WGU D450 HESI Community Health Exam 2026-2027 -
Complete Question Bank
Section 1: Community Health Foundations & Epidemiology
1. The nurse is designing a community health project based on a report provided by the
World Health Organization that describes healthcare problems in the United States. Which
healthcare issue should the nurse give the highest priority when planning the project?
a. overuse of diagnostic technology
b. government-based health insurance
c. the neonatal and infant mortality rates
d. number of people without access to healthcare
Correct Answer: d. number of people without access to healthcare
Rationale: Access to healthcare is a fundamental determinant of population health. The
WHO identifies lack of access as a primary health concern, as it underlies many other health
disparities. Without access, preventive care, early intervention, and treatment for chronic
conditions are limited, leading to poorer health outcomes across populations .
2. The nurse is conducting a process evaluation of a prevention education program for
older adults who are at risk for substance abuse. Which data source provides the
information the nurse needs to conduct this process evaluation?
a. client's score on an alcohol screening instrument
b. results of a urine drug and alcohol screen
c. most recent community census data
d. documentation of client education in the nursing record
Correct Answer: d. documentation of client education in the nursing record
Rationale: Process evaluation examines how a program is implemented, including the
activities delivered, participant engagement, and fidelity to the program design.
Documentation of client education in nursing records provides evidence that the educational
intervention was actually delivered. Outcome measures like screening scores (a,b) and
community data (c) evaluate program effects rather than implementation process .
3. A 17-year-old unmarried, pregnant client with drug addiction is a high school dropout,
homeless, and has a history of past abuse arrives at the clinic for her first prenatal visit.
Which findings should the nurse document as health risk factors for the client? (Select all
that apply)
a. age
b. school dropout
c. drug addiction
d. history of abuse
e. pregnancy
,f. homelessness
g. unmarried
Correct Answers: a, c, d, e, f
Rationale: Health risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase vulnerability to
poor health outcomes. Age (adolescent pregnancy risks), drug addiction (fetal exposure,
maternal health risks), history of abuse (trauma, mental health concerns), pregnancy
(physiological demands), and homelessness (lack of stable environment, nutrition, safety)
are all documented risk factors. Being unmarried (g) and school dropout (b) are social
circumstances that may correlate with risks but are not direct health risk factors in the same
category .
4. The nurse working in a community health clinic that serves recent Somali immigrants
notes that most mothers refuse to give permission for routine immunizations of their
preschoolers. Which individual is likely to have the most influence on these women's
perceptions about their children's healthcare needs?
a. husbands
b. clinic healthcare provider
c. older females
d. tribal chief
Correct Answer: d. tribal chief
Rationale: In many collectivist cultures, particularly among immigrant communities from
East Africa, community leaders such as tribal chiefs or elders hold significant authority over
health decisions and community norms. The tribal chief's endorsement or opposition to
immunizations would likely carry more weight with these mothers than healthcare providers
or even husbands, as traditional leadership structures often mediate community members'
acceptance of Western healthcare practices .
5. The community health nurse is planning a series of educational courses about the
healthcare system and meeting healthcare needs for the community center. Which adjunct
issue should the nurse address for a group of older adults?
a. peer concerns
b. adult daycare
c. retirement issues
d. vocational concerns
Correct Answer: c. retirement issues
Rationale: For older adults, retirement issues encompass financial planning, health insurance
transitions (Medicare enrollment), changes in social roles, and meaningful use of time. These
are directly relevant to healthcare system navigation and meeting healthcare needs. Adult
daycare (b) is a specific service option, while peer concerns (a) and vocational concerns (d)
are less directly related to this population's healthcare system education needs .
,6. A female adult walks into a local community health clinic and tells the nurse that she is
homeless and cannot seem to find help. Which statement indicates to the nurse that a
client is feeling separated from society and helpless?
a. "I'm feeling really isolated from everyone and scared."
b. "I feel like I cannot get enough food to live any longer."
c. "I know that I will always be poor so what's the use of trying?"
d. "People like me are never respected, no matter how well we do."
Correct Answer: a. "I'm feeling really isolated from everyone and scared."
Rationale: Social isolation and feelings of disconnection from society are hallmark indicators
of alienation and helplessness. The statement about feeling isolated and scared directly
expresses the subjective experience of being separated from others and lacking connection
or support. While statements b, c, and d indicate distress, hopelessness, and perceived
discrimination, they do not specifically reflect the social separation component .
7. A community health nurse is planning to implement an outreach program for a
community group. Which criteria should the nurse clarify about the program when
examining sources for funding?
a. focuses on multiple health problems and concerns
b. identifies populations and individuals in need of healthcare services
c. evaluations variations in health services and health status among populations
d. offers healthcare services to community members in local factories, schools, and churches
Correct Answer: d. offers healthcare services to community members in local factories,
schools, and churches
Rationale: Funders are most interested in how a program will reach its target population.
Offering services in accessible community settings like factories, schools, and churches
demonstrates a concrete plan for outreach and access. This practical implementation detail
is more compelling to funders than broad goals (a), population identification (b), or
evaluation plans (c) .
