a 6 year old child with a history of asthma is brought to the clinic with complaints of wheezing and shortness of breath the nurse notes that the chil
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Nursing Elites

HESI RN

HESI Pediatric Practice Exam

1. A 6-year-old child with a history of asthma is brought to the clinic with complaints of wheezing and shortness of breath. The nurse notes that the child is using accessory muscles to breathe. What should the nurse do first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is the initial priority as it helps open the child's airways, reducing the wheezing and shortness of breath. This intervention aims to provide immediate relief and improve the child's respiratory distress. Obtaining a peak flow reading or applying oxygen may be necessary after administering the bronchodilator, but the priority is to address the acute symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath first. Performing a complete respiratory assessment can be done after the immediate intervention of administering the bronchodilator to further evaluate the child's respiratory status.

2. What recommendation should the PN provide to help a 5-year-old girl who has started wetting the bed again after being dry at night for several months?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Encouraging the child to use the bathroom before bed is a helpful recommendation to prevent nighttime bedwetting. Bedwetting can sometimes reoccur due to stress or other factors, and ensuring the child empties their bladder before sleeping may reduce the likelihood of bedwetting episodes. Choice A is incorrect because while bedwetting is common in children, it is essential to provide practical solutions rather than just reassurance. Choice B is not the best option for a child who has recently started bedwetting again after being dry, as it may not address the underlying cause. Choice C is inappropriate and harmful as punishing the child for bedwetting can lead to psychological distress and worsen the situation.

3. When instilling ear drops in a 2-year-old child, how should the practical nurse (PN) position the earlobe to straighten the external auditory canal?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When administering ear drops to a child under three years old, it is essential to pull the earlobe down and back. This positioning helps straighten the external auditory canal, facilitating the proper administration of the ear drops. Pulling the earlobe down and back in young children aims to ensure that the medication reaches the intended area for optimal effectiveness.

4. 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?

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.

5. When obtaining the nursing history of a 7-year-old child admitted to the hospital with acute glomerulonephritis (AGN), which finding should the nurse expect to obtain?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When assessing a child with acute glomerulonephritis (AGN), a common trigger to expect in the nursing history is a recent strep throat infection. AGN can be triggered by a streptococcal infection, leading to the deposition of immune complexes in the glomeruli. This finding is crucial as it helps identify a potential cause for the development of AGN in the child. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as high blood cholesterol levels, increased thirst and urination, and recent DPT immunization are not directly associated with triggering acute glomerulonephritis in children.

Similar Questions

The mother of a 14-year-old who had a below-the-knee amputation for osteosarcoma tells the nurse that her child is angry and blaming her for allowing the amputation to occur. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
The nurse is preparing to administer an immunization to a 5-year-old child. The parent asks if the vaccine can be given in a different way because the child is afraid of needles. What is the nurse’s best response?
During a well-baby check of a 7-month-old infant, the practical nurse notes an absence of babbling. Which focused assessment should the PN implement?
A 4-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 is the nurse’s priority action?
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