HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Exam
1. A hospitalized child suddenly has a seizure while his family is visiting. The nurse notes whole body rigidity followed by general jerking movements. The child vomits immediately after the seizure. A priority nursing diagnosis for the child is
- A. High risk for infection related to vomiting
- B. Altered family processes related to chronic illness
- C. Fluid volume deficit related to vomiting
- D. Risk for aspiration related to loss of consciousness
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Risk for aspiration is a priority concern following a seizure, especially when the child vomits, as there is a danger of aspirating the vomit into the lungs, leading to respiratory complications. The other options are not the priority in this situation. While infection risk and fluid volume deficit are important, ensuring the child's airway is clear and there is no risk of aspiration takes precedence. Altered family processes may be a concern but addressing the immediate physiological risk is the priority.
2. When preparing a teaching plan for a client who is to be discharged with a prescription for lithium carbonate (Lithonate), which instruction is most important for the nurse to include?
- A. It may take 3 to 4 weeks to achieve therapeutic effects.
- B. Keep your dietary salt intake consistent.
- C. Avoid eating aged cheese and chicken liver.
- D. Eat foods high in fiber such as whole grain breads.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Keep your dietary salt intake consistent.' Consistent salt intake is crucial when taking lithium carbonate to avoid lithium toxicity or ineffectiveness due to its renal excretion mechanism. Option A is incorrect because it focuses on the time to achieve therapeutic effects, which is important but not as critical as maintaining consistent salt intake. Option C is incorrect as it mentions avoiding aged cheese and chicken liver, which is more relevant for individuals taking MAOIs. Option D is incorrect as it suggests eating high-fiber foods, which is not directly related to lithium carbonate therapy.
3. During a mental status exam, what factor should the nurse remember when assessing a client's intelligence?
- A. Acute psychiatric illnesses can impair intelligence
- B. Intelligence can be influenced by social and cultural beliefs
- C. Poor concentration skills suggest limited intelligence
- D. The inability to think abstractly indicates limited intelligence
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Intelligence is indeed influenced by social and cultural beliefs. It is essential to recognize that intelligence is not solely determined by innate abilities but can also be shaped by various external factors such as cultural background, education, and social environment. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because acute psychiatric illnesses do not necessarily impair intelligence, poor concentration skills do not always suggest limited intelligence, and the inability to think abstractly alone does not always indicate limited intelligence.
4. A client is recovering from abdominal surgery and has a nasogastric (NG) tube in place. The nurse notes that the client is experiencing nausea despite the NG tube being patent. What is the nurse's best action?
- A. Increase the suction on the NG tube.
- B. Administer an antiemetic as prescribed.
- C. Irrigate the NG tube with saline.
- D. Reposition the client to the left side.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering an antiemetic as prescribed is the best action for the nurse to take when a client with a patent NG tube is experiencing nausea. This intervention can help relieve nausea effectively. Increasing suction on the NG tube (Choice A) may not address the underlying cause of the nausea and could potentially lead to complications. Irrigating the NG tube with saline (Choice C) is not indicated for addressing nausea in this scenario. Repositioning the client to the left side (Choice D) is not the priority intervention for nausea in a client with a patent NG tube.
5. A key component of primary prevention strategies is:
- A. aggressive interventions
- B. detection
- C. culture
- D. education
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: education.' Education plays a vital role in primary prevention strategies by empowering individuals with knowledge and skills to prevent the onset of diseases. Through education, people can make informed decisions about their health, adopt healthy behaviors, and engage in preventive measures. Choice A, 'aggressive interventions,' is incorrect as primary prevention focuses on proactive measures to avoid the development of diseases rather than aggressive reactive interventions. Choice B, 'detection,' is more aligned with secondary prevention, which involves early identification of diseases. Choice C, 'culture,' while important in shaping health behaviors, is not a key component specifically in primary prevention strategies.