HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. 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.
2. The nurse provides information about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to the mother of a 14-year-old adolescent who came to the clinic this morning complaining of menstrual cramping. Which explanation should the nurse provide to support administering the HPV vaccine to the adolescent at this visit?
- A. Use of protective barriers during sexual activity prevents most strains of HPV infection
- B. Most adolescents are not honest about being sexually active
- C. Not all strains of HPV will be covered if given at a later date
- D. Immunity must be established to prevent future HPV infection and the risk for cervical cancer
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Administering the HPV vaccine helps establish immunity before potential exposure to the virus, reducing the risk of HPV infection and subsequent development of cervical cancer. It is recommended to vaccinate adolescents before they become sexually active for maximum effectiveness. Choice A is incorrect because while protective barriers can reduce the risk, they do not prevent all strains of HPV. Choice B is incorrect and judgmental as it assumes dishonesty without providing relevant information about HPV vaccination. Choice C is incorrect as it downplays the importance of vaccination by suggesting that not all strains are necessary to cover, which is not the case in preventing HPV-related diseases.
3. Which drink choice on a hot day indicates that a teenager with sickle cell anemia understands dietary considerations related to the disease?
- A. Milkshake
- B. Iced tea
- C. Diet cola
- D. Lemonade
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Lemonade is the correct choice for a teenager with sickle cell anemia as it provides hydration without caffeine, which is important for individuals with this condition. Caffeine can lead to dehydration, vasoconstriction, and potentially worsen symptoms in sickle cell anemia patients. Milkshake (choice A) may contain dairy, which can be high in fat and may not be the best choice for someone with sickle cell anemia. Iced tea (choice B) and diet cola (choice C) both contain caffeine, which should be avoided by individuals with sickle cell anemia due to its dehydrating effects.
4. A child with cystic fibrosis is being discharged home with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. What information should the practical nurse reinforce with the parents?
- A. Give the enzymes after meals.
- B. Mix the enzymes with hot food or drinks.
- C. Enzymes should be taken before or with meals.
- D. Avoid giving enzymes with any food or drink.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Enzymes should be taken before or with meals.' Pancreatic enzymes should be taken before or with meals to assist with digestion in children with cystic fibrosis. This timing helps maximize the effectiveness of the enzymes in breaking down nutrients from food. Giving the enzymes after meals (choice A) may not provide the necessary support for digestion. Mixing the enzymes with hot food or drinks (choice B) is not recommended as it may affect the enzymes' efficacy. Avoiding giving enzymes with any food or drink (choice D) is incorrect as enzymes need to be taken in conjunction with meals to aid in digestion.
5. What advice should be provided by the practical nurse to the mother of a school-age child with acute diarrhea and mild dehydration who is occasionally vomiting despite being given an oral rehydration solution (ORS)?
- A. Continue to give ORS frequently in small amounts.
- B. Alternate between ORS and carbonated beverages.
- C. Take the child to the hospital for intravenous fluids.
- D. Place the child NPO for the next eight to nine hours.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The practical nurse should advise the mother to continue providing the oral rehydration solution (ORS) frequently in small amounts. It is essential to continue ORS administration to prevent dehydration, even if the child is occasionally vomiting. Small, frequent amounts of ORS help maintain hydration levels in children with acute diarrhea and mild dehydration.
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