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. An 8-year-old child with the diagnosis of meningitis is to have a lumbar puncture. What should the nurse explain is the purpose of this procedure?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of a lumbar puncture is to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. This sample helps in diagnosing conditions such as meningitis by evaluating the presence of pathogens or abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid. Measuring the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid (Choice A) is not the main objective of a lumbar puncture, although it can be done during the procedure. Relieving intracranial pressure (Choice C) is not the direct purpose of a lumbar puncture, as other interventions are typically used for this purpose. Assessing the presence of infection in the spinal fluid (Choice D) is related to the overall goal of obtaining a sample for analysis, making it a secondary outcome of the procedure.

3. The caregiver explains to the parent of a 2-year-old child that the toddler’s negativism is expected at this age. What need is this behavior meeting?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Negativism in toddlers is a common behavior at this age as they begin to assert their independence and show a desire to control their environment. Choice A, 'Trust,' does not align with the behavior of negativism, as it is more about the child's growing autonomy. Choice B, 'Attention,' while important for child development, is not the primary need being met by negativism in this context. Choice C, 'Discipline,' though important in guiding behavior, is not the underlying need being expressed through negativism. Therefore, the correct answer is D, 'Independence,' as toddlers exhibit negativism as a way to assert their independence and autonomy.

4. A nurse is teaching a class about immunizations to members of a grammar school’s Parent-Teachers Association. Which childhood disease is the nurse discussing when explaining that it is a viral disease that starts with malaise and a highly pruritic rash that begins on the abdomen, spreads to the face and proximal extremities, and can result in grave complications?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Chickenpox (varicella). Chickenpox is a viral disease characterized by a highly pruritic rash that typically starts on the abdomen and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the face and proximal extremities. It can lead to complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Rubella (German measles) presents with a mild rash and swollen lymph nodes; Rubeola (measles) also presents with a rash but starts on the face before spreading downwards; Scarlet fever is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria and is characterized by a rash, fever, and sore throat.

5. A nurse is teaching the parents of a child with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus about insulin administration. What should the nurse emphasize?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to rotate injection sites. Rotating injection sites is crucial in insulin administration to prevent lipodystrophy, which is the breakdown of subcutaneous fat at the injection site. It also helps ensure consistent insulin absorption. Administering insulin before meals (choice B) is important to match insulin peak action with the rise in blood glucose after eating. Storing insulin in the refrigerator (choice C) is correct to maintain its potency and stability. Administering insulin at bedtime (choice D) may not be suitable for all patients and is not a universal recommendation for insulin administration.

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