HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice Test
1. Which client is at the greatest risk for developing delirium?
- A. An adult client who cannot sleep due to constant pain
- B. An older client who attempted suicide 1 month ago
- C. A young adult who takes antipsychotic medications twice a day
- D. A middle-aged woman who uses a tank for supplemental oxygen
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because older adults are at higher risk for delirium, especially following a recent suicide attempt, which can be a significant stressor. Choice A is less likely to develop delirium solely due to difficulty sleeping; delirium is more complex and multifactorial. Choice C, a young adult taking antipsychotic medications, may be at risk for other conditions but not necessarily delirium. Choice D, a middle-aged woman using supplemental oxygen, is not directly linked to an increased risk of delirium compared to the older client who recently attempted suicide.
2. The school RN is assessing a group of middle school students for signs of scoliosis and discovers a female student with noticeable unequal symmetry of the upper and lower back. Which intervention is most important for the RN to implement?
- A. Send the student home
- B. Make a referral to have the scoliosis further evaluated.
- C. Withdraw the student from all physical activities
- D. Tell the student not to carry her backpack on her back
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Referring the student for further evaluation of scoliosis is crucial to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate management plan. Sending the student home (choice A) without proper assessment and intervention is not the best course of action. Withdrawing the student from all physical activities (choice C) is not necessary and may cause unnecessary distress. Instructing the student not to carry her backpack on her back (choice D) does not address the underlying issue of scoliosis and is not the most important intervention at this point.
3. A client with myasthenia gravis is receiving pyridostigmine (Mestinon). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?
- A. Constipation
- B. Hypertension
- C. Muscle weakness
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bradycardia. Pyridostigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor used in myasthenia gravis, can lead to bradycardia as a side effect. Choice A, constipation, is not a common side effect of pyridostigmine. Choice B, hypertension, is unlikely as pyridostigmine is more likely to cause hypotension. Choice C, muscle weakness, is actually a symptom of myasthenia gravis itself and not a side effect of pyridostigmine.
4. The home health nursing director is conducting an educational program for registered nurses and practical nurses about Medicare reimbursement. To obtain payment for Medicare services, what must be included in the client's record?
- A. A prescription from the healthcare provider for each visit made.
- B. Documentation of a skilled care service provided during the visit.
- C. A copy of the client's health history and social security card.
- D. A record of the preventative healthcare services provided during the visit.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Documentation of skilled care services is required for Medicare reimbursement. Medicare reimbursement is based on the provision of skilled care services, not on prescriptions or preventative healthcare services. Including a copy of the client's health history and social security card is not a requirement for Medicare reimbursement.
5. A client with depression is prescribed an SSRI. The client asks, 'Why do I need to take this medication every day?' What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. This medication will help balance the chemicals in your brain.
- B. This medication needs to be taken regularly to be effective.
- C. This medication will start working immediately to improve your mood.
- D. You should take this medication only when you feel sad or depressed.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Explaining that the medication may take several weeks to take full effect helps manage the client's expectations and encourages adherence to the prescribed treatment.