HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI 2024
1. A parent and 4-year-old child who recently emigrated from Colombia arrive at the pediatric clinic. The child has a temperature of 102°F, is irritable, and has a runny nose. Inspection reveals a rash and several small, red, irregularly shaped spots with blue-white centers in the mouth. What illness does the nurse suspect the child has?
- A. Measles
- B. Chickenpox
- C. Fifth disease
- D. Scarlet fever
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should suspect measles in this child. The presence of a high fever, irritability, runny nose, rash, and Koplik spots (small, red spots with blue-white centers in the mouth) are classic signs of measles. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications if not managed promptly. Chickenpox (choice B) presents with a different rash pattern and does not typically involve Koplik spots. Fifth disease (choice C) and scarlet fever (choice D) also have distinct clinical presentations and are not characterized by the specific symptoms described in this case.
2. A child with sickle cell anemia is admitted to the hospital during a vaso-occlusive crisis. What is the most important intervention for the nurse to implement?
- A. Administering oxygen
- B. Ensuring adequate hydration
- C. Monitoring vital signs
- D. Administering pain medication
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, ensuring adequate hydration is crucial because it helps to reduce the viscosity of the blood and prevent further sickling of the cells. Administering oxygen may be necessary in some cases to improve tissue oxygenation, but hydration is the priority to prevent complications. Monitoring vital signs is important, but hydration takes precedence during a vaso-occlusive crisis. Administering pain medication is important for pain management but does not address the underlying issue of vaso-occlusion.
3. An infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is admitted to the pediatric unit. What does the nurse expect to find when palpating the infant’s abdomen?
- A. A distended colon
- B. Marked tenderness around the umbilicus
- C. An olive-sized mass in the right upper quadrant
- D. Rhythmic peristaltic waves in the lower abdomen
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When palpating the abdomen of an infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), the nurse would expect to feel an olive-sized mass in the right upper quadrant. This finding is characteristic of HPS, where the hypertrophied pyloric muscle forms a palpable mass in the abdomen. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A distended colon is not a typical finding in HPS, marked tenderness around the umbilicus is not specific to this condition, and rhythmic peristaltic waves in the lower abdomen are not associated with HPS.
4. A parent and 4-year-old child who recently emigrated from Colombia arrive at the pediatric clinic. The child has a temperature of 102°F, is irritable, and has a runny nose. Inspection reveals a rash and several small, red, irregularly shaped spots with blue-white centers in the mouth. What illness does the nurse suspect the child has?
- A. Measles
- B. Chickenpox
- C. Fifth disease
- D. Scarlet fever
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should suspect measles based on the symptoms described, including the presence of Koplik spots (small, red spots with blue-white centers in the mouth). Measles typically presents with fever, irritability, runny nose, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Chickenpox (choice B) presents with vesicular lesions in different stages of healing and usually starts on the trunk. Fifth disease (choice C) presents with a 'slapped cheek' rash on the face and can cause joint pain. Scarlet fever (choice D) is characterized by a sandpaper-like rash, fever, and strawberry tongue.
5. A 3-year-old child with a history of frequent respiratory infections is being evaluated for cystic fibrosis. What diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate will be ordered?
- A. Chest X-ray
- B. Sweat chloride test
- C. Pulmonary function test
- D. Sputum culture
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the sweat chloride test. This test is crucial in diagnosing cystic fibrosis as it measures the amount of chloride in sweat, which is typically elevated in individuals with cystic fibrosis. A chest X-ray (Choice A) may show characteristic findings like hyperinflation or bronchiectasis, but it is not a definitive diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis. Pulmonary function tests (Choice C) may help assess lung function but are not specific for cystic fibrosis. Sputum culture (Choice D) may be used to identify specific pathogens causing respiratory infections but is not a primary diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis.
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