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 client with cirrhosis is admitted with ascites and peripheral edema. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Elevate the legs to reduce swelling.
- B. Restrict fluids to reduce fluid overload.
- C. Administer furosemide to reduce fluid overload.
- D. Monitor the client's intake and output.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Administering a diuretic like furosemide is the priority intervention for a client with cirrhosis, ascites, and peripheral edema. Furosemide helps reduce fluid overload by promoting diuresis. Elevating the legs may provide some symptomatic relief but does not address the underlying issue of fluid overload. Restricting fluids is not appropriate initially as the client needs proper hydration while managing fluid balance. Monitoring intake and output is important but not the first action to address the immediate fluid overload in this client.
3. The client had a thyroidectomy 24 hours ago and reports experiencing numbness and tingling of the face. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Open and prepare the tracheostomy kit.
- B. Inspect the neck for an increase in swelling.
- C. Monitor for the presence of Chvostek's sign.
- D. Assess lung sounds for laryngeal stridor.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor for the presence of Chvostek's sign. Chvostek's sign is a clinical indicator of hypocalcemia, a common complication after thyroidectomy. Numbness and tingling around the face are associated with hypocalcemia due to potential damage to the parathyroid glands during surgery, leading to decreased calcium levels. Inspecting the neck for swelling (choice B) is important but does not directly address the presenting symptoms. Opening and preparing the tracheostomy kit (choice A) is not necessary based on the client's current symptoms. Assessing lung sounds for laryngeal stridor (choice D) is not directly related to the client's reported numbness and tingling of the face.
4. A community health nurse is addressing the issue of domestic violence in the community. Which intervention should be prioritized?
- A. Providing education on the signs of domestic violence
- B. Setting up a support group for survivors
- C. Partnering with local law enforcement to increase patrols
- D. Creating a confidential hotline for reporting abuse
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Creating a confidential hotline for reporting abuse is the most critical intervention when addressing domestic violence. A hotline offers a safe and confidential way for individuals experiencing abuse to report incidents, seek help, and access support services. This intervention prioritizes immediate safety and support for victims. Providing education on the signs of domestic violence (Choice A) is important for prevention but may not address the urgent needs of individuals currently experiencing abuse. Setting up a support group for survivors (Choice B) is valuable for emotional support but may not reach those who are not yet identified as survivors. Partnering with local law enforcement to increase patrols (Choice C) focuses more on the law enforcement response rather than providing a direct avenue for victims to seek help and support.
5. The nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Shortness of breath
- B. Jugular venous distention
- C. Crackles in the lungs
- D. Peripheral edema
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Crackles in the lungs indicate pulmonary congestion in a client with left-sided heart failure and require immediate intervention to prevent respiratory failure. Crackles suggest fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange and potentially respiratory distress. Shortness of breath, jugular venous distention, and peripheral edema are common manifestations of heart failure but do not directly indicate acute respiratory compromise like crackles in the lungs do.