HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Practice Exam
1. A client is scheduled to have a blood test for cholesterol and triglycerides the next day. The nurse would tell the client
- A. ''Be sure to eat a fat-free diet until the test.''
- B. ''Do not eat or drink anything but water for 12 hours before the blood test.''
- C. ''Have the blood drawn within 2 hours of eating breakfast.''
- D. ''Stay at the laboratory so 2 blood samples can be drawn an hour apart.''
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Fasting for at least 12 hours is necessary before a cholesterol and triglyceride test to ensure accurate results by avoiding fluctuations that can occur after eating. Choice A is incorrect because a fat-free diet is not required; fasting is. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests having the test right after eating, which can affect the results. Choice D is incorrect as there is no need to stay at the laboratory for 2 blood samples unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider.
2. A client who is 24 weeks gestation arrives at the clinic reporting swollen hands. On examination, the nurse notes the client has had a rapid weight gain over six weeks. Which action should the nurse implement next?
- A. Review the client's previous blood pressures in the chart.
- B. Obtain the client's blood pressure.
- C. Observe and time the client's contractions.
- D. Examine the client for pedal edema.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Swollen hands and rapid weight gain could be signs of preeclampsia, so the next step is to check the client's blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is a key indicator in assessing for preeclampsia in pregnancy. Reviewing the client's previous blood pressures may provide additional context but obtaining the current blood pressure is crucial for immediate assessment. Observing and timing contractions are not relevant in this scenario as the client is not presenting with signs of active labor. Examining for pedal edema is important in assessing for fluid retention, but obtaining the blood pressure takes precedence in this case due to the potential seriousness of preeclampsia.
3. A nurse is caring for a 7-year-old child with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering insulin as prescribed
- B. Monitoring blood glucose levels
- C. Teaching the child how to self-administer insulin
- D. Encouraging regular exercise
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 7-year-old child with type 1 diabetes mellitus is to monitor blood glucose levels. This is crucial for managing and adjusting insulin therapy effectively. Administering insulin as prescribed is important, but monitoring blood glucose levels takes precedence as it guides insulin administration. Teaching the child how to self-administer insulin and encouraging regular exercise are also important aspects of diabetes management, but they are not the priority in this situation.
4. The hospital is planning to downsize and eliminate a number of staff positions as a cost-saving measure. To assist staff in this change process, the nurse manager is preparing for the "unfreezing" phase of change. With this approach and phase the nurse manager should
- A. Discuss with the staff how to deal with any defensive behavior
- B. Explain to the unit staff why change is necessary
- C. Assist the staff during the acceptance of the new changes
- D. Clarify what the changes mean to the community and hospital
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The "unfreezing" phase involves preparing staff for change by explaining the necessity and benefits of the change, helping them to understand and accept it.
5. A client with hypertension is prescribed a low-sodium diet. Which food should the client avoid?
- A. Fresh fruits
- B. Processed cheese
- C. Whole grain bread
- D. Fresh vegetables
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Processed cheese. Processed cheese is high in sodium and should be avoided in a low-sodium diet for clients with hypertension. Fresh fruits, whole grain bread, and fresh vegetables are generally low in sodium and can be part of a healthy diet for clients with hypertension.