HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Practice Exam
1. The school RN is assessing a group of middle school students for signs of scoliosis and discovers a female student with noticeable unequal symmetry of the upper and lower back. Which intervention is most important for the RN to implement?
- A. Send the student home
- B. Make a referral to have the scoliosis further evaluated.
- C. Withdraw the student from all physical activities
- D. Tell the student not to carry her backpack on her back
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Referring the student for further evaluation of scoliosis is crucial to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate management plan. Sending the student home (choice A) without proper assessment and intervention is not the best course of action. Withdrawing the student from all physical activities (choice C) is not necessary and may cause unnecessary distress. Instructing the student not to carry her backpack on her back (choice D) does not address the underlying issue of scoliosis and is not the most important intervention at this point.
2. A 3-year-old child with a history of frequent respiratory infections is being evaluated for cystic fibrosis. What diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate will be ordered?
- A. Chest X-ray
- B. Sweat chloride test
- C. Pulmonary function test
- D. Sputum culture
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The sweat chloride test is the gold standard diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis as it measures the concentration of chloride in sweat. In cystic fibrosis, there is an abnormal transport of chloride across epithelial membranes, leading to elevated sweat chloride levels. A chest X-ray may show characteristic changes in the lungs associated with cystic fibrosis, but it is not a definitive diagnostic test. Pulmonary function tests assess lung function but do not specifically diagnose cystic fibrosis. Sputum culture may identify respiratory infections but does not confirm the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
3. A client with cirrhosis is receiving lactulose. What is the desired effect of this medication?
- A. Decrease blood glucose levels
- B. Reduce serum ammonia levels
- C. Increase platelet count
- D. Lower serum bilirubin levels
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reduce serum ammonia levels. Lactulose is used to reduce serum ammonia levels in clients with cirrhosis, helping to prevent hepatic encephalopathy. Lactulose works by acidifying the colon, trapping ammonia for excretion. Decreasing blood glucose levels (choice A) is not the primary effect of lactulose. Increasing platelet count (choice C) and lowering serum bilirubin levels (choice D) are not direct effects of lactulose in the management of cirrhosis.
4. As an important tool for planning a community health survey was conducted, the first tangible outcome of collaboration and teamwork with the Local Health Department and its Rural Health Units (RHUs) was seen. This later led to case-finding activities via collection and examination of stools from children for suspected parasitism. Which of the following community nursing diagnoses will guide the Parish Health Team for concrete action?
- A. Parasitism as a foreseeable crisis
- B. Malnutrition as a health deficit
- C. Parasitism as a health deficit
- D. Parasitism as a health threat
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Parasitism as a health threat.' This choice accurately describes the ongoing issue of parasitic infections in the community, highlighting the seriousness and urgency of the problem. Choice A ('Parasitism as a foreseeable crisis') is incorrect as it does not emphasize the immediate danger posed by parasitic infections. Choice B ('Malnutrition as a health deficit') is not the most relevant diagnosis considering the context provided. Choice C ('Parasitism as a health deficit') is also incorrect as it fails to capture the level of risk and urgency associated with parasitic infections in this scenario.
5. A 7-year-old child has an altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash. You perform your assessment and initiate oxygen therapy. En route to the hospital, you should be most alert for:
- A. vomiting
- B. seizures
- C. combativeness
- D. respiratory distress
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a pediatric patient presenting with altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash, seizures are a significant concern. Febrile seizures can occur in children with high fevers and may lead to further complications. It is crucial to monitor for seizures and be prepared to manage them promptly. Vomiting, combativeness, and respiratory distress are also important considerations in pediatric patients; however, given the clinical presentation described, seizures take priority as they are a common complication in this scenario.