HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice Test
1. Identify the placement of the stapes footplate into the bony labyrinth.
- A. Fenestra vestibuli
- B. Fenestra cochleae
- C. Tympanic membrane
- D. Round window
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fenestra vestibuli. The stapes footplate is placed into the fenestra vestibuli of the bony labyrinth. This structure is also known as the oval window and is located at the junction of the middle ear and inner ear. Choice B, Fenestra cochleae, is incorrect as this opening is also known as the round window and is located near the base of the cochlea. Choice C, Tympanic membrane, is incorrect as it is also known as the eardrum and separates the external ear from the middle ear. Choice D, Round window, is incorrect as it is the opening covered by the secondary tympanic membrane and is important for the dissipation of sound waves in the cochlea.
2. The parents of a child who is scheduled for open-heart surgery ask why their child must be subjected to chest tubes after surgery. What should the nurse consider before responding in language the parents will understand?
- A. They will increase tidal volumes.
- B. Drainage of air and fluid will be facilitated.
- C. They will maintain positive intrapleural pressure.
- D. Pressure on the pericardium and chest wall will be regulated.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Chest tubes are used to drain air and fluid from the chest cavity to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or cardiac tamponade after surgery. Choice A is incorrect as chest tubes are not used to increase tidal volumes. Choice C is incorrect as chest tubes do not maintain positive intrapleural pressure; instead, they assist in removing excess air or fluid. Choice D is incorrect as chest tubes do not regulate pressure on the pericardium and chest wall; they primarily aid in drainage.
3. What is the significance of patient advocacy in nursing?
- A. Prioritizing the needs of the healthcare team over the patient
- B. Ensuring that patients' rights and preferences are respected
- C. Limiting patient autonomy
- D. Focusing solely on clinical procedures
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Patient advocacy in nursing entails ensuring that patients' rights and preferences are respected. This involves advocating for the patients' best interests, supporting informed decision-making, and safeguarding their autonomy. Choice A is incorrect because patient advocacy focuses on the patient's needs, not the healthcare team's. Choice C is incorrect as patient advocacy aims to empower patients and enhance their autonomy rather than limiting it. Choice D is incorrect since patient advocacy goes beyond clinical procedures to encompass holistic care that addresses the patients' preferences and rights.
4. What is a primary responsibility of a healthcare manager?
- A. Direct patient care
- B. Financial oversight
- C. Ignoring staff concerns
- D. Minimizing staff training
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Financial oversight is a primary responsibility of a healthcare manager. Healthcare managers are responsible for managing the financial aspects of healthcare facilities, including budgeting, financial planning, and ensuring financial sustainability. Direct patient care (choice A) is typically the responsibility of healthcare providers such as doctors and nurses, not managers. Ignoring staff concerns (choice C) is counterproductive and goes against effective management practices. Minimizing staff training (choice D) is also not a responsibility of a healthcare manager; on the contrary, they should ensure adequate training and development opportunities for their staff to improve patient care and overall performance.
5. A client who takes metformin for diabetes mellitus type 2 is nothing by mouth (NPO) for surgery. What pre-op prescription should the practical nurse (PN) anticipate for this client's glucose management?
- A. NPO except for metformin and regular snacks
- B. NPO except for oral antidiabetic agent
- C. Novolin-N insulin subcutaneously twice daily
- D. Regular insulin subcutaneously per sliding scale
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When a client taking metformin for diabetes mellitus type 2 is NPO for surgery, it is crucial to manage their glucose levels effectively. The best approach in this situation is to prescribe regular insulin subcutaneously according to a sliding scale based on the client's blood glucose levels. This method allows for precise adjustment of insulin doses to maintain blood glucose within the target range while the client is unable to take oral medications. Choices A and B are incorrect because metformin is typically held when a client is NPO, and oral antidiabetic agents may not provide sufficient glucose control. Choice C is incorrect as Novolin-N insulin given twice daily may not offer the flexibility needed for glucose management in a surgical setting where the client's intake is restricted.