HESI RN
Pediatric HESI
1. A 4-month-old girl is brought to the clinic by her mother because she has had a cold for 2 to 3 days and woke up this morning with a hacking cough and difficulty breathing. Which additional assessment finding should alert the nurse that the child is in acute respiratory distress?
- A. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds.
- B. Diaphragmatic respiration.
- C. A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute.
- D. Flaring of the nares.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Flaring of the nares is a clinical sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. It indicates an increased effort to breathe and is a crucial finding that requires immediate attention, as it signifies the child is having difficulty breathing and may be in respiratory distress. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds may be present in conditions like pneumonia but do not specifically indicate acute respiratory distress. Diaphragmatic respiration is a normal breathing pattern and not a sign of distress. A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute in a 4-month-old infant is within the expected range, so it does not necessarily indicate acute respiratory distress.
2. A 6-year-old boy with bronchial asthma takes the beta-adrenergic agonist agent albuterol (Proventil). The child's mother tells the nurse that she uses this medication to open her son's airway when he is having trouble breathing. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. Recommend that the mother bring the child in for immediate evaluation
- B. Advise the mother that overuse of the drug may cause chronic bronchitis
- C. Assure the mother that she is using the medication correctly
- D. Confirm that the medication helps to reduce airway inflammation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's priority is to reassure the mother that she is using albuterol correctly to open her son's airways during episodes of difficulty breathing. This reassurance helps build trust and ensures that the child receives the intended benefit of the medication. The answer choice recommending immediate evaluation (A) is not appropriate at this point as the mother is using the medication as prescribed. Advising about overuse causing chronic bronchitis (B) is incorrect and may cause unnecessary alarm. Confirming that the medication helps reduce airway inflammation (D) is not the best response because albuterol is a beta-adrenergic agonist used primarily for bronchodilation in acute asthma exacerbations, rather than for reducing inflammation.
3. A toddler with a chronic illness that requires frequent hospitalization is likely to experience which psychosocial developmental challenge?
- A. Fixation with feelings of inadequacy
- B. Interference with the development of autonomy
- C. Distortion of differentiation of self from parent
- D. Delayed language, fine-motor, and self-care skills
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Toddlers with chronic illnesses requiring frequent hospitalization may experience interference with the development of autonomy. This is because the need for constant medical care can restrict their independence and ability to explore and make choices, which are essential aspects of achieving autonomy according to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Fixation with feelings of inadequacy (Choice A) is more commonly associated with Erikson's stage of industry vs. inferiority in middle childhood. Distortion of differentiation of self from parent (Choice C) is related to the separation-individuation phase of Mahler's theory of object relations, typically occurring in infancy. Delayed language, fine-motor, and self-care skills (Choice D) may be impacted by chronic illness but are not the primary psychosocial developmental challenge faced by toddlers in this context.
4. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of digoxin to a 4-year-old child with heart failure. The healthcare provider notes that the child’s heart rate is 70 beats per minute. What should the healthcare provider do next?
- A. Administer the medication as prescribed
- B. Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider
- C. Recheck the heart rate in 30 minutes
- D. Administer half of the prescribed dose
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In pediatric patients, digoxin administration is guided by the heart rate. If the child's heart rate is below the established threshold, which is typically 90-100 beats per minute in a 4-year-old, the medication should be withheld, and the healthcare provider should be notified for further evaluation and instructions. Choice A is incorrect because administering the medication when the heart rate is low can lead to adverse effects. Rechecking the heart rate in 30 minutes (Choice C) may delay necessary intervention if the heart rate remains low. Administering half of the prescribed dose (Choice D) is not recommended without healthcare provider guidance.
5. When assessing the breath sounds of an 18-month-old child who is crying, what action should the healthcare professional take?
- A. Document that the assessment is not available because the child is crying.
- B. Ask the caregiver to quiet the child so breath sounds can be auscultated.
- C. Allow the child to play with a stethoscope to distract them during auscultation.
- D. Auscultate and document breath sounds, noting that the child was crying at the time.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Allowing the child to play with a stethoscope can help distract them, making it easier to auscultate breath sounds. This approach can create a more cooperative and engaging environment for the child, facilitating a more accurate assessment of their breath sounds. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the need for an assessment. Choice B is not ideal as it puts pressure on the caregiver and may not be effective in calming the child. Choice D is not the best option as it does not actively involve the child in the assessment process and may not provide an accurate representation of their breath sounds.
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