HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Practice Exam
1. A 4-month-old child taking digoxin (Lanoxin) has a blood pressure of 92/78; resting pulse of 78; respirations 28, and a potassium level of 4.8 mEq/L. The client is irritable and has vomited twice since the morning dose of digoxin. Which finding is most indicative of digoxin toxicity?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Lethargy
- C. Irritability
- D. Vomiting
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) is a key sign of digoxin toxicity. In this scenario, the child's symptoms of irritability, vomiting, along with the resting pulse of 78 despite being on digoxin, suggest an impending bradycardia due to digoxin toxicity. Lethargy can also be a sign, but in this case, the child is irritable rather than lethargic. Vomiting, though a symptom, is not as specific to digoxin toxicity as bradycardia. Irritability, while present, is not the most indicative finding of digoxin toxicity compared to bradycardia.
2. The nurse enters the room of a client who is awaiting surgery for appendicitis. The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) has helped the client to a position of comfort with the right leg flexed and has applied a heating pad to the client’s abdomen to relieve the client’s pain. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Remove the heating pad.
- B. Reposition the client’s right leg.
- C. Monitor for signs of inflammation.
- D. Assess the client’s pain level.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement first is to remove the heating pad. Heating pads should not be used for suspected appendicitis as they can mask symptoms and potentially worsen inflammation. Choice B is not the priority as the position of comfort chosen by the UAP may be appropriate. Monitoring for signs of inflammation (Choice C) is important but not the initial action to address the immediate issue of the heating pad. Assessing the client's pain level (Choice D) can be done after removing the heating pad to evaluate the effectiveness of pain relief measures.
3. Which of the following best describes cultural competence in healthcare?
- A. Ignoring cultural differences
- B. Understanding and respecting cultural differences
- C. Enforcing cultural norms
- D. Focusing solely on medical knowledge
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cultural competence in healthcare involves understanding and respecting cultural differences to provide effective and respectful care to patients from diverse backgrounds. Choice A is incorrect as ignoring cultural differences goes against the principles of cultural competence. Choice C is wrong because enforcing cultural norms can be culturally insensitive and may not align with the patient's beliefs. Choice D is also incorrect as cultural competence encompasses more than just medical knowledge, including communication, empathy, and awareness of cultural factors.
4. A young adult client is receiving instruction from a healthcare provider about health promotion and illness prevention. Which of the following statements indicates understanding?
- A. “I had my immunizations as a child, so I’m protected in that area.”
- B. “It is important to schedule routine health care visits even if I am feeling well.”
- C. “I will go to an urgent care center for my routine medical care.”
- D. “There’s no reason to seek help if I am feeling stressed as it’s just part of life.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Scheduling routine health care visits, even when feeling well, is crucial for early detection and prevention of health issues. This proactive approach allows healthcare providers to monitor overall health, provide preventive care, and address any emerging health concerns promptly. Choice A is incorrect because past immunizations do not cover all potential diseases; regular check-ups are still necessary. Choice C is incorrect as urgent care centers are not designed for routine medical care. Choice D is incorrect as seeking help for stress is important for mental well-being and should not be dismissed as a normal part of life.
5. For whom is the community health nurse primarily responsible?
- A. individuals
- B. populations
- C. families
- D. class E citizens
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Community health nurses are primarily responsible for populations. While they do provide care and support to individuals and families within the community, their focus is on the health and well-being of entire populations. Choice A is incorrect as the primary responsibility is broader than just individuals. Choice C is incorrect as families are part of the population but not the sole focus. Choice D, 'class E citizens', is too specific and not a standard term in public health, making it an incorrect choice.