HESI LPN
Pediatrics HESI 2023
1. A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old child with suspected Down syndrome. What characteristic physical feature is the nurse likely to observe?
- A. Epicanthal folds
- B. Webbed neck
- C. Enlarged head
- D. Polydactyly
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Epicanthal folds are a distinctive physical feature commonly observed in individuals with Down syndrome. These are horizontal skin folds that cover the inner corners of the eyes. Webbed neck (choice B) is not typically associated with Down syndrome but can be seen in conditions like Turner syndrome. Enlarged head (choice C) is not a characteristic feature of Down syndrome; however, individuals with hydrocephalus may present with this finding. Polydactyly (choice D) is the presence of extra fingers or toes, which is not a typical feature of Down syndrome.
2. After a discussion with the health care provider, the parents of an infant with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ask the nurse to explain once again what PDA is. How should the nurse respond?
- A. The diameter of the aorta is enlarged.
- B. The wall between the right and left ventricles is open.
- C. It is a narrowing of the entrance to the pulmonary artery.
- D. It is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'It is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.' Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is an abnormal connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, which normally closes after birth. Choices A, B, and C describe different cardiac conditions and do not accurately define PDA. Choice A is incorrect because PDA does not involve the diameter of the aorta being enlarged. Choice B is incorrect because PDA does not involve the wall between the right and left ventricles being open. Choice C is incorrect because PDA is not a narrowing of the entrance to the pulmonary artery.
3. Which of the following findings would indicate altered mental status in a small child?
- A. Recognizing the parents
- B. Showing fright at the EMT-B's presence
- C. Displaying a lack of attention to the EMT-B's presence
- D. Maintaining consistent eye contact with the EMT-B
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a small child, displaying a lack of attention to the EMT-B's presence would indicate altered mental status. This behavior suggests a diminished level of consciousness or awareness, which is concerning. Recognizing the parents (Choice A) is a normal and expected behavior for a child. Showing fright at the EMT-B's presence (Choice B) may indicate fear or anxiety but not necessarily altered mental status. Maintaining consistent eye contact with the EMT-B (Choice D) may indicate engagement or curiosity rather than altered mental status.
4. Which best describes a full-thickness (third-degree) burn?
- A. Erythema and pain
- B. Skin showing erythema followed by blister formation
- C. Destruction of all layers of skin evident with extension into subcutaneous tissue
- D. Destruction injury involving underlying structures such as muscle, fascia, and bone
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Full-thickness burns involve the destruction of all layers of skin, extending into the subcutaneous tissue. This type of burn causes severe damage and loss of sensation due to nerve destruction. Choice A, erythema and pain, describes superficial burns (first-degree). Choice B, skin showing erythema followed by blister formation, describes partial-thickness burns (second-degree). Choice D, destruction injury involving underlying structures such as muscle, fascia, and bone, goes beyond the description of full-thickness burns.
5. When explaining the occurrence of febrile seizures to a parents' class, what information should the nurse include?
- A. They may occur in minor illnesses.
- B. The cause is usually readily identified.
- C. They usually do not occur during the toddler years.
- D. The frequency of occurrence is greater in females than males.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They may occur in minor illnesses.' Febrile seizures can occur even in minor illnesses, particularly in young children, and are often triggered by a rapid increase in body temperature. Choice B is incorrect because the cause of febrile seizures is not always readily identified. Choice C is incorrect as febrile seizures commonly occur in children aged 6 months to 5 years, which includes the toddler years. Choice D is incorrect as febrile seizures are slightly more common in males than females.
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