8. The home health nursing director is conducting an educational program for registered
nurses and practical nurses about Medicare reimbursement. To obtain payment for
Medicare services, what must be included in the client's record?
a. a prescription from the healthcare provider for each visit made
b. documentation of a skilled care service provided during the visit
c. a copy of the client's health history and social security card
d. a record of the preventive healthcare services provided during the visit
Correct Answer: b. documentation of a skilled care service provided during the visit
Rationale: Medicare reimbursement for home health services requires that the visit involves
skilled care provided by a licensed professional (RN or LPN). The service must be skilled in
nature—meaning it requires the expertise of a nurse and cannot be safely performed by an
, untrained person. Documentation must clearly demonstrate the skilled service provided and
its necessity for the client's condition .
9. The home health care agency can expect to obtain Medicare reimbursement for which
home visit performed by a registered nurse or a practical nurse?
a. assessment of the speech pattern of a mobile adult who had a mild stroke last year
b. safety teaching for an older male client whose wife complains that he uses an unsafe
ladder while painting
c. wound care for a client who had postoperative infection following abdominal surgery two
weeks ago
d. evaluation of crutch use by a 65-year-old client who broke his tibia while snow skiing
Correct Answer: c. wound care for a client who had postoperative infection following
abdominal surgery two weeks ago
Rationale: Skilled nursing services are those that require professional nursing judgment and
cannot be performed by non-licensed personnel. Wound care for a postoperative infection
involves assessment of wound healing, sterile technique, and clinical judgment about signs
of infection—all skilled nursing activities. Safety teaching (b), speech assessment (a), and
crutch evaluation (d) may not meet Medicare's definition of skilled care in these specific
scenarios .
10. The nurse is administering the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine to a 12-month-
old child during the well-baby visit. Which age range should the nurse advise the parents
to plan for their child to receive the MMR booster based on the current recommendations
and guidelines by the CDC?
a. 13-18 years of age
b. 11-12 years of age
c. 18-24 months of age
d. 4-6 years of age
Correct Answer: d. 4-6 years of age
Rationale: The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the
first MMR dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age (before
school entry). This schedule provides optimal protection against measles, mumps, and
rubella. Option d is the correct age range for the booster .
11. The occupational health nurse is completing a yearly self-evaluation. Which activity
should the nurse document as an example of proficient performance criteria in
professionalism?
a. contributes money to a professional society or organization
b. maintains chairmanship of the hospital nursing council
c. documents the nursing process in care management
d. develops policy initiatives that impact occupational health and safety
Complete Question Bank
Section 1: Community Health Foundations & Epidemiology
1. The nurse is designing a community health project based on a report provided by the
World Health Organization that describes healthcare problems in the United States. Which
healthcare issue should the nurse give the highest priority when planning the project?
a. overuse of diagnostic technology
b. government-based health insurance
c. the neonatal and infant mortality rates
d. number of people without access to healthcare
Correct Answer: d. number of people without access to healthcare
Rationale: Access to healthcare is a fundamental determinant of population health. The
WHO identifies lack of access as a primary health concern, as it underlies many other health
disparities. Without access, preventive care, early intervention, and treatment for chronic
conditions are limited, leading to poorer health outcomes across populations .
2. The nurse is conducting a process evaluation of a prevention education program for
older adults who are at risk for substance abuse. Which data source provides the
information the nurse needs to conduct this process evaluation?
a. client's score on an alcohol screening instrument
b. results of a urine drug and alcohol screen
c. most recent community census data
d. documentation of client education in the nursing record
Correct Answer: d. documentation of client education in the nursing record
Rationale: Process evaluation examines how a program is implemented, including the
activities delivered, participant engagement, and fidelity to the program design.
Documentation of client education in nursing records provides evidence that the educational
intervention was actually delivered. Outcome measures like screening scores (a,b) and
community data (c) evaluate program effects rather than implementation process .
3. A 17-year-old unmarried, pregnant client with drug addiction is a high school dropout,
homeless, and has a history of past abuse arrives at the clinic for her first prenatal visit.
Which findings should the nurse document as health risk factors for the client? (Select all
that apply)
a. age
b. school dropout
c. drug addiction
d. history of abuse
e. pregnancy
,f. homelessness
g. unmarried
Correct Answers: a, c, d, e, f
Rationale: Health risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase vulnerability to
poor health outcomes. Age (adolescent pregnancy risks), drug addiction (fetal exposure,
maternal health risks), history of abuse (trauma, mental health concerns), pregnancy
(physiological demands), and homelessness (lack of stable environment, nutrition, safety)
are all documented risk factors. Being unmarried (g) and school dropout (b) are social
circumstances that may correlate with risks but are not direct health risk factors in the same
category .
