HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Questions
1. The nurse is caring for an acutely ill 10-year-old client. Which of the following assessments would require the nurse's immediate attention?
- A. Rapid bounding pulse
- B. Temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius
- C. Profuse diaphoresis
- D. Slow, irregular respirations
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, slow, irregular respirations. In an acutely ill child, this assessment can indicate impending respiratory failure or neurological compromise, necessitating immediate intervention. Rapid bounding pulse (choice A) may indicate tachycardia but is not as immediately concerning as compromised respirations. A temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius (choice B) is elevated but may not be the most urgent concern unless accompanied by other symptoms. Profuse diaphoresis (choice C) can indicate increased sympathetic activity but is not as critical as respiratory compromise.
2. How should a nurse prepare a 15-month-old child diagnosed with hydrocephalus for a computed tomography (CT) scan?
- A. Shaving the child's head
- B. Starting the prescribed IV infusion
- C. Administering the prescribed sedative
- D. Giving the child a simple explanation of the procedure
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Preparing a toddler for a CT scan involves providing a simple explanation of the procedure to help reduce anxiety and fear. Shaving the child's head is unnecessary for a CT scan and may increase distress. Starting an IV infusion or administering sedatives may not be appropriate or necessary for all pediatric patients undergoing CT scans, especially if the child can cooperate without these interventions.
3. A female client with anorexia nervosa is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority assessment for the nurse to perform?
- A. Assess the client's body image perception.
- B. Monitor the client's electrolyte levels.
- C. Evaluate the client's exercise habits.
- D. Assess the client's relationship with her family.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's electrolyte levels. In clients with anorexia nervosa, electrolyte imbalances can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Assessing body image perception (choice A) is important but not the priority when compared to monitoring electrolyte levels. Evaluating exercise habits (choice C) and assessing the client's relationship with her family (choice D) are also important aspects of care but do not take precedence over monitoring electrolyte levels in a client with anorexia nervosa.
4. The delivery of basic health services was decentralized to the local government units. The legal basis for this is embodied in:
- A. RA 7035
- B. EO 119
- C. RA 7160
- D. PD 999
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, RA 7160. This law, also known as the Local Government Code, decentralizes health services to local government units. RA 7035 is not the legal basis for decentralizing basic health services. EO 119 and PD 999 are also not the correct legal bases for the decentralization of health services.
5. A parent brings an 18-month-old toddler to the clinic. The parent states, 'My child is so difficult to please, has temper tantrums, and annoys me by throwing food from the table.' What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. “Toddlers need discipline to prevent the development of antisocial behaviors.”
- B. “Toddlers are learning to assert independence, and this behavior is expected at this age.”
- C. “It is best to leave the toddler alone in the crib after calmly explaining why the behavior is unacceptable.”
- D. “This is the way a toddler expresses needs, and this behavior is acceptable during the initiative stage of development.”
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Toddlers are learning to assert independence, and this behavior is expected at this age.' At 18 months old, toddlers are in the stage of developing autonomy and testing boundaries. It is normal for them to exhibit behaviors such as temper tantrums and defiance as they explore their independence. Choice A is incorrect as discipline at this age is more about setting limits and providing guidance rather than preventing antisocial behaviors. Choice C is inappropriate as leaving a toddler alone in a crib after explaining unacceptable behavior is not a recommended approach for managing toddler behavior. Choice D is incorrect as the described behavior is typical of toddlers asserting independence, not related to the initiative stage of development. The best response involves acknowledging the child's developmental stage and understanding that these behaviors are part of their normal growth and development.