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?
- A. Administer a bronchodilator
- B. Obtain a peak flow reading
- C. Apply oxygen
- D. Perform a complete respiratory assessment
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. When screening a 5-year-old for strabismus, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Have the child identify colored patterns on polychromatic cards.
- B. Direct the child through the six cardinal positions of gaze.
- C. Inspect the child for the setting sun sign.
- D. Observe the child for blank, sunken eyes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When screening a 5-year-old for strabismus, directing the child through the six cardinal positions of gaze is the most appropriate action. This method helps the nurse to assess eye alignment, which is crucial in identifying any misalignment that may indicate strabismus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Having the child identify colored patterns on polychromatic cards is more related to visual acuity testing rather than strabismus screening. Inspecting the child for the setting sun sign is not a standard method for strabismus screening. Observing the child for blank, sunken eyes is not specific to strabismus assessment.
3. The nurse provides information about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to the mother of a 14-year-old adolescent who came to the clinic this morning complaining of menstrual cramping. Which explanation should the nurse provide to support administering the HPV vaccine to the adolescent at this visit?
- A. Use of protective barriers during sexual activity prevents most strains of HPV infection
- B. Most adolescents are not honest about being sexually active
- C. Not all strains of HPV will be covered if given at a later date
- D. Immunity must be established to prevent future HPV infection and the risk for cervical cancer
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Administering the HPV vaccine at this visit is essential to establish immunity against HPV, thus reducing the risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer. Vaccination is a proactive measure to protect the adolescent's health in the future. Choice A is incorrect because although protective barriers can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, the vaccine provides broader protection. Choice B is incorrect as it makes a generalization about adolescent behavior that is not relevant to vaccination. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests that delaying vaccination would not impact coverage, which is inaccurate as earlier vaccination provides broader protection against HPV strains.
4. The child is 3 years old and is 2 hours postop from a cardiac catheterization via the right femoral artery. Which assessment finding indicates arterial obstruction?
- A. Blood pressure is decreasing, and the pulse is rapid and irregular.
- B. The right foot feels cool to the touch and appears pale and blanched.
- C. The pulse distal to the femoral artery is weaker in the left foot than the right foot.
- D. The pressure dressing at the right femoral area is damp and oozing blood.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A cool, pale, and blanched foot is indicative of arterial obstruction, leading to poor blood flow. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications such as tissue damage or necrosis. Monitoring for signs of arterial compromise, such as color changes, temperature, and capillary refill, is crucial in detecting and managing vascular complications post-cardiac catheterization. Choices A, C, and D do not directly indicate arterial obstruction. While a decreasing blood pressure and rapid, irregular pulse may suggest compromise, these findings are more nonspecific. A weaker pulse distal to the femoral artery indicates reduced perfusion but not necessarily arterial obstruction. Finally, a damp, oozing pressure dressing suggests a dressing issue rather than arterial obstruction.
5. When reviewing the dietary guidelines for a child with nephrotic syndrome, which diet should the practical nurse reinforce with the parents?
- A. High protein.
- B. Low sodium.
- C. Low fat.
- D. High carbohydrate.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct diet that the practical nurse should reinforce with the parents of a child with nephrotic syndrome is a low-sodium diet. This diet is crucial for managing fluid retention and reducing the risk of edema, which are common concerns in children with nephrotic syndrome.
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