HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Exam
1. James is an 18-month-old child who has had a cough for 7 days with no general danger signs, a temperature of 37.5°C, and a respiratory rate of 41 breaths per minute. How will you classify James' breathing?
- A. Slow breathing
- B. Fast breathing
- C. Normal breathing
- D. Very fast breathing
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Normal breathing.' A respiratory rate of 41 breaths per minute is considered normal for an 18-month-old child. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a respiratory rate of 41 breaths per minute falls within the normal range for a child of James' age and does not indicate slow, fast, or very fast breathing.
2. Surgical repair for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is done to prevent the complication of
- A. pulmonary infection
- B. right-to-left shunt of blood
- C. decreased workload on the left side of the heart
- D. increased pulmonary vascular congestion
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Surgical repair of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) aims to prevent increased pulmonary vascular congestion, which can lead to congestive heart failure and respiratory distress. Choice A, pulmonary infection, is not a direct complication of PDA but rather a result of other factors. Choice B, right-to-left shunt of blood, is a characteristic of a different heart condition (e.g., Tetralogy of Fallot) and not specifically associated with PDA. Choice C, decreased workload on the left side of the heart, is not a typical complication of PDA but rather a consequence of left-to-right shunting that can cause volume overload in the pulmonary circulation.
3. Which of the following statements is true of sickle-cell anemia?
- A. It is typically managed with treatments such as pain relief medications.
- B. It is caused by a mutation in the beta-globin gene.
- C. It leads to the obstruction of small blood vessels and decreased oxygen delivery.
- D. It is more prevalent in individuals of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Sickle-cell anemia results from a mutation in the beta-globin gene, causing red blood cells to become sickle-shaped. These misshapen cells can obstruct small blood vessels, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because sickle-cell anemia is typically managed with treatments such as pain relief medications, hydration, and in severe cases, blood transfusions. It is caused by a specific mutation in the beta-globin gene, not by the inability to metabolize phenylalanine. Additionally, sickle-cell anemia is more prevalent in individuals of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent, not exclusive to any specific gender.
4. A male client approaches the nurse with an angry expression on his face and raises his voice, saying, “My roommate is the most selfish, self-centered, angry person I have ever met. If he loses his temper one more time with me, I am going to punch him out.” The nurse recognizes that the client is using which defense mechanism?
- A. Denial
- B. Splitting
- C. Projection
- D. Rationalization
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client is projecting his feelings of anger and frustration onto his roommate, attributing his own feelings to the other person. Projection is a defense mechanism where individuals attribute their thoughts, feelings, or motives onto another person. In this scenario, the client is displacing his anger onto his roommate, thereby using projection as a defense mechanism. Denial (choice A) is refusing to acknowledge an aspect of reality. Splitting (choice B) involves viewing people as all good or all bad. Rationalization (choice D) is creating logical explanations to justify unacceptable behavior.
5. A child with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is being treated with corticosteroids. What is an important nursing consideration?
- A. Monitor for signs of infection
- B. Monitor blood pressure
- C. Monitor for hyperglycemia
- D. Monitor for hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a child with nephrotic syndrome is undergoing treatment with corticosteroids, it is crucial to monitor for signs of infection. Corticosteroids can suppress the immune system, increasing the child's susceptibility to infections. Monitoring for signs of infection allows for early detection and prompt intervention. While monitoring blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and hypertension are important considerations in certain conditions and treatments, they are not the primary concern when a child with nephrotic syndrome is on corticosteroid therapy.