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. What information should be reinforced with the parents about introducing solid foods to their infant?
- A. Begin with one tablespoon of the food.
- B. Introduce each food 4 to 7 days apart.
- C. Mix the new food with rice cereal.
- D. Remove foods when the infant refuses them.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Introducing solid foods 4 to 7 days apart is crucial as it allows time to identify any allergic reactions or intolerances to specific foods. This gradual introduction helps parents monitor their infant's response to new foods and pinpoint any potential issues, ensuring the infant's safety and well-being. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because starting with one tablespoon of the food, mixing new food with rice cereal, and removing foods when the infant refuses them are not recommended practices for introducing solid foods to infants.
3. What is the priority action for a 2-year-old child with croup presenting with a barking cough and stridor?
- A. Administer a corticosteroid
- B. Obtain a throat culture
- C. Administer nebulized epinephrine
- D. Place the child in an upright position
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The priority action for a 2-year-old child with croup and stridor is to administer nebulized epinephrine. Nebulized epinephrine helps reduce airway swelling, alleviate symptoms, and improve breathing by causing vasoconstriction and reducing upper airway edema. Administering a corticosteroid may be done but is not the priority in this scenario. Obtaining a throat culture is not necessary for the immediate management of croup. Placing the child in an upright position can aid in breathing but is not the priority action when the child is presenting with stridor.
4. A 15-year-old adolescent with anorexia nervosa is admitted to the hospital for severe weight loss. The nurse notes that the client has dry skin, brittle hair, and is severely underweight. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Establish a therapeutic relationship with the client
- B. Monitor the client’s vital signs frequently
- C. Initiate a structured eating plan
- D. Provide education about healthy eating habits
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority intervention for the nurse is to initiate a structured eating plan. Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by severe food restriction, which can lead to malnutrition and severe weight loss. By starting a structured eating plan, the nurse can ensure the client receives the necessary nutrition to begin the process of weight restoration and recovery. Monitoring vital signs is essential, but without addressing the nutrition deficiency, vital signs may not improve significantly. Establishing a therapeutic relationship is crucial for long-term care but may not address the immediate risk of malnutrition. Providing education about healthy eating habits is important but may not be effective initially due to the severity of the client's condition.
5. A child is recovering from an appendectomy. The parent asks when the child can resume normal activities. What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. The child can resume normal activities as soon as they feel up to it
- B. The child should avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks
- C. The child can resume normal activities after the stitches are removed
- D. The child should avoid all physical activities for the next month
Correct answer: B
Rationale: After an appendectomy, it is important for the child to avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks to allow for proper healing. Resuming normal activities too soon can put unnecessary strain on the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
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