CAT 2024

Question 1

At a routine prenatal visit, a client at 24 weeks’ gestation complains of nasal stuffiness and occasional nosebleeds. Which hormone is responsible for these changes?

A. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HcG)
B. Progesterone
C. Relaxin
D. Estrogen

Answer 1

D. Estrogen

Rationale:

Question 2

A client who has localized eczematous eruptions on both hands is diagnosed as having contact dermatitis. What instruction should the nurse include in this client’s discharge teaching plan?

A. Wear latex gloves whenever outdoors
B. Apply an oil-based ointment to the affected area
C. Take prescribed antihistamine near bedtime
D. Soak hands in warm soapy water three times a day

Answer 2

B. Apply an oil-based ointment to the affected area

Question 3

While transcribing a new prescription, the nurse notes that the prescribed dosage is much lower than the recommended dosage listed in the drug reference guide. Which client data supports the dosage reduction?

A. Decreased serum creatinine
B. Increased serum protein
C. Increased liver enzyme
D. Prolong prothrombin time (PTT)

Answer 3

C. Increased liver enzyme

Question 4

The nurse assigns an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to take the vital signs of a client who is positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). What protective apparel should the nurse counsel the UAP to wear when carrying out this assignment?
A. None.
B. Gown, gloves, mask.
C. Gloves and mask.
D. Gloves only.

Answer 4

Ans: A. None

Question 5

A client with Guillain-Barre syndrome requires a tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation due to the progression of the disease. What nursing intervention is most helpful in aiding this client to communicate with the staff and family?
A. Speak slowly and distinctly while in direct view of the client.
B. Teach the client to point to a letter board word chart to communicate needs.
C. Provide the client with a pencil and tablet of paper.
D. With the client, develop a system of eye blinks to communicate “yes” or “no.”

Answer 5

D. With the client, develop a system of eye blinks to communicate “yes” or “no.”

Question 6

A client with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is admitted to the emergency room complaining of sudden severe upper abdominal pain. Assessment indicates an extremely tender and rigid abdomen, BP of 90/60 mmHg, and pulse of 110 beat/minute. The emergency department nurse should anticipate implementation of which intervention?
A. Preparing the client for emergency abdominal surgery.
B. Infusing the proton pump inhibitor Protonix intravenously.
C. Administering an iced saline lavage.
D. Inserting a nasogastric tube to decompress the bowel.

Answer 6

A. Preparing the client for emergency abdominal surgery

Question 7

Which finding should the nurse expect a client to exhibit who is newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia?

A. Recent joint trauma
B. Disruption in sleep patterns
C. Unexplained weight gain
D. Itching and rash

Answer 7

B. Disruption in sleep pattern

Question 8

A male client with diabetes mellitus reports that he has had trouble following his diet, and the result of his fasting blood glucose test is 90 mg/dl. What action should the nurse implement first?

A. Obtain a urine specimen from the client to test for ketonuria
B. Assure the client that his diabetes control is within normal limits
C. Schedule the client to attend classes about diet management
D. “ The purpose of the dressing is to protect the incision from fecal contamination.”

Answer 8

D. Review the findings of his glycosylated hemoglobin test

Question 9

A multipara postpartum client complain intense cramping while breastfeeding. What instruction should the nurse provide to the client?
A. Change the infant’s position during the next feeding.
B. Void and completely empty bladder before each feeding.
C. Take a prescribed analgesic an hour prior to breastfeeding.
D. Drink two glasses of water 30 minutes prior to breastfeeding

Answer 9

C. Take a prescribed analgesic an hour prior to breastfeeding

Question 10

A nurse is preparing to teach the parents of a child who had a surgical repair of myelomeningocele how to change an occlusive dressing on the child’s back. Which statement by the parents indicates that they understand this procedure?
A. “We should rapidly remove the tape from the edges of the dressing when changing it.”
B. “The dressing should be wetted periodically to keep the skin incision moist.”
C. “The dressing will help dry the sutures for ease of removal.”

Answer 10

D. “ The purpose of the dressing is to protect the incision from fecal contamination.”

Question 11

While the nurse is preparing to administer a high volume saline enema to a male client, the client appears anxious and states that he is not able to turn on his right side without help because of a recent stroke. What action should the nurse take first?
A. Reassure the client that he can remain in any position of comfort during the enema.
B. Assess the client’s ability to independently turn to his left side.
C. Instruct the client that the procedure will only last about ten minutes.
D. Ask a UAP to assist the client to maintain a right lateral position.

