HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice Test
1. Which client should the nurse assess frequently because of the risk for overflow incontinence?
- A. A client who is bedfast, with increased serum BUN and creatinine levels
- B. A client with hematuria and decreasing hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
- C. A client who has a history of frequent urinary tract infections
- D. A client who is confused and frequently forgets to go to the bathroom
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Bedfast clients with increased serum BUN and creatinine levels are at high risk for overflow incontinence. This occurs due to decreased bladder function and reduced ability to sense bladder fullness, leading to the bladder overfilling and leaking urine. Choice B describes symptoms related to possible urinary tract infections or renal issues, but these do not directly indicate overflow incontinence. Choice C, a history of frequent urinary tract infections, may suggest other urinary issues but not specifically overflow incontinence. Choice D, a confused client who forgets to go to the bathroom, is more indicative of functional incontinence rather than overflow incontinence.
2. The nurse is assessing a client with an IV infusion of normal saline. The client reports pain and swelling at the IV site. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Slow the rate of infusion
- B. Apply a warm compress to the site
- C. Elevate the affected arm
- D. Discontinue the IV infusion
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV infusion. Pain and swelling at the IV site may indicate infiltration or phlebitis, which requires immediate discontinuation of the infusion to prevent further complications. Continuing the infusion can lead to tissue damage or infection. Slowing the rate of infusion, applying a warm compress, or elevating the affected arm would not address the underlying issue of infiltration or phlebitis and could potentially worsen the condition by allowing more fluid to infiltrate the tissues.
3. How should a healthcare professional manage a child with a newly inserted gastrostomy tube?
- A. Monitor for signs of infection
- B. Increase the child's fluid intake
- C. Restrict all oral intake
- D. Use only sterile equipment for feedings
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring for signs of infection at the gastrostomy site is crucial for ensuring proper care and preventing complications. This involves observing for redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage around the insertion site. Increasing the child's fluid intake (Choice B) may be beneficial for hydration but is not specifically related to managing a newly inserted gastrostomy tube. Restricting all oral intake (Choice C) is not necessary as long as the healthcare professional follows the recommended guidelines for feeding. While using sterile equipment for feedings (Choice D) is important, monitoring for signs of infection takes precedence in the immediate post-insertion period.
4. When administering IV fluids to a dehydrated infant, what intervention is most important at this time?
- A. Continuing the prescribed flow rate
- B. Monitoring the intravenous drop rate
- C. Calculating the total necessary intake
- D. Maintaining the fluid at body temperature
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Monitoring the intravenous drop rate is crucial when administering IV fluids to ensure that the correct amount of fluids is delivered to the dehydrated infant. Choice A assumes the initial rate is correct without ongoing assessment. Choice C, while important, does not address the immediate need for monitoring the infusion rate. Choice D, maintaining the fluid at body temperature, is essential for comfort but is not as critical as ensuring the correct fluid delivery rate. By monitoring the intravenous drop rate, healthcare providers can adjust the flow as needed to prevent overhydration or underhydration, helping to manage the infant's fluid balance effectively.
5. The healthcare provider prescribes 1,000 ml of Ringer's Lactate with 30 Units of Pitocin to run over 4 hours for a client who has just delivered a 10-pound infant by cesarean section. The tubing has been changed to a 20 gtt/ml administration set. The LPN/LVN plans to set the flow rate at how many gtt/min?
- A. 42 gtt/min
- B. 83 gtt/min
- C. 125 gtt/min
- D. 250 gtt/min
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To calculate the flow rate in drops per minute (gtt/min), the formula is Total volume (mL) ÷ Time (min) ÷ Drop factor (gtt/mL). In this case, 1000 mL ÷ 240 min ÷ 20 gtt/mL = 83 gtt/min. Therefore, setting the flow rate to 83 gtt/min ensures the correct administration of the IV fluids and medication. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the correct calculation based on the provided information.