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?
- A. Clear nasal discharge.
- B. Dry, hacking cough.
- C. Tugging at the ear.
- D. Sore throat.
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. The nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who has been diagnosed with measles. Which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent the spread of infection?
- A. Administer antipyretics as prescribed
- B. Place the child in airborne isolation
- C. Encourage fluid intake
- D. Teach the parents about hand hygiene
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Measles is an airborne infection, so placing the child in airborne isolation is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus to others. Airborne isolation precautions help contain infectious respiratory droplets and reduce the risk of transmission to healthcare workers, other patients, and visitors. Administering antipyretics, encouraging fluid intake, and teaching parents about hand hygiene are important aspects of care but do not directly address the prevention of the spread of measles, which requires airborne precautions.
3. The parents of a 9-month-old infant are being educated about preventing iron deficiency anemia. Which statement by the parent indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will start giving my baby whole cow’s milk at 12 months
- B. I will give my baby iron-fortified cereal
- C. I will give my baby fruit juice between meals
- D. I will give my baby water with meals
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'I will give my baby iron-fortified cereal.' Iron-fortified cereal is an excellent source of iron for infants, aiding in the prevention of iron deficiency anemia. Choice A is incorrect as whole cow’s milk should not be introduced until the child is at least 12 months old to prevent iron deficiency. Choice C is incorrect because giving fruit juice between meals can interfere with iron absorption. Choice D is incorrect as giving water with meals can decrease nutrient intake. Therefore, the best choice to prevent iron deficiency anemia in a 9-month-old infant is to give them iron-fortified cereal.
4. An infant with tetralogy of Fallot becomes acutely cyanotic and hyperpneic. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer morphine sulfate.
- B. Start IV fluids.
- C. Place the infant in a knee-chest position.
- D. Provide 100% oxygen by face mask.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a situation where an infant with tetralogy of Fallot is acutely cyanotic and hyperpneic, the priority action should be to place the infant in a knee-chest position. This position helps increase systemic vascular resistance, improving pulmonary blood flow and subsequently ameliorating the cyanosis and hyperpnea. It is a non-invasive and effective intervention that can be promptly implemented by the nurse to address the immediate respiratory distress. Administering morphine sulfate (Choice A) is not the priority in this case as it may cause further respiratory depression. Starting IV fluids (Choice B) may not address the immediate cyanosis and hyperpnea. Providing 100% oxygen by face mask (Choice D) can help with oxygenation but may not be as effective as placing the infant in a knee-chest position to improve blood flow dynamics.
5. When planning care for a child diagnosed with rheumatic fever, what is the primary goal of nursing care?
- A. Reduce fever.
- B. Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
- C. Prevent cardiac damage.
- D. Maintain joint mobility and function.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The primary goal of nursing care for a child diagnosed with rheumatic fever is to prevent cardiac damage. Rheumatic fever can lead to complications affecting the heart, making it crucial to monitor and prevent cardiac involvement to avoid long-term consequences. While addressing fever and joint pain are important aspects of care, preventing cardiac damage takes precedence in managing rheumatic fever. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are not the primary goals of nursing care in this case.
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