which of the following findings would indicate an altered mental status in a small child
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

Pediatrics HESI 2023

1. Which of the following findings would indicate altered mental status in a small child?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a small child, displaying a lack of attention to the EMT-B's presence would indicate altered mental status. This behavior suggests a diminished level of consciousness or awareness, which is concerning. Recognizing the parents (Choice A) is a normal and expected behavior for a child. Showing fright at the EMT-B's presence (Choice B) may indicate fear or anxiety but not necessarily altered mental status. Maintaining consistent eye contact with the EMT-B (Choice D) may indicate engagement or curiosity rather than altered mental status.

2. A nurse is evaluating a 3-year-old child’s developmental progress. The inability to perform which task indicates to the nurse that there is a developmental delay?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The inability to copy a square at 3 years old indicates a potential developmental delay in fine motor skills. At this age, children should be able to copy basic shapes like circles and crosses. Hopping on one foot is typically expected around the age of 4, catching a ball reliably around 5, and using a spoon effectively by 2-3 years old. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are not as indicative of a developmental delay at 3 years old as the inability to copy a square.

3. A parent asks a nurse how to tell the difference between measles (rubeola) and German measles (rubella). What should the nurse tell the parent about rubeola that is different from rubella?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rubeola (measles) is characterized by a high fever and the presence of Koplik spots, which are not seen in rubella (German measles). Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B, rash on the trunk with pruritus, is more indicative of rubella rather than rubeola. Choice C, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, are not specific differentiating symptoms between rubeola and rubella. Choice D, characteristics of a cold followed by a rash, does not specifically distinguish between rubeola and rubella.

4. A child with a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being discharged. What dietary instructions should the nurse provide?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct dietary instruction for a child with GERD is to avoid gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it can exacerbate GERD symptoms in some individuals. Avoiding gluten can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby alleviating symptoms of GERD. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while spicy foods, high-fat foods, and dairy products can trigger GERD symptoms in some individuals, avoiding gluten specifically is more relevant for managing GERD.

5. A nurse is developing a teaching plan for an 8-year-old child who has recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. What developmental characteristic of a child this age should the nurse consider?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. At the age of 8, children are typically eager to take on responsibilities and participate in self-care activities. This is a crucial developmental characteristic to consider when educating a child about managing a chronic condition like type 1 diabetes. Choice A is incorrect as children at this age are usually in the concrete operational stage, not abstract level, of cognition. Choice B is incorrect because while peer influence is important, it does not reach its peak at this age. Choice D is incorrect as exploring self-identity is more characteristic of adolescence, not 8-year-old children.

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