HESI LPN
Pediatrics HESI 2023
1. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory report of a child with tetralogy of Fallot that indicates an elevated RBC count. What does the professional identify as the cause of the polycythemia?
- A. Low tissue oxygen needs
- B. Tissue oxygen needs
- C. Diminished iron level
- D. Hypertrophic cardiac muscle
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tissue oxygen needs. Polycythemia occurs as the body's response to chronic hypoxia by increasing RBC production to enhance oxygen delivery. In tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect, the heart's structure causes reduced oxygen levels in the blood. This chronic hypoxia stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, leading to an elevated RBC count. Choice A is incorrect as low blood pressure is not directly related to polycythemia in this context. Choice C, diminished iron level, is not the cause of polycythemia in tetralogy of Fallot. Choice D, hypertrophic cardiac muscle, is not the primary cause of the elevated RBC count in this case.
2. A parent arrives in the emergency clinic with a 3-month-old baby who says, “My baby stopped breathing for a while.” The infant continues to have difficulty breathing, with prolonged periods of apnea. Which assessment data should alert the nurse to suspect shaken baby syndrome (SBS)?
- A. Birth occurred before 32 weeks’ gestation
- B. Lack of stridor and adventitious breath sounds
- C. Previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds
- D. Retractions and use of accessory respiratory muscles
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Retractions and the use of accessory respiratory muscles can be signs of respiratory distress, which may indicate trauma such as shaken baby syndrome (SBS). Shaken baby syndrome can result in brain injury and respiratory compromise, leading to breathing difficulties. Choices A, B, and C are less likely to be associated with SBS. Birth before 32 weeks’ gestation is more related to prematurity rather than SBS. The lack of stridor and adventitious breath sounds, as well as previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds, are not specific indicators of SBS.
3. While assessing an 18-month-old child, a nurse observes that the toddler can crawl upstairs but needs assistance when climbing the stairs upright. What does this action indicate to the nurse?
- A. Presence of talipes equinovarus
- B. Reflective of neurologic damage
- C. Expected behavior in a toddler of this age
- D. Existence of developmental dysplasia of the hip
Correct answer: C
Rationale: At 18 months of age, needing assistance to climb stairs upright is considered normal behavior for a toddler. Crawling upstairs is a different motor skill and does not necessarily correlate with the ability to climb stairs. The child is still developing gross motor skills, and climbing stairs upright typically requires more coordination and strength, which may not be fully developed at this age. Choices A, B, and D are not relevant in this scenario as the observed behavior is within the expected range of development for an 18-month-old child.
4. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a child with tetralogy of Fallot that indicates an elevated RBC count. What does the nurse identify as the cause of the polycythemia?
- A. Low tissue oxygen needs
- B. Tissue oxygen needs
- C. Diminished iron levels
- D. Hypertrophic cardiac muscle
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tissue oxygen needs. Polycythemia occurs in response to chronic hypoxia, leading the body to increase red blood cell production to enhance oxygen delivery. In tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect that results in reduced oxygen levels in the blood, the body compensates by producing more red blood cells. Choice A is incorrect as low tissue oxygen needs would not trigger polycythemia. Choice C, diminished iron levels, is not the cause of polycythemia in this case. Choice D, hypertrophic cardiac muscle, is unrelated to the pathophysiology of polycythemia in tetralogy of Fallot.
5. A 3-year-old child is being discharged after being treated for dehydration. What should be included in the discharge teaching?
- A. Monitor for signs of infection
- B. Monitor for signs of dehydration
- C. Monitor for signs of hypovolemia
- D. Monitor for signs of malnutrition
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor for signs of dehydration. After treatment for dehydration, it is crucial to educate caregivers about recognizing early signs of dehydration to prevent its recurrence. Monitoring for dehydration ensures that appropriate measures can be taken promptly if signs reappear. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because infection, hypovolemia, and malnutrition, while important considerations in healthcare, are not the primary focus after treating dehydration in a 3-year-old child.
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