HESI RN CAT Practice Exam Comprehensive Knowledge Assessment and Review Guide: Advanced Test Bank, Detailed Practice Questions, Final Exam Preparation, and Complete Study Companion Question

A postoperative client removes the covering from an ice pack applied to the knee. What is the nurse’s first action? A. Reapply the covering with fresh ice B. Instruct the client about proper ice pack use C. Ask how long the ice has been applied D. Observe the skin under the ice pack Correct Answer: D. Observe the skin under the ice pack Rationale: The priority is to assess for cold injury or skin damage first. Once skin integrity is checked, the nurse can reapply the pack and provide teaching if needed. Question 2 A client weighing 182 lb is receiving Nipride infusion 5 mcg/kg/min. The solution is 50 mg in 250 mL D5W with a drip factor of 60 gtt/mL. What is the flow rate? A. 118 gtt/min B. 124 gtt/min C. 130 gtt/min D. 140 gtt/min Correct Answer: B. 124 gtt/min Rationale: First convert pounds to kilograms, then calculate mcg/min, convert to mL/min, and then to gtt/min using the drop factor. Question 3 A postpartum client is prescribed 30 units Pitocin in 1000 mL Ringer’s Lactate over 4 hours using 20 gtt/mL tubing. What is the flow rate? A. 75 gtt/min B. 80 gtt/min C. 83 gtt/min D. 90 gtt/min Correct Answer: C. 83 gtt/min Rationale: Use: total volume ÷ time × drop factor. Oxytocin must be infused accurately to prevent postpartum hemorrhage while avoiding excessive uterine stimulation. Question 4 What is the most accurate method to confirm nasogastric tube placement? A. Aspirating gastric contents B. Auscultating air injection C. Measuring external tube length D. Chest X-ray confirmation Correct Answer: D. Chest X-ray confirmation Rationale: Radiographic confirmation is the gold standard for NG tube placement. Question 5 A postoperative colostomy client is distressed about stoma size. What is the best nurse response? A. “You will adjust over time.” B. “The swelling will decrease, and the stoma will shrink.” C. “I’ll call an ostomy support group.” D. “Try handling the equipment yourself.” Correct Answer: B. “The swelling will decrease, and the stoma will shrink.” Rationale: This response gives accurate reassurance about the normal postoperative appearance of the stoma. Question 6 A client on NG suction reports nausea with no drainage for 2 hours. What is the first action? A. Irrigate tube B. Reposition client C. Advance tube D. Administer antiemetic Correct Answer: B. Reposition client Rationale: The least invasive first step is to reposition the client to see whether drainage resumes. Question 7 A client reports confusion about location and time. What should the nurse document? A. Memory loss B. Dysphasia C. Poor attention span D. Disoriented to place and time Correct Answer: D. Disoriented to place and time Rationale: Documentation should be objective and reflect the actual finding. Question 8 Which food is best for a CKD client? A. Orange juice B. Scrambled egg C. Bananas D. Processed meat Correct Answer: B. Scrambled egg Rationale: Eggs provide high-quality protein without the excess potassium found in many other options. Question 9 In elderly clients, the center of gravity shifts due to: A. Lower limb strength B. Upper torso posture changes C. Increased bone density D. Reduced joint flexibility only Correct Answer: B. Upper torso posture changes Rationale: Postural changes such as kyphosis alter balance and shift the center of gravity. Question 10 Confusion in elderly clients is most commonly associated with: A. Aging process B. Relocation stress C. Irreversible dementia D. Sleep deprivation prevention Correct Answer: B. Relocation stress Rationale: Environmental change can trigger acute confusion in older adults. Question 11 Best indicator of wound care readiness is when the client: A. Asks questions B. States understanding C. Demonstrates skill correctly D. Has supplies available Correct Answer: C. Demonstrates skill correctly Rationale: Return demonstration is the best evidence of actual learning and skill mastery. Question 12 Which preoperative question is most important? A. Calorie intake B. Vitamin supplements C. Weight perception D. Post-op diet preference Correct Answer: B. Vitamin supplements Rationale: Some supplements can affect bleeding risk or anesthesia, so they must be identified before surgery.