HESI RN
HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam
1. A 2-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 should the nurse do first?
- A. Ask the parents about the child’s speech development
- B. Perform a hearing test
- C. Inspect the child’s ears for drainage
- D. Refer the child to an audiologist
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate initial action for the nurse to take is to inspect the child's ears for drainage. This step can provide immediate information on the presence of infection or fluid, which could be impacting the child's hearing. By assessing for drainage, the nurse can gather valuable initial data to determine the next course of action, such as further evaluation or treatment. Asking about speech development or referring to an audiologist would be secondary steps after assessing the physical condition of the ears. Performing a hearing test would also be premature without first examining the ears for any visible issues.
2. A 3-year-old child is brought to the clinic by the parents who are concerned that the child is not yet potty trained. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Most children are potty trained by this age, so you should not be concerned
- B. Every child develops at their own pace. Let’s discuss some strategies to help
- C. Your child may need to be evaluated for developmental delays
- D. It’s best to force your child to use the potty to encourage training
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it is important to acknowledge that children develop at different rates. By offering support and discussing strategies for potty training, the nurse can provide the necessary guidance without causing unnecessary concern or pressure on the parents. Choice A is incorrect because it dismisses the parents' concerns. Choice C is incorrect because jumping to the conclusion of developmental delays without further assessment or discussion can cause undue anxiety. Choice D is incorrect because forcing a child to use the potty can lead to resistance and negative associations with potty training.
3. What action should the nurse take when a child presents with fever, sore throat, swollen red spots, and fluid-filled blisters?
- A. Obtain a fluid culture from the blisters
- B. Administer a fever-reducing medication
- C. Cover the drainage vesicles with a dressing
- D. Implement transmission precautions
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When a child presents with fever, sore throat, swollen red spots, and fluid-filled blisters, it may indicate a contagious viral infection. In such cases, implementing transmission precautions is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection to others in the pediatric clinic or community. Obtaining a fluid culture from the blisters (Choice A) may not be necessary at the initial stage without knowing the cause of the infection. Administering a fever-reducing medication (Choice B) may help manage symptoms but doesn't address the need for preventing transmission. Covering the drainage vesicles with a dressing (Choice C) may provide comfort to the child but does not directly address the risk of transmission to others.
4. The heart rate for a 3-year-old with a congenital heart defect has steadily decreased over the last few hours, now it's 76 bpm, the previous reading 4 hours ago was 110 bpm. Which additional finding should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider?
- A. Oxygen saturation 94%.
- B. RR of 25 breaths/minute.
- C. Urine output 20 mL/hr.
- D. BP 70/40.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A significant drop in heart rate and blood pressure should be reported immediately as it may indicate worsening of the congenital heart defect. A decrease in blood pressure may suggest poor cardiac output and compromised perfusion, requiring urgent medical attention. The other findings (oxygen saturation of 94%, RR of 25 breaths/minute, and urine output of 20 mL/hr) are within normal ranges for a 3-year-old and do not indicate immediate deterioration of the heart defect.
5. The nurse is caring for a 15-year-old adolescent who is admitted with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. The adolescent’s vital signs are stable, but the nurse notes that the client has dry skin and appears thin. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Initiate a structured eating plan for the client
- B. Establish a therapeutic relationship with the client
- C. Monitor the client’s electrolyte levels
- D. Provide education on healthy eating habits
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In clients with bulimia nervosa, electrolyte imbalances are common due to purging behaviors and can lead to severe complications. Monitoring electrolyte levels is essential to detect and manage any imbalances promptly, as they can be life-threatening.
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