HESI LPN
Community Health HESI Practice Exam
1. The term 'epidemiology' is best defined as the study of:
- A. The causes of disease
- B. The distribution and determinants of health-related states in populations
- C. The treatment and prevention of disease
- D. The healthcare system and its effectiveness
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states in populations. Choice A is incorrect because epidemiology focuses on more than just causes but also on distribution and determinants. Choice C is incorrect as it specifically relates to public health and not just treatment and prevention. Choice D is incorrect as epidemiology is broader than just focusing on the healthcare system and its effectiveness.
2. A client was re-admitted to the hospital following a recent skull fracture. Which finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
- A. Lethargy
- B. Agitation
- C. Ataxia
- D. Hearing loss
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Lethargy is a critical finding that requires the nurse's immediate attention when a client with a recent skull fracture is readmitted to the hospital. It can indicate increased intracranial pressure or other serious complications such as hemorrhage or infection. Addressing lethargy promptly is crucial to prevent further deterioration. Agitation, ataxia, and hearing loss are important to assess but do not signify the same level of urgency as lethargy in this context.
3. A staff nurse is teaching a newly hired nurse about alternatives to the use of restraints on clients who are confused. Which of the following instructions should the staff nurse include?
- A. Remove clocks from the client’s room
- B. Use full-length side rails on the client’s bed
- C. Check on the client frequently while they are in the restroom
- D. Encourage physical activity throughout the day to expend energy
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Encouraging physical activity throughout the day is an effective way to manage confusion in clients and reduce the need for restraints. Physical activity helps in expending energy, promoting circulation, and improving overall well-being. Removing clocks from the client’s room (choice A) may not directly address the issue of confusion or reduce the need for restraints. Using full-length side rails on the client’s bed (choice B) can actually increase the risk of entrapment and should be avoided. Checking on the client frequently while they are in the restroom (choice C) is important for monitoring safety but may not directly address the underlying issue of confusion and the need for restraints.
4. You are caring for a 6-year-old child with a possible fractured left arm and have reason to believe that the child was abused. How should you manage this situation?
- A. Inform the parents of your suspicions.
- B. Call the police so the parents can be arrested.
- C. Advise the parents that the child needs to be transported.
- D. Transport the child to the hospital regardless of the parents' wishes.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In cases where child abuse is suspected, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of the child. Advising the parents that the child needs to be transported allows for the child to receive necessary medical care without immediate confrontation. Calling the police to have the parents arrested (Choice B) may escalate the situation and should only be done after ensuring the child's safety. Informing the parents of suspicions (Choice A) may potentially place the child at further risk if the parents are the abusers. Transporting the child to the hospital regardless of the parents' wishes (Choice D) could lead to legal and ethical complications; it is important to involve the appropriate authorities and handle the situation with sensitivity and care.
5. A client with a diagnosis of anemia is being discharged with a prescription for ferrous sulfate. What should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
- A. Take the medication with milk to enhance absorption
- B. Expect stools to be dark in color
- C. Take the medication before bedtime
- D. Avoid foods high in vitamin C
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Expect stools to be dark in color.' Dark stools are a common side effect of iron supplementation due to the unabsorbed iron, and this is not a cause for concern. Choice A is incorrect because taking iron with milk can decrease its absorption due to calcium binding. Choice C is incorrect as there are no specific recommendations to take ferrous sulfate before bedtime. Choice D is also incorrect as vitamin C actually enhances iron absorption and should not be avoided.