HESI RN
HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam
1. The parents of a 9-month-old infant are being educated about preventing iron deficiency anemia. Which statement by the parent indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will start giving my baby whole cow’s milk at 12 months
- B. I will give my baby iron-fortified cereal
- C. I will give my baby fruit juice between meals
- D. I will give my baby water with meals
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'I will give my baby iron-fortified cereal.' Iron-fortified cereal is an excellent source of iron for infants, aiding in the prevention of iron deficiency anemia. Choice A is incorrect as whole cow’s milk should not be introduced until the child is at least 12 months old to prevent iron deficiency. Choice C is incorrect because giving fruit juice between meals can interfere with iron absorption. Choice D is incorrect as giving water with meals can decrease nutrient intake. Therefore, the best choice to prevent iron deficiency anemia in a 9-month-old infant is to give them iron-fortified cereal.
2. A 4-month-old girl is brought to the clinic by her mother because she has had a cold for 2 or 3 days and woke up this morning with a hacking cough and difficulty breathing. Which additional assessment finding should alert the nurse that the child is in acute respiratory distress?
- A. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds.
- B. Diaphragmatic breathing.
- C. A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute.
- D. Flaring of the nares.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Flaring of the nares is a classic sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. It indicates increased work of breathing and is a visible cue that the child is struggling to breathe. This finding should alert healthcare providers to the severity of the respiratory distress and the need for prompt intervention to support the child's breathing. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds are associated with conditions like pneumonia, but they do not specifically indicate acute respiratory distress. Diaphragmatic breathing is a normal breathing pattern and not a sign of distress. A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute is within the expected range for a 4-month-old infant and does not necessarily indicate acute respiratory distress.
3. A 10-year-old child is brought to the emergency department after falling from a bicycle and hitting their head. The nurse notes that the child is drowsy and has a headache. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Perform a full neurological assessment
- B. Administer pain medication
- C. Allow the child to rest quietly
- D. Check the child's immunization status
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a child who has fallen and hit their head, presenting with drowsiness and headache, the priority action for the nurse is to perform a full neurological assessment. This is crucial to evaluate the extent of the head injury and monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure, which could indicate a more severe traumatic brain injury. Administering pain medication or allowing the child to rest quietly are not appropriate initial actions without first assessing the neurological status. Checking the child's immunization status is important for overall health but is not the priority in this acute situation.
4. What is the recommended analgesia for preparing a school-age child for a lumbar puncture (LP)?
- A. Ondansetron (Zofran) 4 mg / 5 ml PO TID.
- B. Codeine 10 mg PO 30 minutes before the procedure.
- C. A transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic) patch immediately before the procedure.
- D. EMLA (eutectic mixtures of local anesthetics) 2.5 hours before the procedure.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: For a lumbar puncture in a school-age child, EMLA cream should be applied 2.5 hours before the procedure. EMLA is commonly used to numb the skin, reducing pain and discomfort for the child during the procedure. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because ondansetron is an antiemetic, codeine is an opioid analgesic that may not be suitable for children, and transdermal fentanyl is a strong opioid that is not typically used for local anesthesia in children undergoing lumbar puncture.
5. What response should the practical nurse (PN) provide when a school-age child asks to talk with a dying sister?
- A. Talk loudly to ensure the dying person hears and recognizes others' voices.
- B. Touch can provide a tactile presence if the dying person does not respond to words.
- C. Sitting close offers the dying person the sensation of others' presence.
- D. Although the dying person may not respond, they can still hear what is said.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is D because it is believed that hearing is the last sense to go. Even if the dying person does not respond, speaking to them can still provide comfort. Choice A is incorrect because talking loudly is not necessary and can be distressing. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on touch rather than the sense of hearing. Choice C is incorrect because sitting close may not necessarily help the dying person hear better.
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