HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Practice Questions
1. A client with asthma is receiving albuterol (Proventil). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?
- A. Hypoglycemia
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Hypotension
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tachycardia. Albuterol can cause tachycardia as a side effect due to its stimulant effect on the heart. It acts as a beta-2 adrenergic agonist, leading to increased heart rate. Hypoglycemia (choice A) is not a common side effect of albuterol. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is also not typically associated with albuterol use. Hypotension (choice D) is less likely to occur as albuterol usually causes tachycardia rather than hypotension.
2. Which of the following best describes the concept of 'health disparity'?
- A. Differences in health outcomes and their determinants between different segments of the population
- B. Providing equal healthcare services to all individuals
- C. Access to healthcare services regardless of income
- D. High-quality healthcare for everyone
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Differences in health outcomes and their determinants between different segments of the population.' Health disparity refers to variations in health status or health care utilization between different groups. Choice B is incorrect because providing equal healthcare services to all individuals is related to health equity, not health disparity. Choice C is also incorrect as it refers to universal access to healthcare, which is different from health disparity. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the concept of high-quality healthcare for everyone, not health disparity.
3. During the physical assessment of a client, which technique should a nurse use when performing a Romberg's test?
- A. Touch the client's face with a cotton ball
- B. Apply a vibrating tuning fork to the client's forehead
- C. Have the client stand with arms at her sides and feet together
- D. Perform direct percussion over the area of the kidneys
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During a Romberg's test, the nurse assesses the client's balance. Having the client stand with arms at her sides and feet together is the correct technique. This position helps the nurse observe for swaying or loss of balance, indicating alterations in balance. Choices A and B are incorrect as they are not part of Romberg's test and do not assess balance. Choice D is also incorrect as direct percussion over the kidneys is not associated with a Romberg's test.
4. A client with a diagnosis of depression is prescribed an SSRI. What is the most important information the nurse should provide?
- A. Take the medication as prescribed.
- B. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice.
- C. Report any thoughts of self-harm immediately.
- D. Understand that improvement may take weeks.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most important information the nurse should provide to a client prescribed an SSRI for depression is to report any thoughts of self-harm immediately. SSRIs can increase suicidal ideation, especially at the beginning of treatment, so it is crucial to monitor for this and take appropriate actions. While it is important to take the medication as prescribed (Choice A), the immediate need for reporting self-harm ideation takes precedence. Avoiding grapefruit juice (Choice B) is a general precaution with certain medications but not as critical in this scenario. Understanding that improvement may take weeks (Choice D) is important for managing treatment expectations, but ensuring the client's safety in the context of suicidal ideation is the top priority.
5. When reinforcing teaching and instructing the patient, which basic principle of teaching should you follow?
- A. Sequence the instruction from the least complex to the most complex.
- B. Assume that the patient knows little or nothing about the topic.
- C. Tell the patient to call their significant other so you can instruct them.
- D. Use medically oriented terms so the patient will be able to speak with the doctor.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct principle of teaching to follow when reinforcing teaching and instructing the patient is to sequence the instruction from the least complex to the most complex. This approach facilitates learning by building upon simpler concepts before moving to more advanced ones. Choice B is incorrect because assuming the patient knows little or nothing about the topic may not always be accurate and can be patronizing. Choice C is incorrect as it does not focus on the direct teaching approach to the patient. Choice D is incorrect as using medically oriented terms may confuse the patient rather than facilitate understanding.