HESI LPN
Pediatric Practice Exam HESI
1. A child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is under the care of a nurse. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Encouraging a diet high in protein
- B. Administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- C. Applying heat to affected joints
- D. Providing range-of-motion exercises
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and inflammation. NSAIDs are commonly used in the treatment of JIA to help alleviate symptoms. While encouraging a diet high in protein, applying heat to affected joints, and providing range-of-motion exercises are essential components of care, addressing pain and inflammation with NSAIDs is the priority intervention. This is because controlling pain and inflammation is crucial in improving the child's comfort and quality of life, which takes precedence over other supportive measures.
2. What is the priority nursing responsibility when a 3-year-old child in a crib is experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure with a clamped jaw?
- A. Apply restraints.
- B. Administer oxygen.
- C. Protect the child from self-injury.
- D. Insert a plastic airway in the child’s mouth.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During a tonic-clonic seizure, the priority nursing responsibility is to protect the child from self-injury. Applying restraints (Choice A) can cause harm by restricting movement during the seizure. While administering oxygen (Choice B) may be necessary, it is not the immediate priority during an active seizure. Inserting a plastic airway (Choice D) is contraindicated as it can lead to injury and is not recommended during a seizure. Protecting the child from self-injury (Choice C) is crucial to prevent harm from uncontrolled movements and potential falls, ensuring the safety of the child.
3. A child has been admitted to the pediatric unit with a severe asthma attack. What type of acid-base imbalance should the nurse expect the child to develop?
- A. metabolic alkalosis due to insufficient production of acid metabolites
- B. respiratory alkalosis due to depressed respirations and retention of carbon dioxide
- C. respiratory acidosis due to impaired respirations and increased formation of carbonic acid
- D. metabolic acidosis due to the kidneys' inability to compensate for decreased carbonic acid formation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a severe asthma attack, the child is likely to develop respiratory acidosis. This occurs due to impaired respirations, leading to the retention of carbon dioxide and the formation of carbonic acid. Choice A is incorrect as metabolic alkalosis is not expected in this situation. Choice B is incorrect as respiratory alkalosis does not align with the scenario of impaired respirations in severe asthma attacks. Choice D is also incorrect as it describes metabolic acidosis, which is not typically associated with severe asthma attacks.
4. The nurse is assessing a child with a possible fracture. What would the nurse identify as the most reliable indicator?
- A. Lack of spontaneous movement
- B. Point tenderness
- C. Bruising
- D. Inability to bear weight
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Point tenderness is the most reliable indicator of a possible fracture in a child. It is a localized tenderness experienced when pressure is applied to a specific area, suggesting a potential fracture. This tenderness is considered more specific to a fracture than other symptoms such as lack of spontaneous movement, bruising, or inability to bear weight. Lack of spontaneous movement and inability to bear weight can be present in various musculoskeletal injuries, while bruising may not always be immediate or specific to a fracture.
5. A 4-year-old child is admitted with a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering antipyretics
- B. Administering antibiotics
- C. Monitoring fluid intake
- D. Providing nutritional support
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention in a 4-year-old child admitted with bacterial pneumonia is administering antibiotics. Antibiotics are crucial for treating the infection and preventing potential complications. Administering antipyretics (Choice A) may help reduce fever, but addressing the underlying infection with antibiotics is the priority. Monitoring fluid intake (Choice C) is important for hydration but does not take precedence over administering antibiotics. Providing nutritional support (Choice D) is essential for overall care but is not the immediate priority when managing bacterial pneumonia.
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