Answer 11

B. Assess the client’s ability to independently turn to his left side.

Question 12

The nurse notes that a client is experiencing supraventricular tachyacardia (SVT). Which action should the nurse implement?
A. Assess the client’s heart sounds and vital signs.
B. Call a code and start CPR immediately.
C. Prepare to administer adenosine, an antidysrhythmic.
D. Place a crash cart at the client’s bedside.

Answer 12

C. Prepare to administer adenosine, an antidysrhythmic.

Question 13

A client takes dronedarone (Multaq) 400 mg PO twice daily is admitted with chest pain and shortness of breath. The nurse should withhold the Multaq if the client manifests which finding?
A. Three premature ventricular beats/minute.
B. QTc interval less than 500 milliseconds.
C. Respiratory rate greater than 30 beats/minute.
D. Palpable radial pulse less than 50 beats/minute.

Answer 13

D. Palpable radial pulse less than 50 beats/minute.

Question 14

A client takes dronedarone (Multaq) 400 mg PO twice daily is admitted with chest pain and shortness of breath. The nurse should withhold the Multaq if the client manifests which finding?
A. Three premature ventricular beats/minute.
B. QTc interval less than 500 milliseconds.
C. Respiratory rate greater than 30 beats/minute.
D. Palpable radial pulse less than 50 beats/minute.

Answer 14

D. Palpable radial pulse less than 50 beats/minute.

Question 15

A middle-aged client with complaints of chest pain radiating into his jaw is en route to the hospital via ambulance. Oxygen was started, three nitroglycerin sprays of 5 minute intervals were administered, with no pain relief, and an IV was initiated. The cardiac monitor indicates normal sinus rhythm. On arrival at the Emergency Department, which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Prepare for defibrillation or cardioversion.
B. Inject 5,000 units heparin subcutaneously
C. Obtain a 12 lead EKG.
D. Administer a chewable aspirin 325 mg.

Answer 15

D. Administer a chewable aspirin 325 mg

Question 16

The nurse is planning a fall prevention program for the residents at a long-term care facility. Which intervention is most important in providing a safe environment?
A. Encourage clients to wear rubber-soled shoes.
B. Accompany residents older than 80 years during ambulation.
C. Apply a vest restraint prophylactically to confused residents.
D. Leave the hall lights on during the night.

Answer 16

A. Encourage clients to wear rubber-soled shoes

Question 17

For a client who has been receiving linezolid (Zyvox) for two weeks to treat an MRSA-infect wounds, what finding requires the most immediate action by the nurse?

A. Ecchymosis
B. Insomnia
C. Tongue discolouration
D. Vaginal discharge

Answer 17

A. Ecchymosis

Question 18

The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) caring for a postoperative client reports to the charge nurse that the client is not using the incentive spirometer effectively. What action should the charge nurse implement?
A.Schedule time later in the morning to review the use of incentive spirometer with the client.
B. Ask the practical nurse assigned to care for the client to review the use of spirometer with the client.
C. Encourage the UAP to demonstrate the effective use of the incentive spirometer to the client.
D. Advise the UAP that the respiratory therapist is responsible to supervise the client’s use of the spirometer.

Answer 18

A. Schedule time later in the morning to review the use of incentive spirometer with the client

Question 19

During discharge teaching the mother asks why her premature infant should get monthly Synagis (Palivizumab) injections. The nurse’s response should be based on what information?
A. Monthly injections promote normal neurological and physical development.
B. This drug protects the premature infant from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
C. These injections prevent retinopathy of prematurity caused by high levels of oxygen.
D. This medication provides surfactant, which helps the lungs mature more quickly,

Answer 19

B. This drug protects the premature infant from RSV

Question 20

In preparing assignments for the shift, which client is best for the charge nurse to assign to a practical nurse?
A. A client with panreatic cancer who is experiencing intractable pain.
B. An older client who fell yesterday and is now complaining of diplopia.
C. An adult newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and high cholesterol.
D. An elderly client with Alzeimer’s disease complicated by dysphagia.

Answer 20

D. An elderly client with Alzheimer’s disease complicated by dysphagia

Question 21

The RN is in charge of a 20-bed surgical unit and is preparing assignments for the shift. Which nursing task should be assigned to the LPN?
A. Administer a unit of blood to a client who has decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit.
B. Take the routine vital signs on a client who just returned from surgery.
C. Teach a client who has a new sigmoid colostomy how to irrigate the colostomy.
D. Administer a pain medication to a client who had a bowel resection yesterday.

Answer 21

D. Administer a pain medication to a client who had a bowel resection yesterday