HESI RN
HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam
1. When reviewing developmental changes with the parents of a 6-month-old infant, what information should the practical nurse reinforce?
- A. Encourage the infant to self-feed finger foods.
- B. Teach the parents strategies to help the infant sit up.
- C. Provide a developmentally safe environment for the infant.
- D. Explain that an increased appetite typically occurs in the next 6 months.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because providing a developmentally safe environment for a 6-month-old infant is crucial as they begin to explore their surroundings more actively. This includes ensuring that the environment is free of hazards and that the infant is supervised to prevent accidents. Choice A is incorrect because self-feeding finger foods may not be developmentally appropriate for a 6-month-old infant. Choice B is incorrect as most infants are able to sit up with support around 6 months of age without the need for specific teaching strategies. Choice D is also incorrect as while appetite changes can occur, explaining a specific increase in appetite over the next 6 months is not a primary focus when discussing developmental changes with parents of a 6-month-old.
2. The nurse is conducting an admission assessment of an 11-month-old infant with CHF who is scheduled for repair of restenosis of coarction of the aorta that was repaired 4 days after birth. Findings include blood pressure higher in the arms than the lower extremities, pounding brachial pulses, and slightly palpable femoral pulses. What pathophysiologic mechanisms support these findings?
- A. The aortic semilunar valve obstructs blood flow into the systemic circulation
- B. The lumen of the aorta reduces the volume of the blood flow to the lower extremities
- C. The pulmonic valve prevents adequate blood volume into the pulmonary circulation
- D. An opening in the atrial septum causes a murmur due to a turbulent left-to-right shunt
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Coarctation of the aorta causes narrowing of the aorta, reducing blood flow to the lower extremities. This narrowing results in higher blood pressure in the arms compared to the lower extremities, along with stronger brachial pulses and slightly palpable femoral pulses. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the pathophysiological mechanism of coarctation of the aorta, which specifically leads to reduced blood flow to the lower extremities.
3. A 14-year-old adolescent with a history of substance abuse is brought to the emergency department by the parents, who suspect that the adolescent has relapsed. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Obtain a urine sample for toxicology screening
- B. Discuss treatment options with the parents
- C. Establish a therapeutic relationship with the adolescent
- D. Administer a medication to reverse the effects of the substance
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's priority action should be to obtain a urine sample for toxicology screening. This step is crucial in identifying the substances involved in the relapse, which will guide appropriate treatment strategies. By knowing the specific substances, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans effectively. Establishing a therapeutic relationship and discussing treatment options come after obtaining necessary diagnostic information to ensure a comprehensive care plan. Administering a medication to reverse substance effects is not the initial priority; identification of the substances through toxicology screening should precede any treatment intervention.
4. During a well baby visit, the parents explain that a soft bulge appears in the groin of their 4-month-old son when he cries or strains during stooling. The infant is scheduled for surgical repair of the inguinal hernia in two weeks. What should the parent be instructed to do if the hernia becomes incarcerated prior to the surgery?
- A. Use a rectal thermometer to strain during stooling.
- B. Gently manipulate the hernia for reduction.
- C. Offer oral electrolyte fluids for comfort.
- D. Give acetaminophen or aspirin for crying.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the case of an incarcerated inguinal hernia, gentle manipulation can sometimes help in reducing it before surgery. This action should be taken cautiously and immediately followed by seeking medical attention. It is important to note that attempting reduction should be done by a healthcare professional, and parents should be advised to seek urgent medical care if the hernia becomes incarcerated. Using a rectal thermometer to strain during stooling (Choice A) is not the correct approach for an incarcerated hernia and can worsen the condition. Offering oral electrolyte fluids for comfort (Choice C) or giving acetaminophen or aspirin for crying (Choice D) are not appropriate interventions for an incarcerated hernia and may delay necessary medical treatment.
5. While teaching a parenting class to new parents, the nurse describes the needs of infants and toddlers regarding discipline and limit setting. What is the most important reason for implementing such parenting behaviors?
- A. Children need help in developing social skills.
- B. This age group fears loss of self-control.
- C. They provide the child with a sense of security.
- D. Children must learn to deal with authority.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Implementing discipline and limit setting for infants and toddlers is primarily important as it provides them with a sense of security. This sense of security is crucial for their emotional and psychological development, helping them feel safe and supported as they explore the world around them. Choice A is incorrect because while developing social skills is important, the primary reason for discipline and limit setting in this context is to provide security. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the main reason for implementing discipline and limit setting. Choice D is incorrect as the primary focus is not about dealing with authority at this early stage of development.
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