HESI RN
Community Health HESI
1. A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is admitted with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?
- A. Serum osmolality of 320 mOsm/kg.
- B. Serum glucose of 600 mg/dL.
- C. Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L.
- D. Serum sodium of 140 mEq/L.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A serum glucose level of 600 mg/dL is extremely high in a client with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) and poses a significant risk of serious complications such as dehydration, coma, and electrolyte imbalances. Rapid intervention is crucial to normalize the glucose level and prevent further deterioration. Serum osmolality of 320 mOsm/kg, serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L, and serum sodium of 140 mEq/L, while important to monitor in HHS, do not represent an immediate life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention compared to the critically high glucose level.
2. The heart rate for a 3-year-old with a congenital heart defect has steadily decreased over the last few hours; it is now 76 bpm, whereas the previous reading 4 hours ago was 110 bpm. Which additional finding should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider?
- A. Oxygen saturation of 94%.
- B. Respiratory rate of 25 breaths/minute.
- C. Urine output of 20 mL/hr.
- D. Blood pressure of 70/40.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A significant drop in heart rate and blood pressure should be reported immediately as it may indicate worsening of the congenital heart defect. A decrease in blood pressure to 70/40 is a critical finding that suggests potential cardiovascular compromise and requires urgent attention to prevent further deterioration. Oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and urine output are important parameters, but in this scenario, the alarming decrease in blood pressure is a more critical finding that necessitates immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.
3. A client at 28 weeks gestation calls the antepartum clinic and reports experiencing a small amount of bright red vaginal bleeding without uterine contractions or abdominal pain. What instruction should the LPN/LVN provide?
- A. Come to the clinic today for an ultrasound.
- B. Go immediately to the emergency room.
- C. Lie on your left side for about one hour and see if the bleeding stops.
- D. Bring a urine specimen to the lab tomorrow to determine if you have a urinary tract infection.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bright red vaginal bleeding without pain could indicate placental issues such as previa. An ultrasound is necessary to evaluate the cause. It is important to rule out potential serious conditions like placental previa, which can lead to further complications for both the mother and the fetus. Therefore, prompt evaluation through an ultrasound at the clinic is essential for appropriate management and ensuring the well-being of the client and her baby.
4. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about food choice with the mother of an 8-month-old infant. Which of the following statements by the mother indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will give my child peanut butter and mashed egg whites.
- B. I will give my child rice cereal and crackers.
- C. I will give my child pureed liver and strained pears.
- D. I will give my child applesauce and green peas.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because peanut butter and egg whites are not recommended for infants under 12 months due to the risk of choking and allergies. Choices B, C, and D are appropriate food choices for an 8-month-old infant. Rice cereal, crackers, pureed liver, strained pears, applesauce, and green peas are all suitable options for introducing solid foods to infants.
5. During a prenatal class for expectant mothers, what topic should be included to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby?
- A. importance of taking prenatal vitamins
- B. how to handle common discomforts of pregnancy
- C. preparing for labor and delivery
- D. breastfeeding techniques
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the importance of taking prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are crucial for the health of both the mother and the baby as they provide essential nutrients required for fetal development. While handling common discomforts of pregnancy (choice B) is important for maternal well-being, it does not directly impact the health of the baby. Preparing for labor and delivery (choice C) focuses more on the delivery process rather than the overall health of the mother and baby during pregnancy. Breastfeeding techniques (choice D) are relevant postpartum, not during the prenatal period, and do not directly impact the health of the baby during pregnancy.