a nurse is caring for a child with a diagnosis of asthma what is an important nursing intervention
Logo

Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

Pediatric HESI Practice Questions

1. When caring for a child diagnosed with asthma, what is an important nursing intervention?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering bronchodilators is a crucial nursing intervention for a child with asthma as it helps to open the airways and improve breathing. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making breathing easier for the child. Encouraging physical activity may exacerbate asthma symptoms in some cases, so it is not recommended as a primary intervention. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important in assessing respiratory status, but administering bronchodilators would take precedence in this situation. Providing nutritional support is a general nursing intervention and not specific to managing asthma symptoms.

2. An infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is admitted to the pediatric unit. What does the nurse expect to find when palpating the infant’s abdomen?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When palpating the abdomen of an infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), the nurse would expect to feel an olive-sized mass in the right upper quadrant. This finding is characteristic of HPS, where the hypertrophied pyloric muscle forms a palpable mass in the abdomen. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A distended colon is not a typical finding in HPS, marked tenderness around the umbilicus is not specific to this condition, and rhythmic peristaltic waves in the lower abdomen are not associated with HPS.

3. 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 answer is A. Applying ice in intervals helps to reduce swelling and pain in the first 24 hours after a sprain. This intervention is crucial in the initial management of a sprain to decrease inflammation and provide pain relief. Bed rest with the leg elevated for 36 hours (Choice B) is not recommended as prolonged immobilization can lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion. Allowing the child to take an NSAID for pain as prescribed (Choice C) is a supportive measure but not as essential as ice application in the acute phase. Using a compression dressing for 72 hours (Choice D) may assist in reducing swelling, but it is not as critical as the immediate application of ice to manage pain and inflammation effectively.

4. On the third day of hospitalization, the nurse observes that a 2-year-old toddler who had been screaming and crying inconsolably begins to regress and is now lying quietly in the crib with a blanket. What stage of separation anxiety has developed?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Despair'. In separation anxiety, the stage of despair is characterized by regression and withdrawal after the initial protest. The toddler's shift from intense crying to lying quietly with a blanket demonstrates this withdrawal behavior. Choice A, 'Denial', is incorrect as denial involves refusing to accept the reality of separation. Choice C, 'Mistrust', is incorrect as it relates to a lack of trust rather than the stage of separation anxiety described in the scenario. Choice D, 'Rejection', is incorrect as it does not reflect the behavior of the toddler in the scenario, which is more indicative of withdrawal and regression.

5. A 1-week-old infant has been in the pediatric unit for 18 hours following placement of a spica cast. The nurse observes a respiratory rate of fewer than 24 breaths/min. No other changes are noted. Because the infant is apparently well, the nurse does not report or document the slow respiratory rate. Several hours later, the infant experiences severe respiratory distress, and emergency care is necessary. What should be considered if legal action is taken?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse failed to report or document the slow respiratory rate of the infant, which later led to severe respiratory distress. It is crucial to understand that any vital signs outside the expected range in an infant should be documented and reported promptly. This documentation is vital for monitoring the infant's condition, identifying potential issues, and ensuring timely intervention if needed. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they downplay the significance of abnormal vital signs and fail to emphasize the importance of documentation and reporting in infant care.

Similar Questions

A child with a diagnosis of celiac disease is admitted to the hospital. What dietary restriction should the nurse teach the parents?
A young child has coarctation of the aorta. What does the nurse expect to identify when taking the child’s vital signs?
A child with a diagnosis of acute glomerulonephritis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?
When picked up by a parent or the nurse, an 8-month-old infant screams and seems to be in pain. After observing this behavior, what should the nurse discuss with the parent?
When teaching a class about trisomy 21, the instructor would identify the cause of this disorder as:

Access More Features

HESI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All HESI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

HESI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All HESI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses