HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Practice Questions
1. As community health nurses engage in the process of community empowerment, it is essential that they:
- A. gather data from the community
- B. form partnerships with people in the community
- C. make decisions for the people in the community
- D. accept responsibility for people's actions
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the process of community empowerment, community health nurses should form partnerships with the community rather than making decisions for them, gathering data alone, or accepting responsibility for their actions. Forming partnerships ensures that the community is actively involved in decision-making processes, leading to sustainable and effective outcomes. Gathering data is important but not the central aspect of empowerment, while accepting responsibility for people's actions is not a core principle of empowerment but rather promoting accountability within the community.
2. While caring for a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent wound drainage. Previously, the wound was inflamed and tender but without drainage. Which is the most important action for the nurse to take?
- A. Determine if the drainage has an unpleasant odor.
- B. Monitor the client's white blood cell count (WBC).
- C. Request a culture and sensitivity of the wound.
- D. Cleanse the wound with a sterile saline solution.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Requesting a culture and sensitivity of the wound is the most crucial action in this scenario. This will help identify the specific organism causing the infection and determine its sensitivity to antibiotics, guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy. Option A is less critical as odor alone may not provide enough information about the type of infection. Monitoring the client's white blood cell count (WBC) in option B is important but not as immediate as obtaining a wound culture. Cleansing the wound with a sterile saline solution in option D is necessary but should follow after obtaining the culture results to ensure proper treatment.
3. A client with AIDS has impaired gas exchange from a respiratory infection. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Elevated temperature
- B. Generalized weakness
- C. Diminished lung sounds
- D. Pain when swallowing
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In a client with AIDS and impaired gas exchange from a respiratory infection, pain when swallowing can indicate esophageal involvement, such as esophagitis or an esophageal infection like candidiasis. These conditions can significantly impact the client's ability to take in nutrition and medications, leading to complications like dehydration and malnutrition. Therefore, immediate intervention is required to address the underlying cause and prevent further complications. Elevated temperature (choice A) may indicate infection but does not directly address the impaired gas exchange. Generalized weakness (choice B) and diminished lung sounds (choice C) are concerning but do not directly relate to the immediate need for intervention in the context of esophageal involvement in a client with impaired gas exchange.
4. A 2-week-old infant is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of a ventricular septal defect. The parents report that their baby has had difficulty feeding since coming home after birth. What should the nurse consider before responding?
- A. Feeding problems are common in neonates.
- B. Inadequate sucking is not significant in the absence of cyanosis.
- C. Ineffective sucking and swallowing may be early indications of a heart defect.
- D. Many neonates retain mucus, which may interfere with feeding for several weeks.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should consider that ineffective sucking and swallowing in a 2-week-old infant could be early signs of a heart defect such as a ventricular septal defect. This is crucial information as it can guide further assessment and management. Choice A is incorrect because while feeding problems can be common in neonates, in this case, the specific context of a suspected heart defect should be prioritized. Choice B is incorrect as inadequate sucking can indeed be significant, especially when considering potential underlying heart issues, regardless of the presence of cyanosis. Choice D is incorrect as while mucus retention can affect feeding, in this case, the focus should be on the possibility of a heart defect rather than a temporary issue like mucus interference.
5. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is admitting a client. Which of the following information should the nurse document in the client’s record first?
- A. Assessment
- B. History of present illness
- C. Plan of care
- D. Admission date and time
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When admitting a client to a medical-surgical unit, documenting the admission date and time is crucial as it establishes the timeline for the client's care. This information ensures accurate tracking of interventions and facilitates communication among the healthcare team. While assessment, history of present illness, and plan of care are important components of the admission process, documenting the admission date and time takes priority to establish a baseline for care delivery. Without the admission date and time, the continuity of care and coordination among healthcare providers may be compromised.