HESI RN CAT Practice Exam Ultimate Certification Success Companion: In-Depth Study Guide, Updated Practice Tests, Detailed Review Questions, and Comprehensive Exam Preparation Manual

A postoperative patient returns to the unit, and the nurse notices that a previously prescribed antihypertensive medication is missing from the postoperative orders. What is the most appropriate nursing action? A. Administer the medication from the preoperative chart B. Withhold the medication until vital signs stabilize C. Consult the pharmacist for clarification D. Contact the health care provider for a new prescription Correct Answer: D. Contact the health care provider for a new prescription Rationale: Preoperative medications must be reordered postoperatively if they are to be continued. The nurse cannot give a medication without a current order. Question 2 Which IV solution is the most appropriate for administering a blood transfusion? A. 5% Dextrose in water B. Normal saline C. Lactated Ringer’s solution D. 5% Dextrose in Lactated Ringer’s Correct Answer: B. Normal saline Rationale: Normal saline is the compatible IV fluid for blood transfusion. Question 3 What is the safest technique when assisting a patient from bed to chair? A. Place chair parallel to bed and lift patient into it B. Stand with a wide base of support and pivot patient into chair C. Lift patient under the axillae into chair D. Have patient place arms around nurse’s neck during transfer Correct Answer: B. Stand with a wide base of support and pivot patient into chair Rationale: A pivot transfer with proper body mechanics is the safest technique. Question 4 A caregiver reports that a 4-month-old infant is choking. Which interventions should the nurse perform? (Select all that apply.) A. Perform chest compressions B. Assess breathing and obstruction C. Deliver five back blows D. Place infant over the forearm E. Perform blind finger sweep Correct Answer: B, C, D Rationale: A responsive choking infant should be assessed quickly, supported prone over the forearm, and given five back blows. Blind finger sweeps are contraindicated. Question 5 A nurse records intake for a patient: 1200 mL water, 8 oz juice, 1 cup soup, 4 oz gelatin, and 355 mL soda. What is the total intake? A. 1955 mL B. 2055 mL C. 2155 mL D. 2255 mL Correct Answer: C. 2155 mL Rationale: 8 oz = 240 mL, 1 cup = 240 mL, 4 oz = 120 mL. Total = 2155 mL. Question 6 When a UAP measures blood pressure in a patient’s lower extremity, which action requires intervention? A. Using a cuff that fits the thigh B. Auscultating popliteal pulse on lower leg C. Positioning patient prone D. Noting higher systolic reading than arm Correct Answer: C. Positioning patient prone Rationale: Prone positioning is not the proper position for lower-extremity blood pressure measurement. The patient should usually be supine or side-lying. Question 7 A mother reports her 7-year-old stays awake until midnight and struggles to wake for school. What should the nurse assess first? A. Sleep apnea episodes B. Vital signs C. REM sleep duration D. Home environment routines Correct Answer: D. Home environment routines Rationale: Bedtime routines and environmental factors are the most likely contributors in this scenario. Question 8 What is the most effective intervention to reduce infection risk in burn patients? A. Plasma expanders B. Hand hygiene C. Topical antibiotics D. Visitor restriction Correct Answer: B. Hand hygiene Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most effective infection-prevention measure. Question 9 A pediatric IV infusion is slowing despite a healthy site. What should the nurse do first? A. Apply warm compress B. Check tubing for kinks and raise IV pole C. Flush line with saline D. Adjust tape at insertion site Correct Answer: B. Check tubing for kinks and raise IV pole Rationale: Mechanical causes should be corrected first. Question 10 Which instruction should a nurse include when teaching UAPs about preventing immobility complications? A. Perform ROM exercises B. Reduce fluid intake C. Massage legs daily D. Turn client every shift Correct Answer: A. Perform ROM exercises Rationale: Range-of-motion exercises help prevent contractures and improve circulation. Question 11 A patient receives diazepam preoperatively. Which actions are appropriate? (Select all that apply.) A. Place near nurse station B. Restrict patient from getting out of bed C. Place call bell within reach D. Raise side rails E. Assist to bathroom independently Correct Answer: B, C, D Rationale: Diazepam causes sedation and fall risk. The client should be kept safe in bed with call bell access and side rails up.