a child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis is admitted to the hospital what is the priority nursing intervention
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Pediatric HESI Practice Questions

1. A child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to fluid loss. Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance is essential in managing gastroenteritis to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Encouraging regular exercise (Choice B) is not a priority in the acute phase of gastroenteritis when the focus is on rehydration and symptom management. Administering antipyretics (Choice C) may be considered for fever management but is not the priority over monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Administering antibiotics (Choice D) is not routinely indicated for viral gastroenteritis, which is a common cause of the condition in children.

2. When the working mother of a toddler is preparing to take her child home after a prolonged hospitalization, she asks the nurse what type of behavior she should expect to be displayed. What is the nurse’s most appropriate description of her child’s probable behavior?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After a prolonged hospitalization, a toddler may exhibit excessively demanding behavior as they readjust to being home. This behavior can stem from the child feeling insecure or anxious about the changes in their environment. The child may seek extra attention and reassurance during this transition period. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hostility, shallowness in attachment, and withdrawal without emotional ties are less likely behaviors to be displayed by a toddler readjusting to home after a hospital stay.

3. A school nurse is educating parents of school-age children on the significance of immunizations for childhood communicable diseases. What preventable disease may lead to the complication of encephalitis?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Varicella (Chickenpox). Varicella can lead to the complication of encephalitis, characterized by brain inflammation. Encephalitis is a known complication of chickenpox in rare cases. Scarlet fever (choice B) is caused by Streptococcus bacteria and does not typically result in encephalitis. Poliomyelitis (choice C) primarily affects the spinal cord and does not lead to encephalitis. Whooping cough (choice D) can cause severe coughing spells but does not directly result in encephalitis.

4. A child is brought to the clinic after tripping over a rock. The child states, 'I twisted my ankle,' and is given a diagnosis of a sprain. What intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge instructions for this child?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention for a sprained ankle is to apply ice for 20 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours, then remove for 60 minutes to prevent tissue damage. This regimen helps reduce swelling and pain. Bed rest with the leg elevated for an extended period (36 hours) may lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion. While NSAIDs can be used for pain, they may not be necessary if pain is manageable with ice and rest. Using a compression dressing for 72 hours continuously may impede proper circulation and delay healing by restricting blood flow.

5. What is the most appropriate method to feed an infant born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A cross-cut nipple is the most appropriate method to feed an infant born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Using a cross-cut nipple allows for easier feeding by modifying the flow of milk, which helps in reducing the risk of aspiration in infants with this condition. Plastic spoon, parenteral infusion, and rubber-tipped syringe are not suitable for feeding infants with cleft lip and palate. Feeding an infant with a cleft lip and palate requires special considerations to ensure safe and effective nutrition delivery.

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