HESI LPN
CAT Exam Practice Test
1. While changing a client’s chest tube dressing, the nurse notes a crackling sensation when gentle pressure is applied to the skin at the insertion site. What is the best action for the nurse to take?
- A. Apply a pressure dressing around the chest tube insertion site
- B. Assess the client for allergies to topical cleaning agents
- C. Measure the area of swelling and crackling
- D. Administer an oral antihistamine per PRN protocol
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A crackling sensation indicates subcutaneous emphysema, caused by air trapped under the skin. Applying a pressure dressing around the chest tube insertion site can help manage the issue by preventing further air leakage into the tissues. Choice B is incorrect because the crackling sensation is not related to allergies. Choice C is incorrect as measuring the area does not address the underlying cause. Choice D is incorrect as administering an oral antihistamine is not indicated for subcutaneous emphysema.
2. An older client is having photocoagulation for macular degeneration. What intervention should the nurse implement during post-procedure care in the outpatient surgical unit?
- A. Apply bilateral eye patches while sleeping
- B. Use a whiteboard to communicate with the client
- C. Arrange food on the plate in a clockwise order
- D. Verbally identify oneself when entering the room
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct intervention is to apply bilateral eye patches while sleeping. This measure helps protect the eyes and support healing following photocoagulation for macular degeneration. Choice B is incorrect as using a whiteboard is not directly related to post-procedure care for this intervention. Choice C is incorrect as arranging food on the plate in a clockwise order is not relevant to the post-procedure care of photocoagulation. Choice D is incorrect as verbally identifying oneself when entering the room is important for communication but not specific to the post-procedure care in this scenario.
3. Which behavior is most likely to result in a breach of client confidentiality?
- A. Discussing a client’s condition during a teaching conference for nursing staff caring for the client
- B. Two nurses planning a client’s care while having lunch in the hospital cafeteria
- C. Nursing students on the same team discussing their assigned client’s conditions
- D. A registered nurse privately sharing personal feelings about a client with another nurse on the team
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Discussing client information in a public area, such as a cafeteria, may lead to breaches of confidentiality. Choice A involves discussing a client's condition in a professional setting, which is not likely to result in a breach as it is for educational purposes. Choice C involves nursing students discussing their assigned client's conditions, which is common in a learning environment and not necessarily a breach of confidentiality. Choice D involves a private conversation between healthcare professionals, which is less likely to result in a breach compared to discussing in a public area like a cafeteria where non-authorized individuals may overhear the conversation.
4. A male client with schizophrenia tells the nurse that the hospital has installed cameras that watch him and listening devices that record what everyone says. Which nursing problem should the nurse document for this client?
- A. Noncompliance with medication related to thought broadcasting
- B. Situational self-esteem disturbance secondary to schizophrenia
- C. Disturbed sensory perception related to auditory hallucinations
- D. Impaired environmental interpretation related to paranoid delusions
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Impaired environmental interpretation related to paranoid delusions. The client's belief about cameras watching and recording him is a manifestation of paranoid delusions, indicating a misinterpretation of the environment. Choice A is incorrect because thought broadcasting is not directly related to the client's belief about surveillance equipment. Choice B is incorrect as self-esteem disturbance is not the primary issue presented. Choice C is also incorrect as the client is not experiencing auditory hallucinations but rather paranoid delusions about surveillance.
5. The nurse is evaluating a client who has had a mastectomy and is experiencing pain and swelling in the arm on the affected side. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Assess for signs of lymphedema
- B. Encourage the client to perform arm exercises
- C. Provide pain relief through medication
- D. Recommend wearing a compression sleeve
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Assessing for signs of lymphedema is crucial in this situation as it is a common complication following mastectomy. Lymphedema presents as swelling and pain in the affected arm due to compromised lymphatic drainage. By assessing for lymphedema, the nurse can identify the condition early and implement appropriate interventions such as compression sleeves, manual lymphatic drainage, and exercises. Encouraging arm exercises (Choice B) may exacerbate the symptoms if lymphedema is present. While providing pain relief through medication (Choice C) is important, assessing for the underlying cause of pain and swelling takes precedence. Recommending a compression sleeve (Choice D) may be suitable but should come after a thorough assessment for lymphedema to ensure the most effective management plan.
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