HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. A 4-year-old child is brought to the clinic with complaints of ear pain and fever. The practical nurse suspects otitis media. Which symptom supports this suspicion?
- A. Clear nasal discharge.
- B. Dry, hacking cough.
- C. Tugging at the ear.
- D. Sore throat.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Tugging at the ear is a common symptom in children with otitis media. It often indicates discomfort or pain in the ear, suggesting inflammation or infection in the middle ear. This behavior is frequently observed in young children who are unable to express their discomfort verbally, making it a significant clinical indicator for otitis media in this age group. Clear nasal discharge (Choice A) is more indicative of a cold or allergies, while a dry, hacking cough (Choice B) is not typically associated with otitis media. Although a sore throat (Choice D) can sometimes accompany ear infections, tugging at the ear is a more specific and reliable symptom in this case.
2. How should the caregiver instruct on caring for a 4-month-old with seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap) when shampooing the child's hair?
- A. Use a soft brush and gently scrub the area.
- B. Avoid scrubbing the scalp until the scales disappear.
- C. Avoid washing the child's hair more than once a week.
- D. Use soap and water and avoid shampoos.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When dealing with seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap) in infants, it is essential to use a soft brush and gently scrub the affected area to help remove the scales. This process can aid in managing the condition and preventing further build-up. It is important to be gentle to avoid irritating the baby's delicate skin. Choice B is incorrect as gentle scrubbing with a soft brush can help in the removal of scales. Choice C is incorrect because regular but gentle washing is recommended to manage cradle cap. Choice D is incorrect as using specialized shampoos designed for cradle cap is usually recommended over soap and water.
3. Which statement by a school-aged client going to summer camp indicates the best understanding of the mode of transmission of Lyme disease?
- A. I'll cover my mouth with a wet cloth if there's too much dust blowing.
- B. Cuts and scrapes need to be washed out and covered right away.
- C. I'm not going to swim where the water is standing still or feels too hot.
- D. I have to wear long sleeves and pants when we're hiking around the pond.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Wearing long sleeves and pants helps prevent tick bites, which can transmit Lyme disease. Ticks carrying Lyme disease are often found in wooded or grassy areas, so covering exposed skin can reduce the risk of being bitten by an infected tick. Choices A, B, and C do not address the specific mode of transmission of Lyme disease through tick bites, making them incorrect.
4. The nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who is hospitalized with pneumonia. The child is receiving IV antibiotics and oxygen therapy. The nurse notes that the child’s respiratory rate is 40 breaths per minute, and the oxygen saturation is 92%. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Increase the child’s oxygen flow rate
- B. Notify the healthcare provider
- C. Encourage the child to take deep breaths
- D. Auscultate the child’s lung sounds
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the child is hospitalized with pneumonia, receiving IV antibiotics and oxygen therapy. With a high respiratory rate and decreased oxygen saturation, auscultating the child’s lung sounds is the priority action. This assessment can provide crucial information about the child’s respiratory status, such as the presence of adventitious sounds or decreased air entry, which can guide further interventions and help in evaluating the effectiveness of the current treatments. Increasing the oxygen flow rate may not address the underlying issue causing the decreased oxygen saturation. Notifying the healthcare provider can be necessary but auscultating lung sounds should be done first to gather more information. Encouraging the child to take deep breaths is important for respiratory function but should not be the immediate priority in this situation.
5. The nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who was admitted for dehydration due to gastroenteritis. The child is now receiving IV fluids and appears more alert. What is the best indicator that the child’s condition is improving?
- A. The child is more alert and playful
- B. The child’s urine output has increased
- C. The child’s vital signs are stable
- D. The child is tolerating small amounts of oral fluids
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Increased urine output is a reliable indicator that hydration status is improving. While alertness and playfulness are positive signs, increased urine output directly reflects improved hydration. Stable vital signs are important but may not directly indicate hydration status. Tolerating small amounts of oral fluids is a good sign but may not be as direct an indicator as increased urine output.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
HESI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access