HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice Test
1. What instruction should the nurse provide a pregnant client experiencing heartburn?
- A. Limit fluid intake between meals to prevent stomach over-distension
- B. Take an antacid at bedtime and when symptoms worsen
- C. Maintain an upright position for two hours after eating
- D. Eat small meals throughout the day to avoid a full stomach
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Eat small meals throughout the day to avoid a full stomach.' Heartburn is common in pregnancy due to increased intra-abdominal pressure and hormonal changes. Consuming small, frequent meals prevents the stomach from becoming overly full, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux and heartburn. Choice A is incorrect because limiting fluid intake between meals may not significantly impact heartburn. Choice B is not ideal as antacids should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider, not just at bedtime or when symptoms worsen. Choice C is less effective advice, as maintaining an upright position after eating may not directly address the root cause of heartburn.
2. What intervention is recommended for a child with severe dehydration?
- A. Oral rehydration therapy
- B. Intravenous fluid replacement
- C. High-protein diet
- D. Increased physical activity
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Intravenous fluid replacement is the recommended intervention for a child with severe dehydration because it allows for rapid restoration of fluid and electrolyte balance. In severe cases, oral rehydration therapy (Choice A) may not be tolerated due to the child's condition. A high-protein diet (Choice C) is not the primary intervention and does not address the immediate fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Increased physical activity (Choice D) is contraindicated in severe dehydration as it can exacerbate fluid loss, making intravenous fluid replacement the most suitable choice for prompt correction of the severe dehydration.
3. After a motor vehicle collision, a client is admitted to the medical unit with acute adrenal insufficiency (Addisonian crisis). Which prescription should the nurse implement?
- A. Determine serum glucose levels
- B. Withhold potassium additives to IV fluids
- C. Give IV corticosteroid replacement
- D. Prepare to initiate IV vasopressors
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a client with acute adrenal insufficiency (Addisonian crisis) following a motor vehicle collision, the priority intervention is to administer IV corticosteroid replacement. This is crucial to manage the crisis by replacing the deficient cortisol. Determining serum glucose levels (Choice A) may be important but is not the immediate priority in this situation. Withholding potassium additives to IV fluids (Choice B) is not indicated and may exacerbate electrolyte imbalances. Initiating IV vasopressors (Choice D) is not the primary treatment for acute adrenal insufficiency and should be reserved for managing hypotension that is unresponsive to corticosteroid therapy.
4. A client is refusing a blood transfusion for religious reasons. The client's partner wants the client to have the blood transfusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Ask the client to consider a direct donation
- B. Withhold the blood transfusion
- C. Request a consultation with the ethics committee
- D. Ask the client's family to intervene
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to withhold the blood transfusion. The principle of autonomy ensures that a competent client has the right to refuse treatment, even if their decision conflicts with the wishes of their partner or family. Asking the client to consider a direct donation (Choice A) is not appropriate as it disregards the client's autonomy and religious beliefs. Requesting a consultation with the ethics committee (Choice C) may be considered in complex ethical dilemmas, but in this case, the client's autonomy should be respected first. Asking the client's family to intervene (Choice D) is not appropriate as the client has the right to make their own healthcare decisions based on their religious beliefs.
5. Farah is viewing an exciting sports match of her favorite team and eating because of nervousness. Her food choice will most likely be based on ___.
- A. regional cuisines
- B. preferences
- C. emotional comfort
- D. positive association
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During stressful situations like watching an exciting sports match, individuals often seek emotional comfort through food. This emotional connection can lead Farah to choose foods that provide comfort or familiarity rather than being based on regional cuisines (choice A), general preferences (choice B), or positive associations (choice D). Farah's food choice is likely driven by the need for emotional comfort to alleviate her nervousness, making option C the most suitable answer.