HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. The mother of a one-month-old calls the clinic to report that the back of her infant's head is flat. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Turn the infant on the left side braced against the crib when sleeping.
- B. Prop the infant in a sitting position with a cushion when not sleeping.
- C. Place a small pillow under the infant's head while lying on the back.
- D. Position the infant on the stomach occasionally when awake and active.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Positioning the infant on the stomach occasionally when awake and active can help prevent flat spots on the head. This position allows for more natural movement and prevents prolonged pressure on one area of the head, reducing the risk of developing a flat spot. Turning the infant on the left side braced against the crib when sleeping (choice A) is not recommended as it does not address the issue of flat spots. Propping the infant in a sitting position with a cushion when not sleeping (choice B) may increase the risk of falls and is not suitable for a one-month-old. Placing a small pillow under the infant's head while lying on the back (choice C) should be avoided due to the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
2. 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.
3. When planning care for a child diagnosed with rheumatic fever, what is the primary goal of nursing care?
- A. Reduce fever.
- B. Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
- C. Prevent cardiac damage.
- D. Maintain joint mobility and function.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The primary goal of nursing care for a child diagnosed with rheumatic fever is to prevent cardiac damage. Rheumatic fever can lead to complications affecting the heart, making it crucial to monitor and prevent cardiac involvement to avoid long-term consequences. While addressing fever and joint pain are important aspects of care, preventing cardiac damage takes precedence in managing rheumatic fever. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are not the primary goals of nursing care in this case.
4. An adolescent's mother calls the primary HCP's office to inquire about the results of her daughter's serum test that was drawn last week. Since it is the teenager's 18th birthday, how should the nurse respond to this mother's inquiry?
- A. Ask when the adolescent was last seen at the clinic
- B. Tell the mother to have the teenager call the clinic
- C. Provide the mother with the findings
- D. Explain that the information cannot be released without the 18-year-old's permission
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is to explain to the mother that the information cannot be released without the 18-year-old's permission. When an individual turns 18, they are legally considered an adult, and privacy laws mandate that their consent is required before sharing their medical information with others. It is crucial to respect the adolescent's autonomy and privacy rights. Choices A and C are incorrect because they involve disclosing the information without the individual's consent. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the legal requirement for the adolescent's permission before sharing medical information.
5. A 2-year-old child with heart failure (HF) is admitted for replacement of a graft for coarctation of the aorta. Prior to administering the next dose of digoxin (Lanoxin), the nurse obtains an apical heart rate of 128 bpm. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Determine the pulse deficit.
- B. Administer the scheduled dose.
- C. Calculate the safe dose range.
- D. Review the serum digoxin level.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering the scheduled dose is appropriate in this scenario since the heart rate of 128 bpm is within an acceptable range for a 2-year-old child with heart failure. Monitoring for signs of digoxin toxicity is important; however, the immediate action required is to administer the scheduled dose as prescribed based on the heart rate assessment.
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