HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Practice Questions
1. A community hospital is an example of which level of health care?
- A. Secondary level health care
- B. Primary health care
- C. Tertiary level care
- D. Intermediate level care
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A community hospital is categorized under secondary level health care. Secondary level health care facilities, like community hospitals, provide specialized outpatient care, diagnostic services, and treatment that are more complex than what is offered in primary health care settings. Choice B, primary health care, refers to basic and routine health care services typically provided by family doctors or general practitioners, which is not the level of care provided by community hospitals. Tertiary level care (choice C) involves highly specialized and complex medical services such as neurosurgery or organ transplants, which are beyond the scope of services provided by community hospitals. Intermediate level care (choice D) is not a recognized category in the hierarchy of health care levels.
2. A parent asks the nurse what to do for their child who has an earache and fever. What should the nurse suggest?
- A. Applying a warm compress to the affected ear
- B. Giving the child a cold drink
- C. Administering acetaminophen
- D. Taking the child to the emergency department
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear is a recommended home remedy for earaches as it can help reduce pain and discomfort. The warmth can also help improve circulation and promote drainage if there is fluid buildup. Giving a cold drink (Choice B) is not typically beneficial for earaches and fever. Administering acetaminophen (Choice C) can help reduce fever and alleviate pain, but addressing the earache directly with a warm compress is a more targeted approach. Taking the child to the emergency department (Choice D) is not necessary for a common earache unless there are severe symptoms or complications present.
3. When a client with hypertension is prescribed losartan, what potential side effect should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Dry cough
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Headache
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dry cough. Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, can lead to a dry cough as a potential side effect. This occurs due to the drug's effect on the bradykinin pathway in the lungs. Monitoring for a dry cough is essential as it may indicate the need for further evaluation or medication adjustment to manage this adverse reaction.
4. A client with COPD is receiving home oxygen therapy. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Increase oxygen flow rate during physical activity
- B. Smoke at least 10 feet away from the oxygen source
- C. Use petroleum jelly to prevent nasal dryness
- D. Ensure the oxygen tank is stored in a secure upright position
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most important instruction for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching for a client with COPD receiving home oxygen therapy is to ensure the oxygen tank is stored in a secure upright position. This is crucial to prevent accidents such as leaks or falls that can lead to serious injury or damage. Choice A is incorrect as increasing the oxygen flow rate during physical activity without a healthcare provider's guidance can be harmful. Choice B is incorrect as smoking near an oxygen source can cause a fire hazard. Choice C is incorrect as petroleum jelly is flammable and should not be used around oxygen due to the risk of combustion.
5. A female client in an acute care facility has been on antipsychotic medications for the past three days. Her psychotic behaviors have decreased and she has had no adverse reactions. On the fourth day, the client's blood pressure increases, she becomes pale and febrile, and demonstrates muscular rigidity. What action should the nurse initiate?
- A. Place the client on seizure precautions and monitor her frequently.
- B. Take the client's vital signs and notify the physician immediately.
- C. Describe the symptoms to the charge nurse and document them in the client's record.
- D. No action is required at this time as these are known side effects of her medications.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to initiate is to take the client's vital signs and notify the physician immediately. These symptoms may indicate neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare but life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic medications, requiring immediate medical attention. Placing the client on seizure precautions and monitoring her frequently (Choice A) is not the most appropriate action in this situation. Describing the symptoms to the charge nurse and documenting them in the client's record (Choice C) delays prompt medical intervention. Choosing not to take any action (Choice D) is dangerous as the symptoms described suggest a serious condition that needs urgent evaluation and treatment.