HESI RN
Pediatric HESI
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. According to Erikson's theory, what behavioral pattern should be displayed by a child who has not developed a sense of competence?
- A. Guilt.
- B. Shame.
- C. Alienation.
- D. Inferiority.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Erikson's theory of psychosocial development outlines that the failure to establish a sense of competence during the industry vs. inferiority stage results in feelings of inferiority. This stage occurs during middle childhood where children strive to master skills and tasks. If they are unable to meet challenges successfully, they may start feeling inferior to their peers and may lack confidence in their abilities. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as guilt, shame, and alienation are not the specific behavioral patterns associated with the lack of developing a sense of competence according to Erikson's theory.
4. When caring for a 5-year-old child with a history of seizures who suddenly begins to have a tonic-clonic seizure, what should the nurse do first?
- A. Administer oxygen
- B. Insert an oral airway
- C. Turn the child to the side
- D. Start an IV line
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During a tonic-clonic seizure, the priority action is to turn the child to the side. This helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration of secretions or vomitus. It also helps in keeping the airway clear and promotes safety during the seizure episode. Administering oxygen, inserting an oral airway, and starting an IV line are important interventions but should follow the initial step of positioning the child to prevent airway obstruction.
5. A 4-year-old child with a history of frequent ear infections is brought to the clinic by the parents who are concerned about the child’s hearing. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Perform a hearing test
- B. Inspect the child’s ears for drainage
- C. Refer the child to an audiologist
- D. Ask the parents about the child’s speech development
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's priority action should be to inspect the child's ears for drainage. This immediate assessment can provide valuable information about the presence of infection or fluid accumulation, which can directly impact the child's hearing. By identifying any signs of drainage, the nurse can promptly address any current issues affecting the child's ear health and hearing abilities. Performing a hearing test (Choice A) may be necessary but should follow the initial assessment of the ears. Referring the child to an audiologist (Choice C) can be considered later based on the findings. Asking about speech development (Choice D) is important but not the immediate priority compared to assessing for current ear issues.
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