HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Study Guide
1. Epidemiology is directly concerned with which of the following?
- A. factors influencing occurrence and distribution of diseases, defects, disability, or death of groups of individuals
- B. vital health statistics
- C. environmental sanitation
- D. treatment of a communicable disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations and the application of this study to the control of health problems. It focuses on identifying and understanding the factors that influence the occurrence and distribution of diseases, defects, disability, or death of groups of individuals. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B, vital health statistics, is not the primary focus of epidemiology. While vital health statistics may be used in epidemiological studies, it is not the direct concern of epidemiology. Choice C, environmental sanitation, although important for public health, is not the main focus of epidemiology. Epidemiology is more concerned with the factors influencing disease occurrence and distribution, rather than environmental sanitation. Choice D, treatment of a communicable disease, is more related to clinical medicine rather than epidemiology. Epidemiology is more focused on prevention, control, and understanding the patterns and causes of diseases rather than their treatment.
2. A 6-year-old with muscular dystrophy was recently injured falling out of bed at home. What intervention should the nurse suggest to prevent further injury?
- A. Recommend raising the bed's side rails when a caregiver is not present.
- B. Suggest a caregiver be present continuously to prevent falls from bed.
- C. Encourage the use of loose restraints while in bed.
- D. Recommend raising the bed's side rails throughout the day and night.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate intervention to prevent further injury is to raise the bed's side rails when a caregiver is not present. This measure helps in preventing falls without the need for constant supervision. Choice B is not practical as continuous caregiver presence may not always be feasible. Choice C is unsafe as loose restraints can pose a strangulation risk. Choice D does not address the need for intervention when a caregiver is absent, potentially leading to an increased risk of falls.
3. A woman who is 38 weeks gestation is receiving magnesium sulfate for severe preeclampsia. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Dizziness while standing
- B. Sinus tachycardia
- C. Lower back pain
- D. Absent patellar reflexes
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Absent patellar reflexes. Absent patellar reflexes can indicate magnesium toxicity, a serious condition that requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory depression or cardiac arrest. Dizziness while standing (choice A) is common in pregnancy but does not specifically indicate magnesium toxicity. Sinus tachycardia (choice B) can be a normal response to magnesium sulfate but does not indicate toxicity. Lower back pain (choice C) is common in pregnancy and not specifically associated with magnesium toxicity.
4. What action should the nurse take after a client produces the first of a series of sputum samples for cytology?
- A. Ensure the client remains NPO until all samples are collected
- B. Transport the sputum container to the laboratory in a biohazard bag
- C. Discard the initial sample and document the time it was obtained
- D. Document the time the client last ate or drank on the laboratory slip
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take after a client produces the first of a series of sputum samples for cytology is to transport the sputum container to the laboratory in a biohazard bag. This is important to ensure proper handling and prevent contamination of the sample. Choice A is incorrect because there is no need to keep the client NPO until all samples are collected. Choice C is incorrect as the initial sample should not be discarded but rather transported to the laboratory. Choice D is also incorrect as documenting the time the client last ate or drank is not directly relevant to the immediate action needed for the sputum sample.
5. When preparing to lift and reposition a patient, which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Assess weight to determine assistance needs.
- B. Position a drawsheet under the patient.
- C. Delegate the task to a nursing assistive personnel.
- D. Attempt to manually lift the patient alone before asking for assistance.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The first action the nurse should take when preparing to lift and reposition a patient is to assess the patient's weight to determine the assistance needed. This step is crucial for the safety of both the patient and the nurse. Positioning a drawsheet under the patient (Choice B) is important for the comfort and safety during the repositioning process but should come after assessing the weight and assistance requirements. Delegating the task to a nursing assistive personnel (Choice C) can be considered once the assessment is complete and additional help is needed. Attempting to manually lift the patient alone before asking for assistance (Choice D) is unsafe and should never be done without first assessing the weight and determining the need for help.