common side effect of erythropoietin. Hyperkalemia is more commonly associated with renal failure rather than erythropoietin use. Hypocalcemia is not a typical side effect of erythropoietin administration.
5. A child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance
- B. Encouraging regular exercise
- C. Administering antipyretics
- D. Administering antibiotics
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to fluid loss. Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance is essential in managing gastroenteritis to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Encouraging regular exercise (Choice B) is not a priority in the acute phase of gastroenteritis when the focus is on rehydration and symptom management. Administering antipyretics (Choice C) may be considered for fever management but is not the priority over monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Administering antibiotics (Choice D) is not routinely indicated for viral gastroenteritis, which is a common cause of the condition in children.