HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam 2022
1. The nurse is caring for a comatose client. Which assessment finding provides the greatest indication that the client has an open airway?
- A. The client has asymmetrical chest expansion
- B. Percussion reveals dullness over the lung area
- C. Bilateral breath sounds can be auscultated
- D. The client has been turned q2h
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Bilateral breath sounds can be auscultated." This finding indicates that air is moving adequately in and out of both lungs, confirming an open airway. Options A, B, and D are incorrect. Asymmetrical chest expansion may indicate lung or chest wall abnormalities, percussion revealing dullness over the lung area may suggest consolidation or fluid, and turning the client q2h is a position change intervention to prevent complications, not a direct assessment of airway patency.
2. A client has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent infection?
- A. Ensure the catheter tubing is free of kinks.
- B. Clean the perineal area with antiseptic solution daily.
- C. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline every shift.
- D. Secure the catheter to the client's leg.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cleaning the perineal area with antiseptic solution daily is essential to prevent infection when caring for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter. This practice helps reduce the risk of introducing pathogens into the urinary tract. Ensuring the catheter tubing is free of kinks (Choice A) is important for maintaining proper urine flow but is not directly related to preventing infection. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline every shift (Choice C) is not a routine practice and can increase the risk of introducing pathogens. Securing the catheter to the client's leg (Choice D) is important for stability but does not directly prevent infection.
3. During assessment, what is an indication of thrombophlebitis in a client who has been on bed rest for the past month?
- A. Calf swelling
- B. Elevated blood pressure
- C. Decreased urine output
- D. Generalized rash
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Calf swelling is a common sign of thrombophlebitis, which is inflammation of a vein due to a blood clot. Prolonged immobility can predispose individuals to thrombophlebitis. Calf swelling occurs due to the obstruction of blood flow, causing localized edema. This condition can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism if not promptly addressed. Elevated blood pressure, decreased urine output, and a generalized rash are not typically associated with thrombophlebitis. Elevated blood pressure may be linked to other conditions like hypertension, decreased urine output to kidney dysfunction, and a generalized rash to allergic reactions or skin conditions. Therefore, in a client on bed rest, calf swelling should raise suspicion of thrombophlebitis and prompt further evaluation and intervention.
4. A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone (Risperdal). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I can stop taking this medication once I feel better.
- B. I need to avoid foods that are high in tyramine.
- C. I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
- D. This medication may cause drowsiness, so avoid driving.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The statement 'I can stop taking this medication once I feel better' indicates a need for further teaching. Antipsychotic medications, like risperidone, should be taken consistently even when symptoms improve to prevent relapse. Choice B is incorrect because avoiding foods high in tyramine is unrelated to risperidone. Choice C is incorrect as avoiding alcohol is a standard precaution with many medications. Choice D is incorrect because being cautious about drowsiness and avoiding driving is a common safety measure associated with risperidone.
5. A client is admitted for COPD. Which finding would require the nurse's immediate attention?
- A. Nausea and vomiting
- B. Restlessness and confusion
- C. Low-grade fever and cough
- D. Irritating cough and liquefied sputum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Restlessness and confusion are signs of hypoxia and hypercapnia in a client with COPD, indicating that the client's condition may be deteriorating rapidly. Immediate attention is necessary to prevent further complications. Nausea and vomiting (Choice A) may be related to various factors but do not directly indicate respiratory distress. Low-grade fever and cough (Choice C) are common in COPD and may not require immediate intervention. Irritating cough and liquefied sputum (Choice D) are typical symptoms of COPD exacerbation but do not signal an immediate need for attention as restlessness and confusion.