a 4 year old child is brought to the clinic with complaints of ear pain and fever the practical nurse pn suspects otitis media which symptom supports
Logo

Nursing Elites

HESI RN

HESI Pediatric Practice Exam

1. A 4-year-old child is brought to the clinic with complaints of ear pain and fever. The practical nurse suspects otitis media. Which symptom supports this suspicion?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tugging at the ear is a common symptom in children with otitis media. It often indicates discomfort or pain in the ear, suggesting inflammation or infection in the middle ear. This behavior is frequently observed in young children who are unable to express their discomfort verbally, making it a significant clinical indicator for otitis media in this age group. Clear nasal discharge (Choice A) is more indicative of a cold or allergies, while a dry, hacking cough (Choice B) is not typically associated with otitis media. Although a sore throat (Choice D) can sometimes accompany ear infections, tugging at the ear is a more specific and reliable symptom in this case.

2. A child with leukemia is admitted for chemotherapy, and the nursing diagnosis 'altered nutrition, less than body requirements related to anorexia, nausea, and vomiting' is identified. Which intervention should the nurse include in this child's plan of care?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Allowing the child to eat any food desired and tolerated is the most appropriate intervention in this scenario. Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, which can lead to altered nutrition. Allowing the child to choose foods they desire and can tolerate can help improve their nutritional intake during this challenging time. Encouraging large portions of food at every meal (Choice A) may overwhelm the child and worsen their symptoms. Eating like siblings at home (Choice C) may not align with the child's specific needs during chemotherapy. Restricting food from fast-food restaurants (Choice D) is not necessary as long as the food choices are suitable for the child's condition and preferences.

3. A 7-year-old is admitted to the hospital with persistent vomiting, and a nasogastric tube attached to low intermittent suction is applied. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is significantly low and indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to report this finding promptly to the healthcare provider for immediate intervention. The other findings are not as critical in this situation. Gastric output of 100 mL in the last 8 hours may be expected in a patient with persistent vomiting. The shift intake of IV fluids and ice chips indicates fluid replacement, which is important but not as urgent as correcting electrolyte imbalances. A serum pH of 7.45 is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate concern.

4. A 6-year-old child is diagnosed with rheumatic fever and demonstrates associated chorea (sudden aimless movements of the arms and legs). Which information should the nurse provide to the parents?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chorea associated with rheumatic fever is usually temporary and will subside over time.

5. During a follow-up clinical visit, a mother tells the nurse that her 5-month-old son, who had surgical correction for tetralogy of Fallot, has rapid breathing, often takes a long time to eat, and requires frequent rest periods. The infant is not crying while being held, and his growth is in the expected range. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Auscultating the heart and lungs while the infant is held can provide important diagnostic information in assessing the cardiac and respiratory status of the infant who had surgical correction for tetralogy of Fallot. This intervention can help the nurse identify any abnormal heart or lung sounds, which may indicate complications or issues that need further evaluation or intervention.

Similar Questions

What information should a nurse discuss with the mother of a 2-year-old girl who is drinking sweetened soda from her bottle?
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?
The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child who has been recently diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Which discharge instruction by the nurse is most important to promote pulmonary function?
Which assessment finding should the healthcare provider identify as most concerning in a child with acute glomerulonephritis?
What is the recommended analgesia for preparing a school-age child for a lumbar puncture (LP)?

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

Other Courses