HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam 2022
1. The nurse is assessing a first-day postpartum client. Which finding is most indicative of a postpartum infection?
- A. Oral temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C)
- B. Blood pressure of 122/74 mmHg
- C. Moderate amount of foul-smelling lochia
- D. White blood count of 19,000/mm³ (19x10^9/L SI units)
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A foul-smelling lochia is indicative of a postpartum infection, such as endometritis. Foul-smelling lochia suggests the presence of infection due to the breakdown of tissue by bacteria, leading to the malodor. An oral temperature elevation and an elevated white blood cell count are nonspecific and can be present in various conditions other than postpartum infections, making them less indicative. A blood pressure within normal limits is not typically associated with postpartum infections.
2. What is the most important information for the nurse to provide to a client with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder who is started on a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)?
- A. Take the medication with food
- B. Avoid foods high in tyramine
- C. Report any thoughts of self-harm immediately
- D. Expect to see improvement within 24 hours
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Report any thoughts of self-harm immediately.' When starting an SSRI, clients should be informed to report any thoughts of self-harm promptly. SSRIs can initially increase suicidal ideation, especially in the early stages of treatment. This information is crucial for the client's safety and well-being. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because taking the medication with food, avoiding foods high in tyramine, and expecting immediate improvement within 24 hours are not the most critical pieces of information for a client starting on an SSRI.
3. The nurse is caring for an older adult patient with a diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI). Upon assessment, the nurse finds the patient confused and agitated. How will the nurse interpret these assessment findings?
- A. These are normal signs of aging.
- B. These are early signs of dementia.
- C. These are purely psychological in origin.
- D. These are common manifestations with UTIs.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should interpret confusion and agitation in an older adult patient with a UTI as common manifestations of the infection. In older patients, confusion is a primary symptom of a compromised state due to an acute urinary tract infection or fever. Choice A is incorrect as confusion and agitation are not normal signs of aging. Choice B is incorrect because these symptoms are more likely related to the UTI rather than early signs of dementia. Choice C is incorrect as confusion and agitation in this context are not purely psychological but are likely physiological responses to the UTI.
4. What will the treatment for a newly admitted child with cystic fibrosis center on?
- A. Chest physiotherapy
- B. Mucus-drying agents
- C. Prevention of diarrhea
- D. Insulin therapy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chest physiotherapy. Treatment for cystic fibrosis focuses on chest physiotherapy and aerosol medications to manage and clear thick pulmonary secretions. Chest physiotherapy helps loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, aiding in breathing and reducing the risk of infections. Mucus-drying agents (choice B) are not typically used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis as the goal is to help clear mucus, not dry it. Prevention of diarrhea (choice C) is not a primary focus in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Insulin therapy (choice D) is not relevant to cystic fibrosis, which primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems.
5. When caring for a patient with a chest tube, which nursing action is most important?
- A. Clamping the chest tube every 2 hours to prevent air leaks
- B. Keeping the drainage system below chest level
- C. Emptying the drainage system every hour to prevent backflow
- D. Removing the chest tube when drainage decreases significantly
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most crucial nursing action when caring for a patient with a chest tube is to keep the drainage system below chest level (choice B). This position helps ensure proper drainage and prevents backflow of fluid or air into the pleural space, promoting optimal functioning of the chest tube. Clamping the chest tube every 2 hours (choice A) is incorrect as it can obstruct the drainage system and lead to complications. Emptying the drainage system every hour (choice C) is unnecessary unless there are specific clinical indications. Removing the chest tube when drainage decreases significantly (choice D) is also incorrect as the decision should be based on overall clinical assessment rather than drainage amount alone.