HESI LPN
Pediatric Practice Exam HESI
1. A child has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). What position should the nurse recommend the child be placed in after eating?
- A. Supine
- B. Prone
- C. Semi-Fowler's
- D. Trendelenburg
Correct answer: C
Rationale: After eating, it is beneficial to place a child with GERD in a semi-Fowler's position. This position helps prevent reflux by keeping the child's head elevated above the stomach, reducing the chances of gastric contents flowing back into the esophagus. Placing the child supine (lying flat on their back) can worsen reflux symptoms by allowing gravity to work against the natural flow of gastric contents. Prone position (lying on the stomach) is not recommended due to the increased risk of aspiration. Trendelenburg position (feet elevated above head) is also inappropriate as it can lead to increased pressure on the abdomen, potentially worsening reflux symptoms.
2. Which of the following signs or symptoms is more common in children than adults following head trauma?
- A. nausea and vomiting
- B. altered mental status
- C. tachycardia and diaphoresis
- D. changes in pupillary reaction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are more common in children following head trauma due to their higher risk of increased intracranial pressure. Children have less skull compliance and higher brain water content, making them more susceptible to developing symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Altered mental status (choice B) can occur in both children and adults but is not more common in children. Tachycardia and diaphoresis (choice C) are nonspecific and can occur in both age groups. Changes in pupillary reaction (choice D) are not typically more common in children following head trauma compared to adults.
3. A 3-month-old infant has been hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). What is the priority intervention?
- A. Administering an antiviral agent
- B. Clustering care to conserve energy
- C. Offering oral fluids to promote hydration
- D. Providing an antitussive agent when necessary
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority intervention for a 3-month-old infant hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is clustering care to conserve energy. Infants with RSV often struggle to breathe and require rest periods to recover. Clustering care involves organizing nursing activities to allow for rest intervals, reducing the infant's energy expenditure and aiding recovery. Administering antiviral agents is not the primary intervention for RSV since it is a viral infection, and antiviral medications may not be effective against RSV. While offering oral fluids is crucial for hydration, it may not be the priority when the infant is having respiratory difficulties. Providing an antitussive agent when necessary can help with coughing but is not the priority intervention for managing RSV in this scenario.
4. A 3-year-old child ingests a substance that may be a poison. The parent calls a neighbor who is a nurse and asks what to do. What should the nurse recommend the parent to do?
- A. Administer syrup of ipecac.
- B. Call the poison control center.
- C. Take the child to the emergency department.
- D. Give the child bread dipped in milk to absorb the poison.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In cases of potential poisoning, immediate guidance from professionals is crucial. Administering syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended routinely due to potential risks and lack of benefit. Taking the child to the emergency department is necessary in severe cases but may not always be the immediate action needed. Giving the child bread dipped in milk is not an appropriate method to manage poisoning and could potentially worsen the situation. Therefore, the most appropriate action for the nurse to recommend is to call the poison control center for expert advice on managing the situation.
5. After a child has just returned from surgery for a tracheostomy, what is the priority nursing action?
- A. Suctioning the tracheostomy tube
- B. Changing the tracheostomy dressing
- C. Monitoring respiratory status
- D. Ensuring the tracheostomy ties are secure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing action after a child has undergone tracheostomy surgery is to suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning is crucial to maintain a clear airway, remove secretions, and prevent potential airway obstruction, which is essential for the child's respiratory function. Changing the tracheostomy dressing, while important for wound care, does not take precedence over airway clearance. Monitoring respiratory status is vital but comes after ensuring airway patency. Ensuring tracheostomy ties are secure is significant for stabilizing the tube but is not as urgent as maintaining a patent airway through suctioning.
Similar Questions

Access More Features
HESI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
HESI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $149.99