HESI RN
HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam
1. A child with pertussis is receiving azithromycin (Zithromax Injection) IV. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the child's plan of care?
- A. Obtain vital signs to monitor for fluid overload
- B. Change IV site dressing every 3 days and as needed
- C. Monitor for signs of facial swelling or urticaria
- D. Assess for abdominal pain and vomiting
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When administering azithromycin IV, monitoring for signs of an allergic reaction, such as facial swelling or urticaria, is crucial. This helps in early detection of potential adverse reactions and ensures prompt intervention to prevent complications associated with the medication. The other options are not directly related to the administration of azithromycin IV in this scenario. Monitoring for fluid overload would be more relevant for fluid administration, changing IV site dressing is important but not the priority in this case, and assessing for abdominal pain and vomiting may be important but not as critical as monitoring for signs of an allergic reaction.
2. The healthcare provider plans to administer 10 mcg/kg of digoxin elixir as a loading dose to a child who weighs 55 pounds. Digoxin is available as an elixir of 50 mcg/ml. How many milliliters of the digoxin elixir should the healthcare provider administer to this child?
- A. 5 ml
- B. 10 ml
- C. 15 ml
- D. 20 ml
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To calculate the dose, first, convert the child's weight to kilograms by dividing 55 pounds by 2.2, which equals approximately 25 kg. Then, multiply the weight by the dose (10 mcg/kg) to get the total dose needed, which is 250 mcg. Next, divide the total dose by the concentration of the elixir (50 mcg/ml) to determine the volume needed, which is 5 ml. Therefore, the correct dose is 5 ml based on the child's weight and the concentration of the elixir.
3. A mother brings her school-aged daughter to the pediatric clinic for evaluation of her anti-epileptic medication regimen. What information should the nurse provide to the mother?
- A. The medication dose will be tapered over a period of 2 weeks when being discontinued
- B. If seizures return, multiple medications will be prescribed for another 2 years
- C. A dose of valproic acid (Depakote) should be available in the event of status epilepticus
- D. Phenytoin (Dilantin) and phenobarbital (Luminal) should be taken for life
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Antiepileptic drugs should not be abruptly stopped as it may lead to seizure recurrence. Tapering the medication over a period of 2 weeks helps to prevent withdrawal effects and minimize the risk of seizures. Choice B is incorrect because starting multiple medications for seizure recurrence is not the first-line approach. Choice C is incorrect because valproic acid is not the first-line medication given in the event of status epilepticus. Choice D is incorrect because antiepileptic medications are usually evaluated over time and adjusted based on the individual's response; it is not always necessary to take them for life.
4. A male infant with bronchiolitis is brought to the clinic by his mother. The infant is congested and febrile with a capillary refill of 2 seconds. Which information should the nurse discuss with the mother?
- A. Encourage the infant to play
- B. Limit the amount of oral intake
- C. Keep the infant isolated from others
- D. Place the infant on their back for naps
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bronchiolitis is a highly contagious respiratory infection commonly caused by viruses. Isolating the infant from others is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection to other vulnerable individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems. Encouraging play may not be appropriate as the infant is sick and needs rest. Limiting oral intake might be necessary if the infant is having difficulty swallowing due to respiratory distress. Placing the infant on their back for naps is a safe sleep practice but not the priority in this situation where preventing transmission of the infection is crucial.
5. The nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which response requires further evaluation by the nurse?
- A. Has doubled birth weight.
- B. Turns head to locate sound.
- C. Plays peek-a-boo.
- D. Demonstrates startle reflex.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: At 6 months old, the startle reflex should diminish, so its persistence warrants further evaluation by the nurse. Choices A, B, and C are appropriate developmental milestones for a 6-month-old infant. By 6 months, infants typically double their birth weight, exhibit localization of sound by turning their head, and engage in interactive play like peek-a-boo.
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