HESI LPN
HESI CAT Exam
1. What nursing intervention is particularly indicated for the second stage of labor?
- A. Providing pain medication to increase the client’s tolerance of labor
- B. Assessing the fetal heart rate and pattern for signs of fetal distress
- C. Monitoring effects of oxytocin administration to help achieve cervical dilation
- D. Assisting the client to push effectively so that the expulsion of the fetus can be achieved
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During the second stage of labor, assisting the client to push effectively is crucial for the delivery of the fetus. This action helps to facilitate the expulsion of the fetus from the uterus. Providing pain medication (Choice A) is not typically done during the second stage of labor as the focus shifts to pushing and delivery. Assessing the fetal heart rate (Choice B) is important but is more relevant throughout labor, not specifically for the second stage. Monitoring the effects of oxytocin administration (Choice C) is more associated with the first stage of labor to help with uterine contractions and cervical dilation.
2. A male client with cirrhosis has jaundice and pruritus. He tells the nurse that he has been soaking in hot baths at night with no relief of his discomfort. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Explain that the symptoms are caused by liver damage and can be managed
- B. Obtain a PRN prescription for an analgesic that the client can use for symptom relief
- C. Encourage the client to use cooler water and apply oil-based lotion after soaking
- D. Suggest that the client take brief showers and apply oil-based lotion after showering
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Cooler water and oil-based lotion can help relieve pruritus and improve comfort in clients with cirrhosis experiencing jaundice and pruritus. Hot baths can exacerbate itching, so it is important to suggest cooler showers instead. Choice A is incorrect because symptoms like pruritus can be managed. Choice B is not the most appropriate initial intervention for pruritus related to liver disease. Choice C suggests the use of calamine lotion, which may not be as effective as oil-based lotion for relieving pruritus in this case.
3. A healthcare professional is planning to perform ear irrigation on an adult client with impacted cerumen. Which of the following should the professional plan to take?
- A. Wearing sterile gloves while performing irrigation
- B. Positioning the client with the affected side down following irrigation
- C. Using cool fluid to irrigate the ear canal
- D. Pulling the pinna downward during irrigation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Positioning the client with the affected side down following irrigation is crucial as it helps facilitate drainage of the dislodged cerumen and any remaining irrigation solution. This position allows gravity to assist in the removal of the loosened debris. Wearing sterile gloves is a standard precaution in healthcare procedures to prevent infection but is not specific to ear irrigation. Using body-temperature water or a solution at a slightly warmer temperature is recommended to prevent vertigo and discomfort, so using cool fluid is incorrect. Pulling the pinna upward and backward, not downward, straightens the ear canal for adults to facilitate the irrigation process, making choice D incorrect.
4. The nurse observes that a post-operative client's surgical wound has reddened edges and is oozing. What is the appropriate nursing action?
- A. Apply an antibiotic ointment
- B. Clean the wound with sterile saline
- C. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing
- D. Notify the surgeon immediately
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct action when a post-operative client's surgical wound has reddened edges and is oozing is to notify the surgeon immediately. Reddened, oozing wound edges can indicate an infection that requires prompt evaluation and intervention by the surgical team. Applying an antibiotic ointment (Choice A) without proper assessment and guidance can be inappropriate. Cleaning the wound with sterile saline (Choice B) and covering it with a sterile dressing (Choice C) may not address the potential infection adequately, and the client may require more specialized care that the surgeon can provide.
5. How should the healthcare provider respond to a parent concerned about a child's short stature?
- A. Suggest the parent consult a nutritionist
- B. Recommend frequent growth hormone injections
- C. Advise monitoring for a few years before intervention
- D. Refer for a genetic evaluation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a parent expresses concern about a child's short stature, the initial approach should involve advising monitoring for a few years before considering any interventions. This allows for observation of the child's growth pattern and any potential underlying issues. Suggesting a nutritionist (Choice A) may not be necessary if there are no signs of nutritional deficiencies. Recommending growth hormone injections (Choice B) is premature without proper evaluation and diagnosis. Referring for a genetic evaluation (Choice D) can be considered later if monitoring shows atypical growth patterns or other concerning factors.