HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. The nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child who is brought to the clinic for a routine checkup. The child’s parent reports that the child has been more irritable and less active over the past week. The nurse notes a petechial rash on the child’s trunk and extremities. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Ask the parent about recent exposure to contagious diseases
- B. Review the child’s immunization record
- C. Measure the child’s temperature
- D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the child's presentation with irritability, decreased activity, and a petechial rash raises concern for a serious condition like meningitis. Petechial rash can be indicative of meningitis or other critical illnesses. Therefore, the nurse's priority should be to notify the healthcare provider immediately to ensure prompt evaluation and appropriate management. Asking about recent exposure to contagious diseases may be relevant later but is not the most urgent action. Reviewing the child's immunization record and measuring the temperature can provide valuable information but should not take precedence over the need to address the potential serious condition indicated by the petechial rash.
2. Following admission for cardiac catheterization, the nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a 2-year-old toddler with tetralogy of Fallot. What instruction should the nurse give the parents if their child becomes pale, cool, and lethargic?
- A. Encourage oral electrolyte solution intake
- B. Assist the child to a recumbent position
- C. Contact their healthcare provider immediately
- D. Provide a quiet time by holding or rocking the toddler
Correct answer: C
Rationale: If a child with tetralogy of Fallot becomes pale, cool, and lethargic, these symptoms may indicate a hypoxic episode or worsening condition. It is crucial to contact the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and management to ensure the child's safety and well-being. Option A is incorrect because electrolyte solution intake is not the immediate action needed for these symptoms. Option B is incorrect as positioning alone may not address the underlying issue. Option D is incorrect as providing a quiet time is not appropriate if the child is experiencing concerning symptoms that require prompt medical attention.
3. Which nursing intervention is most important to assist in detecting hypopituitarism and hyperpituitarism in children?
- A. Carefully recording the height and weight of children to detect inappropriate growth.
- B. Performing head circumference measurements on infants under one year of age.
- C. Assessing for behavioral problems at home and school by interviewing the parents.
- D. Noting tracked weight gain without a gain in height on a growth chart.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Recording the height and weight of children is crucial in detecting growth abnormalities like hypopituitarism and hyperpituitarism. Inappropriate growth patterns, such as disproportionate weight gain or stunted height, can be indicative of these conditions. Regular monitoring of height and weight is a fundamental nursing intervention that can aid in the early identification and management of pituitary-related disorders in children.
4. The caregiver is teaching a group of parents about injury prevention for toddlers. Which statement by a parent indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will keep all cleaning supplies locked away.
- B. I will teach my child how to swim this summer.
- C. I will make sure my child wears a helmet while riding a tricycle.
- D. I will place my child in a car seat for every car ride.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Teaching children how to swim is valuable, but parental supervision around water is essential to prevent drowning. It's crucial to emphasize constant supervision when young children are near water, regardless of their swimming abilities. The other choices (A, C, and D) demonstrate appropriate safety measures for injury prevention in toddlers, such as securing cleaning supplies, ensuring helmet use during tricycle rides, and using a car seat for every car ride.
5. A 16-year-old adolescent is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of meningitis. The nurse notes that the client has a severe headache and photophobia. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer prescribed pain medication
- B. Place the client in a dark, quiet room
- C. Notify the healthcare provider
- D. Encourage the client to rest
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority action for the nurse when a client with meningitis presents with a severe headache and photophobia is to place the client in a dark, quiet room. This intervention helps reduce stimuli that can exacerbate symptoms such as headache and photophobia. Creating a calm environment can provide relief and promote comfort for the client while also supporting their recovery. Administering pain medication may be necessary but ensuring a suitable environment takes precedence. Notifying the healthcare provider is important but is not the immediate priority. Encouraging rest is beneficial, but creating an appropriate environment to alleviate symptoms is the initial essential step.
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