HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI Practice Questions
1. A parent brings a 2-month-old infant with Down syndrome to the pediatric clinic for a physical and administration of immunizations. Which clinical finding should alert the nurse to perform a further assessment?
- A. Flat occiput
- B. Small, low-set ears
- C. Circumoral cyanosis
- D. Protruding furrowed tongue
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Circumoral cyanosis should alert the nurse to perform further assessment in a 2-month-old infant with Down syndrome. This finding may indicate cardiac or respiratory issues, such as inadequate oxygenation. Small, low-set ears and a protruding furrowed tongue are common physical characteristics associated with Down syndrome and may not necessarily warrant immediate further assessment. A flat occiput is a normal variation in infant anatomy and is not typically a cause for immediate concern in this context.
2. What should the nurse suggest to a parent asking for help with a child experiencing night terrors?
- A. Encourage the child to talk about the night terrors.
- B. Establish a bedtime routine.
- C. Allow the child to sleep with the parents.
- D. Wake the child during the night.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Establishing a bedtime routine is the most appropriate suggestion for a parent seeking help with a child experiencing night terrors. Bedtime routines can create a sense of security and predictability for the child, potentially reducing the frequency of night terrors. Encouraging the child to talk about the night terrors (Choice A) may not be effective during the episode as the child is usually not fully awake. Allowing the child to sleep with the parents (Choice C) may inadvertently reinforce the behavior and hinder the child’s ability to learn to self-soothe. Waking the child during the night (Choice D) may disrupt the sleep cycle and exacerbate the night terrors.
3. The parents of a 6-week-old infant who was born without an immune system ask a nurse why their baby is still so healthy. How should the nurse reply?
- A. Exposure to pathogens during this time can be limited.
- B. Some antibodies are produced by the infant’s colonic bacteria.
- C. Antibodies are passively received from the mother through the placenta and breast milk.
- D. Fewer antibodies are produced by the fetal thymus during the eighth and ninth months of gestation.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Infants receive passive immunity through antibodies from the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which protect them initially. Choice A is incorrect because a 6-week-old infant born without an immune system would not be able to limit exposure to pathogens effectively. Choice B is incorrect as antibodies produced by colonic bacteria are not a significant source of immunity in infants. Choice D is incorrect as the fetal thymus primarily plays a role in T cell development rather than antibody production during gestation.
4. A child with a diagnosis of leukemia is admitted to the hospital with a fever. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering antibiotics
- B. Administering antipyretics
- C. Providing nutritional support
- D. Monitoring for signs of infection
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Monitoring for signs of infection. When a child with leukemia presents with a fever, the priority nursing intervention is to monitor for signs of infection due to the immunocompromised state of the child. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be necessary based on the assessment of signs of infection, but monitoring comes first. Administering antipyretics (choice B) helps to reduce fever but does not address the underlying cause. Providing nutritional support (choice C) is essential but not the priority when the child is at risk of infection.
5. A child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance
- B. Encouraging regular exercise
- C. Administering antipyretics
- D. Administering antibiotics
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract leading to diarrhea and vomiting, which can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, the priority nursing intervention is to monitor and maintain the child's fluid and electrolyte balance to prevent complications. Encouraging regular exercise (Choice B) may not be appropriate initially for a child with gastroenteritis who needs rest and fluid replacement. Administering antipyretics (Choice C) is not the priority unless the child has a fever. Administering antibiotics (Choice D) is not indicated for viral gastroenteritis, which is the most common cause of the condition.
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