Pediatric HESI 2024

HESI LPN

1. A healthcare professional is teaching parents about why most children should be immunized against varicella (chickenpox) and why some receiving specific medications should not. Which medication should be included in the discussion?

A. Insulin
B. Steroids
C. Antibiotics
D. Anticonvulsants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Steroids. Children receiving steroids should not receive the varicella vaccine as it can increase the risk of severe infection due to the immunosuppressive effects of steroids. Insulin (Choice A) is not a medication that contraindicates varicella vaccination. Antibiotics (Choice C) and anticonvulsants (Choice D) are also not medications that would impact the decision to immunize against varicella.

2. An infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is admitted to the pediatric unit. What does the nurse expect 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 due to the hypertrophied pylorus muscle. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A distended colon is not typically associated with HPS. Marked tenderness around the umbilicus is not a specific finding of HPS. Rhythmic peristaltic waves in the lower abdomen are not expected in HPS, as the condition primarily affects the pylorus region of the stomach.

3. 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.

4. The nurse is assisting low-income families to access health care. The nurse is aware that, in today's society, this most accurately defines the diversity of a modern family.

A. A family consists of parents and their offspring living together.
B. A family is whatever the child and family say it is.
C. A family is two or more people related or unrelated who are living together.
D. A family is two or more genetically related persons living together with separate roles.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In today's diverse society, the concept of family has evolved beyond traditional definitions. Choice B, 'A family is whatever the child and family say it is,' reflects the contemporary understanding that families can take various forms, based on self-identification and individual perspectives. Choice A is too restrictive, as modern families may not solely consist of parents and their offspring living together. Choice C is somewhat inclusive but lacks the recognition of self-identification and diversity within families. Choice D focuses on genetic relation and roles, which may not apply to all modern family structures. Therefore, choice B is the most suitable and inclusive definition of a modern family in today's society.

5. At 0345, you receive a call for a woman in labor. Upon arriving at the scene, you are greeted by a very anxious man who tells you that his wife is having her baby 'now.' This man escorts you into the living room where a 25-year-old woman is lying on the couch in obvious pain. The woman states that her contractions are occurring every 4 to 5 minutes and lasting approximately 30 seconds each. Which of the following questions would be most appropriate to ask at this point?

A. Has your bag of waters broken yet?
B. Have you had regular prenatal care?
C. At how many weeks gestation are you?
D. How many other children do you have?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Asking about the gestational age is crucial in determining the stage of labor and assessing potential complications. This information helps in understanding the progress of labor and making appropriate decisions regarding the management of the delivery process. Choices A, B, and D are not as pertinent at this point in providing immediate care or assessing the situation compared to knowing the gestational age.