HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Test Bank 2023
1. A nurse working in a community health setting is performing primary health screenings. Which individual is at highest risk for contracting an HIV infection?
- A. A 17-year-old who is sexually active with numerous partners.
- B. A 45-year-old lesbian who has been sexually active with two partners in the past year.
- C. A 30-year-old cocaine user who inhales the drug and works in a topless bar.
- D. A 34-year-old male homosexual who is in a monogamous relationship.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A 17-year-old who is sexually active with numerous partners is at the highest risk for contracting an HIV infection due to engaging in risky sexual behavior with multiple partners, increasing the likelihood of exposure to the virus. Choice B is less risky as the individual has had a relatively lower number of sexual partners in the past year. Choice C, although involving drug use, does not directly correlate with a higher risk of contracting HIV unless needles are shared. Choice D, a 34-year-old male homosexual in a monogamous relationship, has a lower risk compared to choice A as long as the relationship remains monogamous.
2. When taking blood pressure at the brachial artery, the nurse should place the client's arm in which position?
- A. Slightly above the level of the heart
- B. At the level of the heart
- C. At a level of comfort for the client
- D. Below the level of the heart
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When taking blood pressure at the brachial artery, it is crucial to place the client's arm at the level of the heart to ensure accurate measurement. Placing the arm above or below the heart level can lead to incorrect readings. Option A, placing the arm slightly above the heart level, would result in falsely lower blood pressure readings as gravity would assist in a lower value. Option C, placing the arm at a level of comfort for the client, may not align with the standardized technique required for accurate blood pressure assessment. Option D, placing the arm below the level of the heart, would likely yield falsely higher blood pressure readings due to increased hydrostatic pressure pushing the blood against gravity.
3. The nurse is teaching a client about the administration of a subcutaneous injection. Which site is most appropriate for this type of injection?
- A. Deltoid muscle
- B. Dorsogluteal muscle
- C. Ventrogluteal muscle
- D. Abdomen
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The abdomen is a common site for subcutaneous injections due to its accessibility and ample subcutaneous tissue. Subcutaneous injections are typically given in areas with a layer of fat between the skin and muscle, such as the abdomen, to allow for slow and consistent absorption of the medication. The deltoid muscle is more appropriate for intramuscular injections, not subcutaneous. The dorsogluteal muscle and ventrogluteal muscle are also more suited for intramuscular injections, not subcutaneous.
4. A client with cervical cancer is hospitalized for insertion of a sealed internal cervical radiation implant. While providing care, the nurse finds the radiation implant in the bed. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Call the radiology department
- B. Reinsert the implant into the vagina
- C. Apply double gloves to retrieve the implant for disposal
- D. Place the implant in a lead container using long-handled forceps
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when finding a radiation implant in the bed is to place the implant in a lead container using long-handled forceps. This action is crucial to minimize radiation exposure to both the patient and healthcare providers and ensure the safe disposal of the radioactive material. Calling the radiology department (choice A) may lead to unnecessary delays in addressing the immediate safety concern. Reinserting the implant into the vagina (choice B) is contraindicated and can cause harm. Applying double gloves to retrieve the implant for disposal (choice C) is not adequate for ensuring proper containment and handling of the radioactive implant, which requires specialized equipment like a lead container and long-handled forceps.
5. Which observation made of the exposed abdomen is most indicative of pyloric stenosis?
- A. abdominal rigidity
- B. substernal retraction
- C. palpable olive-like mass
- D. marked distention of lower abdomen
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: palpable olive-like mass. In pyloric stenosis, a palpable olive-like mass can often be felt in the abdomen due to the hypertrophied pyloric muscle. This mass is a key characteristic finding in infants with pyloric stenosis. Choice A, abdominal rigidity, is more commonly associated with conditions like peritonitis. Choice B, substernal retraction, is not typically seen in pyloric stenosis but can be a sign of respiratory distress. Choice D, marked distention of the lower abdomen, is not specific to pyloric stenosis and can be present in various abdominal conditions.