HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. A 4-month-old girl is brought to the clinic by her mother because she has had a cold for 2 or 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 breathing.
- 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 classic sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. It indicates increased work of breathing and is a visible cue that the child is struggling to breathe. This finding should alert healthcare providers to the severity of the respiratory distress and the need for prompt intervention to support the child's breathing. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds are associated with conditions like pneumonia, but they do not specifically indicate acute respiratory distress. Diaphragmatic breathing is a normal breathing pattern and not a sign of distress. A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute is within the expected range for a 4-month-old infant and does not necessarily indicate acute respiratory distress.
2. The mother of a 9-month-old girl provides the practical nurse with information about her daughter's diet. Which statement by the mother may indicate why the infant has been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia?
- A. She almost never drinks sugary water.
- B. She has been on whole milk for 7 months.
- C. She likes to chew on bread as a snack.
- D. She doesn't like to eat peaches or pears.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Infants should not be given cow's milk before 1 year of age as it can interfere with iron absorption and lead to anemia. Choice A is incorrect as avoiding sugary water is actually a good practice. Choice C is unrelated to iron-deficiency anemia. Choice D, not liking peaches or pears, is also not directly related to iron-deficiency anemia.
3. A 13-year-old client with type 1 diabetes presents to the clinic with a blood glucose level of 400 mg/dL. The client reports feeling thirsty and having frequent urination. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer insulin as prescribed
- B. Encourage the client to drink water
- C. Check the client’s urine for ketones
- D. Reinforce the importance of diet and exercise
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a client with type 1 diabetes presenting with hyperglycemia (blood glucose level of 400 mg/dL) and symptoms of thirst and frequent urination, the priority action for the nurse is to administer insulin as prescribed. Insulin helps lower the blood glucose level and prevents complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. While encouraging hydration is essential, administering insulin is crucial to address the high blood glucose levels. Checking urine for ketones is important in diabetic management but is secondary to administering insulin in this scenario. Reinforcing diet and exercise importance is vital for diabetes management but not the priority in acute hyperglycemia.
4. The healthcare professional working on the pediatric unit takes two 8-year-old girls to the playroom. Which activity is best for the healthcare professional to plan for these girls?
- A. Selecting a board game.
- B. Playing doctor and patient.
- C. Watching cartoons on TV.
- D. Coloring, cutting, and pasting.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Selecting a board game is the best activity for the healthcare professional to plan for these girls as it is age-appropriate and promotes social interaction. Board games can enhance cognitive skills, encourage teamwork, and provide an enjoyable and interactive experience for the girls.
5. The parents of a 3-month-old infant are being educated by the healthcare provider about safe sleep practices. Which statement by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. We will place our baby on their back to sleep
- B. We will use a firm mattress and avoid soft bedding
- C. We will keep our baby in our bed so we can monitor them closely
- D. We will avoid putting toys or pillows in the crib
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Co-sleeping, or keeping the baby in the parents' bed, increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It is crucial for parents to place the baby in a separate crib or bassinet to ensure a safe sleep environment and reduce the risk of SIDS. Choices A, B, and D demonstrate understanding of safe sleep practices by mentioning placing the baby on their back, using a firm mattress and avoiding soft bedding, and not putting toys or pillows in the crib, which are all measures to promote safe sleep and reduce the risk of SIDS.
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