4. The nurse working in a community health clinic that serves recent Somali immigrants
notes that most mothers refuse to give permission for routine immunizations of their
preschoolers. Which individual is likely to have the most influence on these women's
perceptions about their children's healthcare needs?
a. husbands
b. clinic healthcare provider
c. older females
d. tribal chief
Correct Answer: d. tribal chief
Rationale: In many collectivist cultures, particularly among immigrant communities from
East Africa, community leaders such as tribal chiefs or elders hold significant authority over
health decisions and community norms. The tribal chief's endorsement or opposition to
immunizations would likely carry more weight with these mothers than healthcare providers
or even husbands, as traditional leadership structures often mediate community members'
acceptance of Western healthcare practices .
5. The community health nurse is planning a series of educational courses about the
healthcare system and meeting healthcare needs for the community center. Which adjunct
issue should the nurse address for a group of older adults?
a. peer concerns
b. adult daycare
c. retirement issues
d. vocational concerns
Correct Answer: c. retirement issues
Rationale: For older adults, retirement issues encompass financial planning, health insurance
transitions (Medicare enrollment), changes in social roles, and meaningful use of time. These
are directly relevant to healthcare system navigation and meeting healthcare needs. Adult
daycare (b) is a specific service option, while peer concerns (a) and vocational concerns (d)
are less directly related to this population's healthcare system education needs .
,6. A female adult walks into a local community health clinic and tells the nurse that she is
homeless and cannot seem to find help. Which statement indicates to the nurse that a
client is feeling separated from society and helpless?
a. "I'm feeling really isolated from everyone and scared."
b. "I feel like I cannot get enough food to live any longer."
c. "I know that I will always be poor so what's the use of trying?"
d. "People like me are never respected, no matter how well we do."
Correct Answer: a. "I'm feeling really isolated from everyone and scared."
Rationale: Social isolation and feelings of disconnection from society are hallmark indicators
of alienation and helplessness. The statement about feeling isolated and scared directly
expresses the subjective experience of being separated from others and lacking connection
or support. While statements b, c, and d indicate distress, hopelessness, and perceived
discrimination, they do not specifically reflect the social separation component .
7. A community health nurse is planning to implement an outreach program for a
community group. Which criteria should the nurse clarify about the program when
examining sources for funding?
a. focuses on multiple health problems and concerns
b. identifies populations and individuals in need of healthcare services
c. evaluations variations in health services and health status among populations
d. offers healthcare services to community members in local factories, schools, and churches
Correct Answer: d. offers healthcare services to community members in local factories,
schools, and churches
Rationale: Funders are most interested in how a program will reach its target population.
Offering services in accessible community settings like factories, schools, and churches
demonstrates a concrete plan for outreach and access. This practical implementation detail
is more compelling to funders than broad goals (a), population identification (b), or
evaluation plans (c) .
8. The home health nursing director is conducting an educational program for registered
nurses and practical nurses about Medicare reimbursement. To obtain payment for
Medicare services, what must be included in the client's record?
a. a prescription from the healthcare provider for each visit made
b. documentation of a skilled care service provided during the visit
c. a copy of the client's health history and social security card
d. a record of the preventive healthcare services provided during the visit
Correct Answer: b. documentation of a skilled care service provided during the visit
Rationale: Medicare reimbursement for home health services requires that the visit involves
skilled care provided by a licensed professional (RN or LPN). The service must be skilled in
nature—meaning it requires the expertise of a nurse and cannot be safely performed by an
, untrained person. Documentation must clearly demonstrate the skilled service provided and
its necessity for the client's condition .
9. The home health care agency can expect to obtain Medicare reimbursement for which
home visit performed by a registered nurse or a practical nurse?
a. assessment of the speech pattern of a mobile adult who had a mild stroke last year
b. safety teaching for an older male client whose wife complains that he uses an unsafe
ladder while painting
c. wound care for a client who had postoperative infection following abdominal surgery two
weeks ago
d. evaluation of crutch use by a 65-year-old client who broke his tibia while snow skiing
Correct Answer: c. wound care for a client who had postoperative infection following
abdominal surgery two weeks ago
Rationale: Skilled nursing services are those that require professional nursing judgment and
cannot be performed by non-licensed personnel. Wound care for a postoperative infection
involves assessment of wound healing, sterile technique, and clinical judgment about signs
of infection—all skilled nursing activities. Safety teaching (b), speech assessment (a), and
crutch evaluation (d) may not meet Medicare's definition of skilled care in these specific
scenarios .
10. The nurse is administering the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine to a 12-month-
old child during the well-baby visit. Which age range should the nurse advise the parents
to plan for their child to receive the MMR booster based on the current recommendations
and guidelines by the CDC?
a. 13-18 years of age
b. 11-12 years of age
c. 18-24 months of age
d. 4-6 years of age
Correct Answer: d. 4-6 years of age
Rationale: The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the
first MMR dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age (before
school entry). This schedule provides optimal protection against measles, mumps, and
rubella. Option d is the correct age range for the booster .
11. The occupational health nurse is completing a yearly self-evaluation. Which activity
should the nurse document as an example of proficient performance criteria in
professionalism?
a. contributes money to a professional society or organization
b. maintains chairmanship of the hospital nursing council
c. documents the nursing process in care management
d. develops policy initiatives that impact occupational health and safety
