HESI RN
HESI Community Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with chronic kidney disease is experiencing pruritus. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the case of a client with chronic kidney disease experiencing pruritus, the correct intervention to include in the plan of care is to administer antihistamines as prescribed (Option A). Pruritus, or severe itching, is a common symptom associated with chronic kidney disease due to the buildup of waste products in the blood that are normally filtered by the kidneys. Antihistamines can help relieve itching by blocking histamine, which is released in response to allergens or other triggers. Applying moisturizing lotion to the skin (Option B) can be soothing but does not address the underlying cause of pruritus in chronic kidney disease. Using cool water for bathing (Option C) can provide temporary relief but may not be as effective as medication in managing pruritus. Encouraging a high-protein diet (Option D) is not appropriate in this situation as excessive protein intake can further burden the kidneys and worsen the client's condition. In an educational context, understanding the pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease and its associated symptoms like pruritus is crucial for nurses caring for clients with this condition. Knowledge of appropriate interventions, such as administering antihistamines for pruritus, helps nurses provide comprehensive and evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes.
Question 2 of 5
A client with a history of alcohol abuse is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option D) Blood glucose of 250 mg/dL, which requires immediate intervention. Acute pancreatitis in a client with a history of alcohol abuse can lead to significant metabolic disturbances, including hyperglycemia. Elevated blood glucose levels can indicate poor glycemic control, which is a concern as it can worsen the pancreatitis and lead to various complications. Option A) Amylase of 120 U/L and option B) Lipase of 150 U/L are both pancreatic enzyme levels that are often elevated in pancreatitis, but they do not indicate the need for immediate intervention in this case. These values are within a normal range and do not pose an immediate threat. Option C) Calcium of 8.5 mg/dL is within the normal calcium range and is not a priority concern in this context. While hypocalcemia can occur in pancreatitis, the value provided is not indicative of that complication. Educationally, this question tests the understanding of the complications of acute pancreatitis in a patient with a history of alcohol abuse. It highlights the importance of recognizing abnormal laboratory values and prioritizing interventions based on the urgency of the situation to provide timely and appropriate care to the patient.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is developing a community health program to address the high rates of hypertension in a neighborhood. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of addressing high rates of hypertension in a community through a health program, prioritizing conducting free blood pressure screenings (Option A) is crucial. This intervention allows for early detection of hypertension, which is essential for timely intervention and management. By identifying individuals with high blood pressure, the nurse can provide immediate education, counseling, and referrals to healthcare providers for further evaluation and treatment. Distributing educational materials on hypertension (Option B) is important, but it may not reach as many individuals as conducting screenings would. Without knowing their current blood pressure status, individuals may not be motivated to engage with educational materials. Holding workshops on stress management (Option C) and partnering with local gyms to offer discounted memberships (Option D) are valuable interventions for promoting overall health but may not directly address the primary issue of hypertension prevalence in the community. From an educational perspective, understanding the importance of early detection and intervention in hypertension management is fundamental for nurses working in community health. It highlights the significance of proactive screening initiatives in preventing complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension, thus emphasizing the importance of prioritizing evidence-based interventions for optimal community health outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is planning a community health fair to promote cancer awareness. Which activity should be included to best engage participants?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of a community health fair aimed at promoting cancer awareness, offering free cancer screenings (Option A) is the best activity to engage participants. This option allows for immediate, tangible benefits by providing individuals with an opportunity to access important health information about their own well-being. Free cancer screenings not only attract participants but also serve as a proactive measure for early detection and intervention, which is crucial in improving cancer outcomes. By participating in the screenings, attendees are actively engaging in their health and taking a step towards preventive care. The other options, such as lectures on cancer prevention (Option B), distribution of educational materials (Option C), and testimonials from cancer survivors (Option D), while valuable in their own right, may not have the same level of immediate impact and engagement as free screenings. Lectures and materials, while informative, may not always capture the attention of a diverse audience, and testimonials, while inspiring, may not provide the same actionable information as a screening. In an educational context, understanding the importance of interactive and practical approaches to health promotion is key. By offering free cancer screenings, the nurse not only engages participants actively but also empowers them to take charge of their health through preventive measures. This hands-on approach aligns with best practices in community health nursing, emphasizing the importance of proactive health promotion strategies.
Question 5 of 5
A client with a history of heart failure is admitted with severe dyspnea. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should implement placing the client in a high Fowler's position (Option B) as the first intervention. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position helps improve lung expansion and oxygenation by reducing pressure on the diaphragm and enhancing chest expansion, which can alleviate dyspnea in clients with heart failure. Administering oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula (Option A) could be the next step after positioning the client correctly. Oxygen therapy is essential for clients with respiratory distress, but positioning comes first to optimize oxygenation. Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) (Option C) is important in assessing cardiac function, but it is not the priority when a client is in severe distress. Administering intravenous furosemide (Lasix) (Option D) is a common treatment for heart failure, but it is not the initial intervention in this acute situation. Educationally, this question highlights the critical thinking and prioritization skills needed in community health nursing. Understanding the rationale for each intervention can help nurses provide safe and effective care for clients with heart failure and respiratory distress.