HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Practice Exam
1. The occurrence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is on the rise and is attributed to the changing lifestyle of Filipinos. The major NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes mellitus (DM). The community health nurse can help address these problems. The major risk factors common to the above-mentioned four major NCDs are:
- A. Unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and smoking
- B. Hypertension, sedentary lifestyle, and poor stress management
- C. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking
- D. Unhealthy diet, alcoholism, and sedentary lifestyle
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and smoking.' These are major risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes mellitus (DM). Unhealthy diet can lead to obesity and other health issues, physical inactivity contributes to various chronic conditions, and smoking is a well-known risk factor for cancer and respiratory diseases. Choice B is incorrect as hypertension is a condition that can result from these risk factors rather than being a risk factor itself. Poor stress management, although important for overall health, is not a major risk factor for the mentioned NCDs. Choice C is incorrect as although obesity is a risk factor, it is not mentioned in the question stem. Choice D is incorrect as alcoholism is not listed among the major NCDs or the common risk factors provided.
2. The healthcare professional is caring for a client with a chest tube. What is the most important action for the healthcare professional to take to ensure the chest tube is functioning properly?
- A. Milk the chest tube to ensure patency.
- B. Clamp the chest tube when moving the client.
- C. Ensure the water seal chamber is filled to the appropriate level.
- D. Secure the chest tube to the client's bed.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Ensuring the water seal chamber is filled to the appropriate level is crucial to maintain the effectiveness of the chest tube drainage system. This step helps prevent air from entering the pleural space, ensuring proper lung re-expansion. 'Milking' the chest tube is not recommended as it can cause damage to the chest tube and surrounding tissues. Clamping the chest tube is not advisable as it can lead to tension pneumothorax. Securing the chest tube to the bed is important for stability but does not directly impact the functioning of the chest tube.
3. The nurse is providing care for a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who is receiving NPH insulin. The nurse notices that the client's evening glucose levels are consistently above 260 mg/dl. What does this indicate?
- A. States that her feet are constantly cold and feel numb
- B. A wound on the ankle that starts to drain and becomes painful
- C. Consecutive evening serum glucose greater than 260 mg/dl
- D. Reports nausea in the morning but still able to eat breakfast
Correct answer: C
Rationale: High evening glucose levels suggest that the current insulin dosage may be inadequate to control the client's blood sugar levels effectively. This indicates poor glycemic control and the need for a possible adjustment in the insulin regimen. Option A describes symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, which are not directly related to the elevated glucose levels but may be a long-term complication of diabetes. Option B describes a wound infection, which is not directly related to the client's high glucose levels. Option D mentions morning nausea, which could be due to various causes and is not directly related to the high evening glucose levels.
4. A healthcare provider is receiving a prescription for a client who is experiencing dysphagia following a stroke. Which of the following prescriptions should the healthcare provider clarify?
- A. Dietitian consult
- B. Speech therapy referral
- C. Oral suction at the bedside
- D. Clear liquids
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Clear liquids.' Clients with dysphagia following a stroke are at high risk of aspiration, and clear liquids have a higher risk of aspiration compared to thickened liquids. Therefore, the healthcare provider should clarify the prescription for clear liquids and consider recommending thickened liquids instead to reduce the risk of aspiration. Choice A, 'Dietitian consult,' is essential to ensure the client receives appropriate nutrition tailored to their condition. Choice B, 'Speech therapy referral,' is crucial for dysphagia management and rehabilitation. Choice C, 'Oral suction at the bedside,' is a standard intervention to maintain airway patency and is not contraindicated in clients with dysphagia.
5. The parents of a newborn with phenylketonuria (PKU) need help and support in adhering to specific dietary restrictions. They ask the nurse, “How long will our child have to be on this diet?” How should the nurse respond?
- A. “We are still not sure; you should discuss this with your health care provider.”
- B. “If your baby does well, foods containing protein can gradually be introduced.”
- C. “Your child needs to be on this diet at least through adolescence and into adulthood.”
- D. “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.”
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.” Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder where the body cannot process phenylalanine properly. The diet for PKU must be continued lifelong to prevent cognitive and developmental issues, as phenylalanine buildup can cause irreversible damage. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse should provide information about the lifelong nature of the dietary restrictions for PKU. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests reintroducing protein-containing foods, which is not recommended for individuals with PKU. Choice C is incorrect as it underestimates the duration of the necessary dietary restrictions for PKU.