HESI RN
HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam
1. A 10-year-old child is brought to the emergency department after falling from a bicycle and hitting their head. The nurse notes that the child is drowsy and has a headache. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Perform a full neurological assessment
- B. Administer pain medication
- C. Allow the child to rest quietly
- D. Check the child's immunization status
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a child who has fallen and hit their head, presenting with drowsiness and headache, the priority action for the nurse is to perform a full neurological assessment. This is crucial to evaluate the extent of the head injury and monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure, which could indicate a more severe traumatic brain injury. Administering pain medication or allowing the child to rest quietly are not appropriate initial actions without first assessing the neurological status. Checking the child's immunization status is important for overall health but is not the priority in this acute situation.
2. A 15-month-old child is brought to the clinic for a routine checkup. The nurse notes that the child is not walking independently yet. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Refer the child for a developmental assessment
- B. Encourage the parents to start physical therapy
- C. Reassure the parents that some children walk later than others
- D. Discuss the importance of early intervention services
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to reassure the parents that some children walk later than others. It is essential to understand that children reach developmental milestones at different ages. Walking independently can occur later in some children, and it is normal. Referring the child for a developmental assessment (Choice A) may cause unnecessary concern at this stage. Encouraging physical therapy (Choice B) or discussing early intervention services (Choice D) may not be warranted unless there are specific concerns identified during the checkup.
3. The parents of a 5-year-old child, recently diagnosed with celiac disease, are being educated by the healthcare provider. Which statement by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. We need to avoid giving our child any foods that contain wheat, barley, or rye
- B. Our child can still eat oats as long as they are labeled gluten-free
- C. We should read food labels carefully to check for hidden sources of gluten
- D. It’s okay for our child to have small amounts of gluten occasionally
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Children with celiac disease must strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet. Even small amounts of gluten can cause harm by triggering an immune response that damages the intestines. It is crucial for parents to understand that allowing their child to have small amounts of gluten occasionally is not safe and can lead to complications. Therefore, further teaching is needed to emphasize the importance of complete avoidance of gluten-containing foods for a child with celiac disease. Choices A, B, and C demonstrate understanding of the need to avoid gluten-containing foods and hidden sources of gluten, which are essential in managing celiac disease. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests a lax approach to the child's diet, which can be harmful in the case of celiac disease.
4. When screening a 5-year-old for strabismus, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Have the child identify colored patterns on polychromatic cards.
- B. Direct the child through the six cardinal positions of gaze.
- C. Inspect the child for the setting sun sign.
- D. Observe the child for blank, sunken eyes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When screening a 5-year-old for strabismus, directing the child through the six cardinal positions of gaze is the most appropriate action. This method helps the nurse to assess eye alignment, which is crucial in identifying any misalignment that may indicate strabismus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Having the child identify colored patterns on polychromatic cards is more related to visual acuity testing rather than strabismus screening. Inspecting the child for the setting sun sign is not a standard method for strabismus screening. Observing the child for blank, sunken eyes is not specific to strabismus assessment.
5. The healthcare provider is evaluating the effects of thyroid therapy used to treat a 5-month-old with hypothyroidism. Which behavior indicates that the treatment has been effective?
- A. Laughs readily, turns from back to side.
- B. Has strong Moro and tonic neck reflexes.
- C. Keeps fists clenched, opens hands when grasping an object.
- D. Can lift head but not chest when lying on abdomen.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In infants, laughing readily and turning from back to side are developmental milestones that indicate effective thyroid therapy and normal development. These actions demonstrate improved muscle tone, coordination, and overall growth, which are key indicators of successful treatment for hypothyroidism in infants. Choices B, C, and D describe behaviors that are not specific indicators of thyroid therapy effectiveness in treating hypothyroidism in infants.
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