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. A child diagnosed with Kawasaki disease is brought to the clinic. The mother reports that her child is irritable, refuses to eat, and has skin peeling on both hands and feet. Which intervention should the nurse instruct the mother to implement first?
- A. Place the child in a quiet environment
- B. Make a list of foods that the child likes
- C. Encourage the parents to rest when possible
- D. Apply lotion to hands and feet
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Creating a quiet environment is the priority intervention as it helps reduce irritability and stress in children with Kawasaki disease. This intervention can promote a soothing atmosphere for the child, which may help in managing their symptoms effectively. Irritability and refusal to eat can be exacerbated by a noisy or stimulating environment. Making a list of foods the child likes is important, but addressing the immediate need for a calm environment takes precedence. Encouraging parents to rest is a good practice but not the immediate intervention needed for the child's symptoms. Applying lotion to hands and feet, although helpful for skin peeling, is not the first priority when dealing with irritability and refusal to eat.
3. The healthcare provider is evaluating the effects of thyroid therapy used to treat a 5-month-old with hypothyroidism. Which behavior indicates that the treatment has been effective?
- A. Laughs readily, turns from back to side.
- B. Has strong Moro and tonic neck reflexes.
- C. Keeps fists clenched, opens hands when grasping an object.
- D. Can lift head but not chest when lying on abdomen.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In infants, laughing readily and turning from back to side are developmental milestones that indicate effective thyroid therapy and normal development. These actions demonstrate improved muscle tone, coordination, and overall growth, which are key indicators of successful treatment for hypothyroidism in infants. Choices B, C, and D describe behaviors that are not specific indicators of thyroid therapy effectiveness in treating hypothyroidism in infants.
4. When developing a behavior modification program for an extremely aggressive 10-year-old boy, what should the nurse do first?
- A. Identify what activities, foods, and toys the child enjoys
- B. Assess the child's previous reactions to punishment
- C. Offer the child positive feedback
- D. Involve other children on the unit in describing the token system
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The first step in developing a behavior modification program for an extremely aggressive 10-year-old boy is to identify what activities, foods, and toys the child enjoys. Understanding the child's motivations is crucial in creating an effective behavior modification plan tailored to his interests and preferences, which can help in positively reinforcing desired behaviors.
5. The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old child who is scheduled for surgery to repair a fractured femur. The child’s parent expresses concern about the child being afraid of the surgery. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Children at this age are usually not afraid of surgery
- B. It’s normal for your child to feel scared. Let’s talk about what to expect
- C. You should talk to the surgeon about your child’s fear
- D. Don’t worry, your child will be fine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Acknowledging the child’s fear and providing information about what to expect can help alleviate anxiety.
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