HESI RN
HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam
1. A 3-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia. The nurse notes that the child has a fever and is breathing rapidly. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer antipyretic medication
- B. Obtain a chest X-ray
- C. Start the child on oxygen therapy
- D. Notify the healthcare provider
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a child with pneumonia who is breathing rapidly, the priority action for the nurse is to start the child on oxygen therapy. This intervention is essential to ensure adequate oxygenation, which is crucial in managing respiratory distress and preventing complications associated with hypoxia. Administering antipyretic medication (Choice A) may help reduce the fever but does not address the immediate need for oxygen therapy. Obtaining a chest X-ray (Choice B) is important for diagnosis but providing oxygen is more urgent. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice D) can be done after initiating oxygen therapy to update on the patient's condition.
2. During a well baby visit, the parents explain that a soft bulge appears in the groin of their 4-month-old son when he cries or strains during stooling. The infant is scheduled for surgical repair of the inguinal hernia in two weeks. What should the parent be instructed to do if the hernia becomes incarcerated prior to the surgery?
- A. Use a rectal thermometer to strain during stooling.
- B. Gently manipulate the hernia for reduction.
- C. Offer oral electrolyte fluids for comfort.
- D. Give acetaminophen or aspirin for crying.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the case of an incarcerated inguinal hernia, gentle manipulation can sometimes help in reducing it before surgery. This action should be taken cautiously and immediately followed by seeking medical attention. It is important to note that attempting reduction should be done by a healthcare professional, and parents should be advised to seek urgent medical care if the hernia becomes incarcerated. Using a rectal thermometer to strain during stooling (Choice A) is not the correct approach for an incarcerated hernia and can worsen the condition. Offering oral electrolyte fluids for comfort (Choice C) or giving acetaminophen or aspirin for crying (Choice D) are not appropriate interventions for an incarcerated hernia and may delay necessary medical treatment.
3. The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old child who is scheduled for surgery to repair a fractured femur. The child’s parent expresses concern about the child being afraid of the surgery. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Children at this age are usually not afraid of surgery
- B. It’s normal for your child to feel scared. Let’s talk about what to expect
- C. You should talk to the surgeon about your child’s fear
- D. Don’t worry, your child will be fine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Acknowledging the child’s fear and providing information about what to expect can help alleviate anxiety.
4. A 12-year-old male is brought to the clinic after falling during a skateboarding trick. The child's vital signs are heart rate 135 beats/minute, respirations 20 breaths/minute, and blood pressure 90/60. Which finding should the practical nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. The client complains of his back being sore.
- B. Capillary refill is less than 2 seconds.
- C. Blood pressure is 94/68.
- D. Peripheral pulses are weak and rapid.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the 12-year-old male with a heart rate of 135 beats/minute, respirations of 20 breaths/minute, and blood pressure of 90/60 after falling during a skateboarding trick exhibits signs of shock. Weak and rapid peripheral pulses are concerning as they may indicate decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion, which are signs of shock. This finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and intervention to prevent potential complications. The other choices are less urgent. Complaints of back soreness (choice A) could be related to musculoskeletal injury. Capillary refill less than 2 seconds (choice B) is within the normal range, indicating adequate peripheral perfusion. A blood pressure of 94/68 (choice C) is slightly higher than the initial reading and may be compensatory in response to the fall and shock state.
5. When a mother of a 3-year-old boy gives birth to a baby girl and the boy asks why his baby sister is breastfeeding from their mother, how should the nurse respond? Select the option that is not appropriate.
- A. Remind him that his mother breastfed him too
- B. Clarify that breastfeeding is the mother's choice
- C. Reassure the older brother that it does not hurt his mother
- D. Explain that newborns get milk from their mothers in this way
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is not the appropriate response in this scenario. The correct answer is choice A, which normalizes the situation for the child by reminding him that his mother breastfed him too. This response helps the older brother understand that breastfeeding is a natural and common practice for newborns, including his baby sister, just as it was for him when he was a baby. Choice B, while true, does not directly address the child's question and may not provide the same level of reassurance and normalization as choice A. Choices C and D also do not directly answer the child's question and do not provide the same level of connection and understanding as choice A.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
HESI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access