HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. What instructions should the nurse provide to the parents about the treatment of head lice in a 3-year-old boy who has been confirmed to have head lice?
- A. Wash the child's bed linens and clothing in hot soapy water.
- B. Dispose of the child's brushes, combs, and other hair accessories.
- C. Rewash the child's hair following a 24-hour isolation period.
- D. Take the child to a hair salon for a shampoo and shorter haircut.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the parents is to wash the child's bed linens and clothing in hot soapy water. This is essential to eliminate head lice as they can survive on bedding and clothing. It is also important to wash any other items that the child may have used or come into contact with, such as brushes and combs, to prevent reinfestation. Rewashing the child's hair following an isolation period is not necessary, and taking the child to a hair salon for a shampoo and shorter haircut is not a recommended treatment for head lice.
2. The mother of a 6-year-old anemic boy is taught by the nurse to give iron supplements. Which statement indicates that the mother understands the proper administration of iron?
- A. The iron tablets will be absorbed between meals, on an empty stomach
- B. I should give the iron tablets with his milk and cereal each morning
- C. Iron preparations can be taken with antibiotics if he develops an infection
- D. The iron tablets may cause him to sunburn more easily so he should wear sunscreen
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because iron supplements are best absorbed on an empty stomach, which maximizes their effectiveness. Giving iron tablets with milk or calcium-rich foods, as mentioned in choice B, should be avoided as they can decrease iron absorption. Choice C is incorrect because iron preparations should not be taken with antibiotics due to potential interactions. Choice D is also incorrect as iron tablets do not cause an increased risk of sunburn, so sunscreen is not necessary specifically due to iron supplementation.
3. The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which laboratory value should be monitored closely?
- A. Serum calcium of 8.5 mg/dL
- B. Serum sodium of 136 mEq/L
- C. Serum potassium of 3.0 mEq/L
- D. Serum chloride of 102 mEq/L
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L should be monitored closely in a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy to detect any electrolyte imbalances. After a thyroidectomy, there is a risk of hypokalemia due to the effects of anesthesia, stress response, and the surgical procedure itself. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial as hypokalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Serum calcium, sodium, and chloride levels are important but not the primary focus following a thyroidectomy, making them incorrect choices.
4. The nurse is preparing a client for surgery. What action is most important for the nurse to take?
- A. Ensure that the client signs the consent form.
- B. Review the client's allergies with the surgical team.
- C. Confirm the client's identity using two identifiers.
- D. Verify that the surgical site is marked.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Ensuring that the client signs the consent form (A) is the most crucial action before surgery. The consent form is legally and ethically necessary for the procedure to proceed. While reviewing allergies (B), confirming identity (C), and verifying the surgical site (D) are essential steps, obtaining the client's informed consent takes precedence to protect the client's rights and ensure a safe surgical experience.
5. Dr. Kennedy prescribes glipizide (Glucotrol), an oral antidiabetic agent, for a male client with type 2 diabetes mellitus who has been having trouble controlling the blood glucose level through diet and exercise. Which medication instruction should the nurse provide?
- A. Be sure to take glipizide 30 minutes before meals.
- B. Glipizide may cause a low serum sodium level, so make sure you have your sodium level checked monthly.
- C. You won't need to check your blood glucose level after you start taking glipizide.
- D. Take glipizide after a meal to prevent heartburn.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Glipizide should be taken 30 minutes before meals to maximize its glucose-lowering effect.