HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. What is the best response for the nurse when a 2-year-old boy begins to cry as the mother starts to leave?
- A. Let me read this book to you.
- B. Two-year-olds usually stop crying the minute the parent leaves.
- C. Now be a big boy. Mommy will be back soon.
- D. Let's wave bye-bye to mommy.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The best response for the nurse in this situation is to help the child understand that the separation is temporary. Waving bye-bye to mommy can be reassuring to the child and make the separation process easier. It acknowledges the child's feelings while providing a positive and comforting interaction. Choice A may distract the child temporarily but doesn't address the underlying issue of separation anxiety. Choice B is inaccurate as children may continue to cry even after the parent leaves. Choice C diminishes the child's emotions and doesn't offer a supportive approach.
2. A 13-year-old client with type 1 diabetes is admitted to the hospital with a blood glucose level of 450 mg/dL. The client is lethargic and has fruity-smelling breath. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer insulin as prescribed
- B. Start an IV infusion of normal saline
- C. Check the client’s urine for ketones
- D. Monitor the client’s vital signs
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct priority action for the nurse is to start an IV infusion of normal saline. The client's presentation with lethargy, fruity-smelling breath, and high blood glucose level indicates diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). IV fluids are essential to correct dehydration and help stabilize the client's condition. Checking for ketones in the urine is important, but fluid replacement takes precedence to address the immediate risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Administering insulin is also a crucial intervention for DKA, but fluid resuscitation should first be initiated.
3. When observing a distraught mother scolding her 3-year-old son for wetting his pants in the hallway of a pediatric unit, what initial action should the nurse take?
- A. Suggest that the mother consult a pediatric nephrologist.
- B. Provide disposable training pants while calming the mother.
- C. Refer the mother to a community parent education program.
- D. Inform the mother that toilet training is slower for boys.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this situation, the nurse's initial action should be to provide disposable training pants to manage the immediate issue of wetting while also calming the mother. This approach addresses the current distressing situation and offers a practical solution to alleviate the mother's concerns.
4. A child who weighs 25 kg is receiving IV ampicillin 300 mg/kg/24 hours in equally divided doses every 4 hours. How many milligrams should the nurse administer to the child for each dose?
- A. 1875 mg
- B. 625 mg
- C. 2000 mg
- D. 1500 mg
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To calculate the dose for each administration, multiply the child's weight (25 kg) by the dose (300 mg/kg/24 hours) and divide by the number of doses per day (6, as doses are every 4 hours). This gives us (25 kg * 300 mg/kg / 24 hours) / 6 doses = 1875 mg. Therefore, the nurse should administer 1875 mg for each dose. Choice B, 625 mg, is incorrect as it does not consider the correct calculation based on the weight and prescribed dose. Choice C, 2000 mg, is incorrect as it is not derived from the correct dosage calculation. Choice D, 1500 mg, is incorrect as it does not reflect the accurate dosage calculation based on the weight of the child and the prescribed dose.
5. When caring for a child experiencing severe asthma symptoms, which medication should the practical nurse anticipate being administered first?
- A. Inhaled corticosteroids.
- B. Oral corticosteroids.
- C. Short-acting beta agonists.
- D. Leukotriene receptor antagonists.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In the management of acute asthma exacerbations, the first-line medication for quick relief of bronchoconstriction is a short-acting beta agonist, such as albuterol. These medications help to rapidly open up the airways, providing immediate relief to the patient. Inhaled corticosteroids are more commonly used for long-term control of asthma symptoms, while oral corticosteroids and leukotriene receptor antagonists are often reserved for more severe or chronic cases. Therefore, in a child experiencing severe asthma symptoms, the practical nurse should anticipate the administration of short-acting beta agonists as the initial intervention to provide quick relief and improve breathing.
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