HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam
1. The client demonstrates an understanding of sliding scale insulin administration instructions by performing the procedure in which order?
- A. Obtain blood glucose level
- B. Verify the insulin prescription
- C. Draw insulin into insulin syringe
- D. Cleanse the selected site
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct order for the client to perform the procedure is to first obtain the blood glucose level. This step is crucial as it helps determine the appropriate dose of insulin based on the sliding scale. Verifying the insulin prescription, drawing insulin into the syringe, and cleansing the selected site are important steps in the process but should follow after obtaining the blood glucose level. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect in terms of the initial steps required for sliding scale insulin administration.
2. A client with hypothyroidism is receiving levothyroxine (Synthroid). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Hypotension
- C. Weight gain
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tachycardia. Levothyroxine, used to treat hypothyroidism, can lead to increased metabolism, causing tachycardia as a side effect. Monitoring for tachycardia is essential to ensure the client's safety. Choices B, Hypotension, and C, Weight gain, are incorrect as levothyroxine is not typically associated with causing hypotension or weight gain. Choice D, Bradycardia, is also incorrect as levothyroxine-induced bradycardia is not a common side effect.
3. A nurse is discussing the care of a group of clients with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following clients should the newly licensed nurse identify as experiencing chronic pain?
- A. A client who has a broken femur and reports hip pain.
- B. A client who has incisional pain 72 hours following pacemaker insertion.
- C. A client who has food poisoning and reports abdominal cramping.
- D. A client who has episodic back pain following a fall 2 years ago.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Chronic pain is typically defined as pain lasting longer than 3-6 months or persisting after the expected time for tissue healing. Episodic back pain following a fall 2 years ago fits the criteria for chronic pain. Option A describes acute pain related to a recent fracture. Option B describes acute postoperative pain. Option C describes acute pain associated with an acute condition (food poisoning). Therefore, the correct identification of a client experiencing chronic pain is the one with episodic back pain from a past injury, as it has lasted beyond the normal healing time.
4. A hospitalized child suddenly has a seizure while his family is visiting. The nurse notes whole body rigidity followed by general jerking movements. The child vomits immediately after the seizure. A priority nursing diagnosis for the child is
- A. High risk for infection related to vomiting
- B. Altered family processes related to chronic illness
- C. Fluid volume deficit related to vomiting
- D. Risk for aspiration related to loss of consciousness
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Risk for aspiration is a priority concern following a seizure, especially when the child vomits, as there is a danger of aspirating the vomit into the lungs, leading to respiratory complications. The other options are not the priority in this situation. While infection risk and fluid volume deficit are important, ensuring the child's airway is clear and there is no risk of aspiration takes precedence. Altered family processes may be a concern but addressing the immediate physiological risk is the priority.
5. After medicating the client for pain and collecting granules and stones from strained urine, which action is most important for the nurse to implement next?
- A. Send the calculi for laboratory analysis of stone composition.
- B. Evaluate the client for persistent pain.
- C. Assess the clarity of urine.
- D. Encourage high fluid intake to produce urine output of 2L/day.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Sending the calculi for analysis is crucial in determining the type of stone present. Identifying the stone composition helps in developing an effective treatment plan and preventive measures to avoid future episodes of urolithiasis. This step is essential in providing targeted care for the client. Options B, C, and D are not the most important actions at this point. While evaluating for persistent pain is essential, determining the stone composition takes precedence to guide appropriate interventions.