HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. The caregiver discovers a 6-month-old infant unresponsive and calls for help. After opening the airway and finding the infant is still not breathing, what action should the caregiver take?
- A. Palpate femoral pulse and check for regularity.
- B. Deliver cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths.
- C. Give two breaths that make the chest rise.
- D. Feel the carotid pulse and check for adequate breathing.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Providing two breaths that make the chest rise is the correct action in this situation. This helps to deliver oxygen to the infant's lungs and body, which is crucial in a situation where the infant is not breathing. Chest rise indicates successful ventilation, and it is an essential step in pediatric resuscitation, especially for infants. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because palpating the femoral pulse, delivering chest compressions, and feeling the carotid pulse are not the initial actions to take when an infant is not breathing. The priority is to provide effective breaths to establish ventilation.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. When screening a 5-year-old for strabismus, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Have the child identify colored patterns on polychromatic cards.
- B. Direct the child through the six cardinal positions of gaze.
- C. Inspect the child for the setting sun sign.
- D. Observe the child for blank, sunken eyes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When screening a 5-year-old for strabismus, directing the child through the six cardinal positions of gaze is the most appropriate action. This method helps the nurse to assess eye alignment, which is crucial in identifying any misalignment that may indicate strabismus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Having the child identify colored patterns on polychromatic cards is more related to visual acuity testing rather than strabismus screening. Inspecting the child for the setting sun sign is not a standard method for strabismus screening. Observing the child for blank, sunken eyes is not specific to strabismus assessment.
5. In a 7-year-old child with a history of asthma experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation and displaying wheezing and the use of accessory muscles to breathe, what is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Administer a nebulized bronchodilator
- B. Obtain an arterial blood gas
- C. Start the child on oxygen therapy
- D. Notify the healthcare provider
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a nebulized bronchodilator. During an acute asthma exacerbation in a child with wheezing and increased work of breathing, the priority intervention is to provide immediate bronchodilation to dilate the airways, relieve bronchospasm, and improve breathing. This intervention aims to manage the acute asthma attack effectively and prevent further respiratory distress. Obtaining an arterial blood gas, starting oxygen therapy, or notifying the healthcare provider are important actions, but administering a bronchodilator takes precedence in addressing the acute respiratory compromise.
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