HESI RN
HESI Community Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, option B, "I will follow a diet low in carbohydrates," indicates a need for further teaching because it is not an accurate statement for a client with diabetes mellitus. Carbohydrates directly impact blood sugar levels, but they are an essential part of a balanced diet. The correct answer is A, monitoring blood sugar levels daily, as this is a crucial aspect of diabetes management to prevent complications like hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Option C, rotating injection sites for insulin, is also a correct statement as it helps prevent tissue damage and ensures proper insulin absorption. Option D, exercising regularly to manage diabetes, is also a valid statement as physical activity plays a significant role in blood sugar control and overall health for individuals with diabetes. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind each answer choice helps reinforce key concepts in diabetes management. Teaching clients accurate information empowers them to take control of their health effectively and prevent complications associated with diabetes. It is essential for nurses to provide comprehensive education tailored to each client's needs to promote successful self-management of diabetes.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is planning a health education session for teenagers on the importance of physical activity. Which strategy is most likely to be effective?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of educating teenagers on the importance of physical activity, organizing interactive physical activities (Option C) is the most effective strategy. This approach engages teenagers actively, making the learning experience more enjoyable and memorable. By participating in physical activities, teenagers can directly experience the benefits of being active, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject. Lecturing about the benefits of physical activity (Option A) may not be as effective with teenagers, as it can be passive and less engaging. Showing videos of athletes (Option B) might inspire some, but it may not actively involve teenagers or provide them with a hands-on experience. Distributing pamphlets on physical fitness (Option D) is informative but lacks the interactive component that is crucial for engaging teenagers and promoting behavior change. In an educational context, interactive activities promote active learning, enhance retention of information, and make the learning experience more enjoyable for students. By actively engaging teenagers in physical activities, the nurse can effectively convey the importance of being physically active and motivate them to adopt healthier lifestyle habits.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is developing a program to educate parents on the importance of childhood immunizations. Which topic should be prioritized?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of educating parents about childhood immunizations, prioritizing the topic of the benefits of immunizations (Option A) is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, understanding the benefits of immunizations helps parents appreciate the value of vaccines in preventing serious illnesses and their complications in children. This knowledge can motivate parents to overcome any hesitancy or misinformation they may have about vaccines. Conversely, discussing the potential side effects of vaccines (Option B) as a priority may inadvertently amplify parents' fears and concerns, leading to vaccine hesitancy. While it is essential to address potential side effects, doing so without first emphasizing the benefits may disproportionately influence parents' perceptions. Regarding the immunization schedule (Option C), while important, it is a logistical detail that can be better understood and remembered once the importance and benefits of immunizations are established. Prioritizing the schedule over the benefits might overwhelm parents with information before they fully appreciate why immunizations are necessary. Lastly, while comforting children during vaccinations (Option D) is important for their experience, it is secondary to ensuring parents understand the significance of immunizations. Comfort measures can be addressed once parents are convinced of the benefits and have decided to proceed with immunizations for their child. In an educational context, emphasizing the benefits of immunizations first allows for a positive and informed foundation upon which to build further knowledge about vaccines, including side effects, schedules, and comfort measures. This approach is strategic in addressing parental concerns, promoting vaccine acceptance, and ultimately, improving immunization rates to protect children and communities from preventable diseases.
Question 4 of 5
A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease is admitted with severe epigastric pain. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Rebound tenderness, which requires immediate intervention. Rebound tenderness is an indicator of peritoneal irritation and can suggest a perforation in the gastrointestinal tract, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt attention to prevent serious complications like peritonitis. Option A) Nausea and vomiting, while concerning, are common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease and may not necessarily indicate an emergency situation. Option B) Hematemesis (vomiting blood) and C) Melena (black, tarry stools) are signs of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which is serious but may not require immediate intervention as compared to a possible perforation. In an educational context, understanding the significance of different signs and symptoms in the context of a client's medical history is crucial for nurses in community health settings. Recognizing the urgency of symptoms like rebound tenderness can aid in timely intervention and prevention of complications, highlighting the importance of thorough assessment and critical thinking in nursing practice.
Question 5 of 5
A client with a history of heart failure is admitted with severe dyspnea. Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option C) Serum creatinine of 1.0 mg/dL, which requires immediate intervention. Elevated serum creatinine levels indicate impaired kidney function, which is crucial in a client with heart failure due to the close relationship between heart and kidney function. In heart failure, reduced cardiac output can lead to decreased renal perfusion, causing acute kidney injury. Monitoring creatinine levels is essential to assess renal function and guide treatment in these patients. Option A) Blood glucose of 150 mg/dL may be a concern but is not the most critical issue in this case. Elevated blood glucose levels are common in hospitalized patients due to stress response and can be managed without immediate intervention in a stable patient. Option B) Serum potassium of 3.5 mEq/L is slightly low but not at a critical level requiring immediate intervention. Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte imbalance in heart failure but would typically be addressed with oral or intravenous potassium supplementation over time. Option D) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 20 mg/dL is within normal range and does not require immediate intervention. BUN levels can be affected by various factors and are not as indicative of acute issues in this context. Educationally, understanding the interplay between cardiac and renal function is crucial in managing patients with heart failure. Monitoring laboratory values, especially creatinine, is vital for early detection of complications and guiding appropriate interventions to prevent further deterioration in these high-risk patients.