HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI Practice Questions
1. The parents of a newborn with phenylketonuria (PKU) need help and support in adhering to specific dietary restrictions. They ask the nurse, “How long will our child have to be on this diet?” How should the nurse respond?
- A. “We are still not sure; you should discuss this with your health care provider.”
- B. “If your baby does well, foods containing protein can gradually be introduced.”
- C. “Your child needs to be on this diet at least through adolescence and into adulthood.”
- D. “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.”
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.” Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder where the body cannot process phenylalanine properly. The diet for PKU must be continued lifelong to prevent cognitive and developmental issues, as phenylalanine buildup can cause irreversible damage. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse should provide information about the lifelong nature of the dietary restrictions for PKU. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests reintroducing protein-containing foods, which is not recommended for individuals with PKU. Choice C is incorrect as it underestimates the duration of the necessary dietary restrictions for PKU.
2. Which nursing intervention provides the most support to the parents of an infant with an obvious physical anomaly?
- A. Encourage them to express their concerns.
- B. Discourage them from talking about their baby.
- C. Assure them not to worry because the anomaly can be repaired.
- D. Show them postoperative photographs of infants who had a similar anomaly.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging parents to express their concerns is the most supportive intervention because it allows them to process their emotions and provides them with an opportunity to share their fears, anxieties, and questions. This open communication helps the nurse to offer appropriate support, education, and reassurance. Discouraging parents from talking about their baby (Choice B) can hinder their emotional expression and prevent them from seeking necessary information and support. Assuring parents not to worry (Choice C) may invalidate their feelings and minimize the significance of their concerns. Showing postoperative photographs (Choice D) may not be appropriate at this stage as parents need emotional support and education about the current situation before focusing on postoperative outcomes.
3. Which is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for the child with acute glomerulonephritis?
- A. Risk for injury related to malignant process and treatment
- B. Fluid volume deficit related to excessive losses
- C. Fluid volume excess related to decreased plasma filtration
- D. Fluid volume excess related to fluid accumulation in tissues and third spaces
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a child with acute glomerulonephritis is fluid volume excess related to decreased plasma filtration. Acute glomerulonephritis is characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys, leading to decreased plasma filtration and retention of fluid. This results in fluid volume excess rather than fluid deficit (choice B) or fluid accumulation in tissues and third spaces (choice D). The diagnosis of 'risk for injury related to malignant process and treatment' (choice A) is not directly related to the pathophysiology of acute glomerulonephritis.
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 1-year-old child has a congenital cardiac malformation that causes right-to-left shunting of blood through the heart. What clinical finding should the healthcare provider expect?
- A. Proteinuria
- B. Peripheral edema
- C. Elevated hematocrit
- D. Absence of pedal pulses
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a congenital cardiac malformation causing right-to-left shunting, the nurse should expect an elevated hematocrit. This occurs because the body compensates for decreased oxygenation by producing more red blood cells. Proteinuria (Choice A) is not typically associated with congenital cardiac malformations causing right-to-left shunting. Peripheral edema (Choice B) is more commonly seen in conditions causing left-sided heart failure. Absence of pedal pulses (Choice D) is not a typical finding in congenital cardiac malformations causing right-to-left shunting.
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