CAT Exam Practice Test

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An older male client is admitted to the mental health unit with a sudden onset of global disorientation and is continuously conversing with his mother, who died 50 years ago. The nurse reviews the multiple prescriptions the client is currently taking and assesses his urine specimen, which is cloudy, dark yellow, and has a foul odor. These findings suggest that this client is experiencing which condition?

  • A. Psychotic episode
  • B. Dementia
  • C. Delirium
  • D. Depression
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, delirium. The sudden onset of global disorientation along with cloudy, dark yellow urine with a foul odor are indicative of delirium. Delirium is an acute condition characterized by a fluctuating disturbance in awareness and cognition. In this case, the symptoms are suggestive of an underlying physiological cause, such as infection or medication side effects. Choice A, psychotic episode, is less likely as the symptoms are more in line with delirium than a primary psychotic disorder. Choice B, dementia, is a chronic and progressive condition, not typically presenting with sudden onset disorientation. Choice D, depression, does not align with the acute cognitive changes and urine abnormalities described in the scenario.

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A client with cervical cancer is hospitalized for insertion of a sealed internal cervical radiation implant. While providing care, the nurse finds the radiation implant in the bed. What action should the nurse take?

  • A. Call the radiology department
  • B. Reinsert the implant into the vagina
  • C. Apply double gloves to retrieve the implant for disposal
  • D. Place the implant in a lead container using long-handled forceps
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when finding a radiation implant in the bed is to place the implant in a lead container using long-handled forceps. This action is crucial to minimize radiation exposure to both the patient and healthcare providers and ensure the safe disposal of the radioactive material. Calling the radiology department (choice A) may lead to unnecessary delays in addressing the immediate safety concern. Reinserting the implant into the vagina (choice B) is contraindicated and can cause harm. Applying double gloves to retrieve the implant for disposal (choice C) is not adequate for ensuring proper containment and handling of the radioactive implant, which requires specialized equipment like a lead container and long-handled forceps.

When taking a health history of a client admitted with acute pancreatitis, which client complaint should be expected?

  • A. A low-grade fever and left lower abdominal pain
  • B. Severe headache and sweating all the time
  • C. Severe mid-epigastric pain after ingesting a heavy meal
  • D. Dull, continuous, right lower quadrant pain and nausea
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Severe mid-epigastric pain after ingesting a heavy meal.' This symptom is characteristic of acute pancreatitis due to inflammation of the pancreas, which often presents with severe pain in the mid-epigastric region that may worsen after eating. Choices A, B, and D describe symptoms that are not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. A low-grade fever and left lower abdominal pain (Choice A) may be more indicative of other conditions like diverticulitis. Severe headache and sweating (Choice B) are commonly seen in conditions like migraines or infections. Dull, continuous, right lower quadrant pain and nausea (Choice D) could be suggestive of appendicitis rather than acute pancreatitis.

A male client with hypertension, who received new antihypertensive prescriptions at his last visit returns to the clinic two weeks later to evaluate his blood pressure (BP). His BP is 158/106 mmHg and he admits that he has not been taking the prescribed medication because the drugs make him feel bad. In explaining the need for hypertension control, the nurse should stress that an elevated BP places the client at risk for which pathophysiological condition?

  • A. Stroke secondary to hemorrhage
  • B. Acute kidney injury due to glomerular damage
  • C. Heart block due to myocardial damage
  • D. Blindness secondary to cataracts
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stroke secondary to hemorrhage. Hypertension increases the risk of stroke due to the stress and damage it causes to blood vessels, which can lead to hemorrhage. Choice B is incorrect because acute kidney injury is more commonly associated with chronic uncontrolled hypertension, not acute elevations. Choice C is incorrect as heart block is not a direct consequence of hypertension. Choice D is incorrect as hypertension does not directly cause cataracts leading to blindness.

When should the nurse conduct an Allen's test?

  • A. When obtaining pulmonary artery pressures
  • B. To assess for the presence of a deep vein thrombus in the leg
  • C. Just before arterial blood gases are drawn peripherally
  • D. Prior to attempting a cardiac output calculation
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct time to conduct an Allen's test is just before arterial blood gases are drawn peripherally. This test is performed to assess the adequacy of collateral circulation in the hand before obtaining arterial blood gases. Choice A is incorrect because an Allen's test is not specifically done when obtaining pulmonary artery pressures. Choice B is incorrect because an Allen's test is not used to assess deep vein thrombosis. Choice D is incorrect because an Allen's test is not done specifically before attempting a cardiac output calculation.

When deciding whether to join a nursing strike called after collective bargaining efforts have failed, which factor is most important for the nurse to consider?

  • A. Nurse Practice Act of the State
  • B. The role of nurses as client advocates
  • C. Standards of clinical nursing practice
  • D. Personal value system
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The role of nurses as client advocates is crucial when considering the impact of a strike on patient care. Nurses have a responsibility to advocate for their patients' well-being at all times. Choices A, C, and D, although important, are not the most critical factor to consider in this situation. The Nurse Practice Act of the State is essential for guiding nursing practice, standards of clinical nursing practice ensure quality care, and personal values are important; however, the primary focus during a strike should be on the role of nurses as client advocates.

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