HESI RN
HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam
1. A 15-year-old adolescent with anorexia nervosa is admitted to the hospital for severe weight loss. The nurse notes that the client has dry skin, brittle hair, and is severely underweight. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Establish a therapeutic relationship with the client
- B. Monitor the client’s vital signs frequently
- C. Initiate a structured eating plan
- D. Provide education about healthy eating habits
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority intervention for the nurse is to initiate a structured eating plan. Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by severe food restriction, which can lead to malnutrition and severe weight loss. By starting a structured eating plan, the nurse can ensure the client receives the necessary nutrition to begin the process of weight restoration and recovery. Monitoring vital signs is essential, but without addressing the nutrition deficiency, vital signs may not improve significantly. Establishing a therapeutic relationship is crucial for long-term care but may not address the immediate risk of malnutrition. Providing education about healthy eating habits is important but may not be effective initially due to the severity of the client's condition.
2. The healthcare provider is evaluating the effects of thyroid therapy used to treat a 5-month-old with hypothyroidism. Which behavior indicates that the treatment has been effective?
- A. Laughs readily, turns from back to side.
- B. Has strong Moro and tonic neck reflexes.
- C. Keeps fists clenched, opens hands when grasping an object.
- D. Can lift head but not chest when lying on abdomen.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In infants, laughing readily and turning from back to side are developmental milestones that indicate effective thyroid therapy and normal development. These actions demonstrate improved muscle tone, coordination, and overall growth, which are key indicators of successful treatment for hypothyroidism in infants. Choices B, C, and D describe behaviors that are not specific indicators of thyroid therapy effectiveness in treating hypothyroidism in infants.
3. The caregiver is caring for a 3-year-old child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis. The child has had several episodes of vomiting and diarrhea over the past 24 hours. What is the caregiver's priority assessment?
- A. Monitor the child's weight
- B. Assess the child's hydration status
- C. Evaluate the child's nutritional intake
- D. Check the child's temperature
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the child's hydration status. In children with gastroenteritis, assessing hydration status is crucial as they are at risk of dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. Monitoring hydration helps prevent complications and guides appropriate interventions to maintain the child's fluid balance. Monitoring the child's weight (Choice A) is not the priority in this situation compared to assessing hydration status. Evaluating nutritional intake (Choice C) is important but not the priority when the child is at risk of dehydration. Checking the child's temperature (Choice D) is relevant but not the priority over assessing hydration status in a child with gastroenteritis.
4. The caregiver is caring for a 10-year-old child with a history of frequent ear infections. The parents are concerned about their child’s hearing and speech development. What is the caregiver’s best response?
- A. Let’s schedule a hearing test and refer to a speech therapist if needed
- B. Most children outgrow ear infections and speech delays
- C. There is no need to worry unless the infections persist into adolescence
- D. Your child’s hearing and speech should be normal by now
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The appropriate response for the caregiver is to address the parents' concerns by suggesting scheduling a hearing test and potentially referring the child to a speech therapist if necessary. This proactive approach can help evaluate and support the child's hearing and speech development effectively. Choice B is incorrect as assuming that most children outgrow ear infections and speech delays may overlook potential issues that need intervention. Choice C is wrong because waiting until adolescence to address concerns may lead to missed opportunities for early intervention. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the parents' valid concerns without offering a solution or further evaluation.
5. A 6 year old who has asthma is demonstrating a prolonged expiratory phase and wheezing and has a 35% of personal best peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Based on these findings, what actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer a prescribed bronchodilator.
- B. Encourage the child to cough and deep breath.
- C. Report findings to the health care provider.
- D. Determine what triggers precipitated this attack.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator will help open the airways and improve breathing.
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