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. The parents of a 10-year-old child with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes are being taught by the nurse about managing their child’s condition. Which statement by the parents indicates they need further teaching?
- A. We should rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage
- B. Our child should avoid all sugary foods and drinks
- C. We will monitor blood glucose levels regularly
- D. Our child needs to wear a medical alert bracelet
Correct answer: B
Rationale: It is important for individuals with diabetes to manage their carbohydrate intake, including sugary foods and drinks, rather than completely avoiding them. Sugary foods should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet to help maintain stable blood glucose levels.
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. A 12-year-old child with type 1 diabetes is under the nurse's care. The child’s parent asks how to prevent hypoglycemia during physical activity. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Give your child extra insulin before exercise
- B. Make sure your child eats a snack before exercise
- C. Limit your child’s physical activity to avoid hypoglycemia
- D. Monitor your child’s blood glucose levels after exercise
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most effective way to prevent hypoglycemia during physical activity in a child with type 1 diabetes is to ensure they eat a snack before exercising. Eating a snack before exercise helps maintain blood glucose levels by providing additional glucose for energy during physical activity, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. Giving extra insulin before exercise (Choice A) can increase the risk of hypoglycemia as it lowers blood glucose levels further. Limiting physical activity (Choice C) is not recommended as exercise is important for overall health. Monitoring blood glucose levels after exercise (Choice D) is essential but does not directly prevent hypoglycemia during physical activity.
5. A 2-year-old child is admitted with severe dehydration due to gastroenteritis. Which assessment finding indicates that the child's condition is improving?
- A. Decreased heart rate.
- B. Sunken fontanelle.
- C. Increased urine output.
- D. Dry mucous membranes.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Increased urine output is a positive sign indicating that the child's hydration status is improving. It suggests that the kidneys are functioning more effectively and able to excrete urine, which is a crucial indicator of improved hydration levels in a dehydrated patient. Decreased heart rate (Choice A) can be a sign of possible shock. A sunken fontanelle (Choice B) is a sign of dehydration. Dry mucous membranes (Choice D) are also indicative of dehydration.
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