HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. The infant scheduled for reduction of intussusception passes a soft-formed brown stool the day before the procedure. What intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Instruct the parents that the infant needs to be NPO.
- B. Notify the healthcare provider of the passage of brown stool.
- C. Obtain a stool specimen for laboratory analysis.
- D. Ask the parents about recent changes in the infant's diet.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Notifying the healthcare provider is crucial when an infant scheduled for intussusception reduction passes a soft-formed brown stool as it may indicate spontaneous reduction of the intussusception. The healthcare provider needs to be informed to assess if the procedure is still necessary or if further evaluation is required. Instructing the parents that the infant needs to be NPO (nothing by mouth) is not the immediate action required in this situation. Obtaining a stool specimen for laboratory analysis is not necessary as the soft-formed brown stool is likely a result of the intussusception spontaneously reducing. Asking about recent changes in the infant's diet is not the most appropriate action when brown stool is passed before the procedure for intussusception reduction.
2. What instructions should the nurse provide to the parents about the treatment of head lice in a 3-year-old boy who has been confirmed to have head lice?
- A. Wash the child's bed linens and clothing in hot soapy water.
- B. Dispose of the child's brushes, combs, and other hair accessories.
- C. Rewash the child's hair following a 24-hour isolation period.
- D. Take the child to a hair salon for a shampoo and shorter haircut.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the parents is to wash the child's bed linens and clothing in hot soapy water. This is essential to eliminate head lice as they can survive on bedding and clothing. It is also important to wash any other items that the child may have used or come into contact with, such as brushes and combs, to prevent reinfestation. Rewashing the child's hair following an isolation period is not necessary, and taking the child to a hair salon for a shampoo and shorter haircut is not a recommended treatment for head lice.
3. A 10-year-old girl who has had type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) for the past two years tells the nurse that she would like to use a pump instead of insulin injections to manage her diabetes. Which assessment of the girl is most important for the nurse to obtain?
- A. Understanding of the quality control process used to troubleshoot the pump
- B. Interpretation of fingerstick glucose levels that influence diet selections
- C. Knowledge of her glycosylated hemoglobin A1c levels for the past year
- D. Ability to perform the pump for basal insulin with mealtime boluses
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a patient transitioning to an insulin pump, understanding the quality control process to troubleshoot the pump is crucial for ensuring proper and safe management of diabetes. This knowledge enables the individual to identify and address any issues that may arise with the pump, helping maintain optimal glycemic control and prevent complications. Choices B, C, and D, although important in diabetes management, are not as critical as ensuring the correct understanding of troubleshooting the pump, which directly impacts the girl's ability to effectively use the pump for insulin delivery.
4. The infant scheduled for reduction of intussusception passes a soft-formed brown stool the day before the scheduled procedure. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Instruct the parents that the infant needs to be NPO.
- B. Notify the healthcare provider of the passage of brown stool.
- C. Obtain a stool specimen for laboratory analysis.
- D. Ask the parents about recent changes in the infant's diet.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Notifying the healthcare provider is crucial in this situation because the passage of a brown stool may indicate the resolution of intussusception. It is important to keep the healthcare provider informed about any changes in the infant's condition to ensure appropriate care and management. Instructing the parents that the infant needs to be NPO (nothing by mouth) is not necessary based on the passage of brown stool. Obtaining a stool specimen for laboratory analysis is not indicated in this scenario since the brown stool is likely a positive sign. Asking about recent changes in the infant's diet is not the priority at this moment as notifying the healthcare provider takes precedence.
5. A 6-year-old child with sickle cell anemia presents to the emergency department with severe pain in the legs and abdomen. The child is crying and states that the pain is unbearable. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Apply warm compresses to the painful areas
- B. Administer prescribed pain medication
- C. Encourage the child to drink fluids
- D. Monitor the child’s oxygen saturation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a sickle cell crisis, pain management is a priority to alleviate the child's suffering. Administering the prescribed pain medication is crucial to address the severe pain experienced by the child. Warm compresses, encouraging fluid intake, and monitoring oxygen saturation are important interventions but should follow the priority of pain management in this situation.
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