the practical nurse pn is caring for a child who is experiencing severe asthma symptoms which medication should the pn anticipate being administered f
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Nursing Elites

HESI RN

HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam

1. When caring for a child experiencing severe asthma symptoms, which medication should the practical nurse anticipate being administered first?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the management of acute asthma exacerbations, the first-line medication for quick relief of bronchoconstriction is a short-acting beta agonist, such as albuterol. These medications help to rapidly open up the airways, providing immediate relief to the patient. Inhaled corticosteroids are more commonly used for long-term control of asthma symptoms, while oral corticosteroids and leukotriene receptor antagonists are often reserved for more severe or chronic cases. Therefore, in a child experiencing severe asthma symptoms, the practical nurse should anticipate the administration of short-acting beta agonists as the initial intervention to provide quick relief and improve breathing.

2. In a 6-year-old child with asthma experiencing difficulty breathing and using accessory muscles to breathe with a peak flow reading in the red zone, what should the nurse do first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for a 6-year-old child with asthma who is experiencing difficulty breathing, using accessory muscles to breathe, and has a peak flow reading in the red zone is to administer a nebulized bronchodilator first. Nebulized bronchodilators work rapidly to open up the airways, providing immediate relief and improving breathing. This intervention is crucial in addressing the acute respiratory distress the child is facing. Obtaining an arterial blood gas, starting oxygen therapy, or contacting the healthcare provider can be considered after the initial administration of the bronchodilator, as they are not the primary interventions needed to manage the child's acute respiratory distress.

3. What response should the practical nurse (PN) provide when a school-age child asks to talk with a dying sister?

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.

4. What is the recommended analgesia for preparing a school-age child for a lumbar puncture (LP)?

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. The healthcare provider is preparing a teaching plan for the parents of a 6-month-old infant with GERD. What instruction should the healthcare provider include when teaching the parents measures to promote adequate nutrition?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for promoting adequate nutrition in a 6-month-old infant with GERD is to mix the formula with rice cereal. This thickens the feed, reducing the risk of reflux, aiding in proper nutrition, and minimizing GERD symptoms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Alternating glucose water with formula, adding multivitamins with iron to the formula, or diluting the formula with water are not recommended measures for promoting adequate nutrition in infants with GERD.

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