HESI RN
Community Health HESI Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is teaching a group of new mothers about infant care. Which topic should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of educating new mothers about infant care, the priority topic should be signs of infant dehydration (Option A). Dehydration in infants can be a serious and potentially life-threatening issue, so recognizing the signs is crucial for prompt intervention and prevention of complications. By prioritizing this topic, the nurse empowers mothers to monitor their infant's health closely and seek help when needed. Proper diaper changing techniques (Option B) are important for maintaining infant hygiene but do not pose an immediate health risk compared to dehydration. While the immunization schedule (Option C) is vital for the infant's long-term health, understanding signs of dehydration takes precedence due to its urgent nature. Breastfeeding positions (Option D) are significant for successful breastfeeding but are not as critical as identifying dehydration in terms of immediate health consequences. Educationally, this prioritization highlights the importance of recognizing and responding to urgent health concerns in infants, equipping mothers with essential knowledge for early intervention. It also underscores the nurse's role in guiding parents on prioritizing infant care topics based on urgency and potential impact on the infant's well-being.
Question 2 of 5
A school nurse is organizing a vaccination clinic for middle school students. Which vaccine is most important for the nurse to include?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of organizing a vaccination clinic for middle school students, the most important vaccine for the school nurse to include is option B) tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap). This vaccine is crucial for adolescents as it protects against three serious bacterial infections. Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are all highly contagious diseases that can have severe consequences if contracted. Tetanus causes muscle stiffness and spasms, diphtheria affects the respiratory system leading to breathing difficulties, and pertussis (whooping cough) can be especially dangerous for young adolescents. Including the Tdap vaccine in the clinic is important to ensure that students are protected against these diseases, especially considering the close quarters and interactions within a school setting that can facilitate the spread of infections. The other options are also important vaccines, but in the context of a middle school setting, Tdap takes precedence due to the specific risks associated with tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis at this age. Hepatitis B (option A) is important for overall health but may not be as urgent in this setting. Varicella (option C) and MMR (option D) are essential vaccines as well, but Tdap should be the priority in this scenario due to the risks posed by tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis in a school environment.
Question 3 of 5
A male client who has been taking propranolol (Inderal) for 18 months tells the nurse the healthcare provider discontinued the medication because his blood pressure has been normal for the past three months. Which instruction should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Ask the healthcare provider about tapering the drug dose over the next week. This instruction is appropriate because propranolol should not be abruptly stopped due to the risk of rebound hypertension and other potential adverse effects. Tapering the dose under the guidance of a healthcare provider helps the body adjust gradually and minimizes these risks. Option A) Abruptly stopping the medication is incorrect because it can lead to adverse effects like rebound hypertension, angina, or arrhythmias. Option B) Continuing the medication at the same dose is not the best choice as the client's blood pressure has been normal for the past three months, indicating a potential for dose adjustment or discontinuation. Option D) Increasing the dose of the medication is unnecessary and potentially harmful since the client's blood pressure has been normal, indicating that a dose reduction or discontinuation may be more suitable. In a community health nursing context, it is essential to educate clients on the importance of proper medication management and the potential risks associated with abruptly stopping certain medications. Collaborating with healthcare providers and following their guidance is crucial to ensuring the safe and effective management of medications in community settings.
Question 4 of 5
Following an emergency Cesarean delivery, the nurse encourages the new mother to breastfeed her newborn. The client asks why she should breastfeed now. Which information should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) To stimulate contraction of the uterus. After childbirth, the uterus needs to contract to prevent excessive bleeding. Breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that causes uterine contractions, helping the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Option A) To bond with the baby, is a common reason for breastfeeding, but in this specific situation, the immediate benefit is related to uterine contractions. Option B) To help the baby latch on better, is not directly related to the mother's physiological response post-Cesarean delivery. Option D) To promote milk production, while important in the long term, is not the immediate priority right after a Cesarean section. Educationally, this question highlights the physiological benefits of breastfeeding beyond just infant nutrition. It emphasizes the role of breastfeeding in promoting maternal health by aiding in uterine involution and preventing postpartum complications. This knowledge is crucial for nurses working in community health settings to provide evidence-based care and support to postpartum mothers.
Question 5 of 5
A 6-year-old child is alert but quiet when brought to the emergency center with periorbital ecchymosis and ecchymosis behind the ears. The nurse suspects potential child abuse and continues to assess the child for additional manifestations of a basilar skull fracture. What assessment finding would be consistent with the basilar skull fracture?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Rhinorrhea or otorrhea with a halo sign. This finding is consistent with a basilar skull fracture, which is a serious injury that can occur due to significant head trauma. Rhinorrhea (nasal discharge) or otorrhea (ear discharge) with a halo sign (a ring of blood surrounding the fluid) indicates a cerebrospinal fluid leak, which is a concerning sign of a basilar skull fracture. Option A) Blurred vision is not typically associated with a basilar skull fracture but can occur with other head injuries or conditions affecting the eyes. Option B) Shoulder pain is not specifically linked to a basilar skull fracture. It is more commonly seen in musculoskeletal injuries or conditions involving the shoulder. Option C) Abdominal pain is not a typical manifestation of a basilar skull fracture. Abdominal pain may indicate issues within the abdomen, such as gastrointestinal problems or referred pain from other areas. Understanding the signs and symptoms of basilar skull fractures is crucial for healthcare providers, especially in cases of suspected child abuse where prompt identification and intervention are essential. This educational context underscores the importance of thorough assessment skills and knowledge of potential red flags for serious injuries in pediatric patients.