HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. A 6-year-old child with sickle cell anemia presents to the emergency department with severe pain in the legs and abdomen. The child is crying and states that the pain is unbearable. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Apply warm compresses to the painful areas
- B. Administer prescribed pain medication
- C. Encourage the child to drink fluids
- D. Monitor the child’s oxygen saturation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a sickle cell crisis, pain management is a priority to alleviate the child's suffering. Administering the prescribed pain medication is crucial to address the severe pain experienced by the child. Warm compresses, encouraging fluid intake, and monitoring oxygen saturation are important interventions but should follow the priority of pain management in this situation.
2. When developing a behavior modification program for an extremely aggressive 10-year-old boy, what should the nurse do first?
- A. Determine what activities, foods, and toys the child enjoys
- B. Evaluate the child’s previous reactions to punishment
- C. Provide the child with positive feedback
- D. Encourage other children on the unit to describe the token system
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The first step in developing a behavior modification program for an aggressive child is to determine what activities, foods, and toys the child enjoys. Understanding the child's preferences allows the nurse to personalize the program, making it more engaging and effective. This approach increases the chances of success in modifying the aggressive behavior. Evaluating previous reactions to punishment (Choice B) may be important but comes later in the process. Providing positive feedback (Choice C) is beneficial but should come after tailoring the program. Encouraging other children to describe the token system (Choice D) is not the initial step; the focus should be on individualizing the program for the specific child first.
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 is an effective measure to prevent tick bites, which can transmit Lyme disease. Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas and tall grass, so covering exposed skin helps reduce the risk of tick bites and subsequently lowers the risk of contracting Lyme disease. Choices A, B, and C do not directly address the mode of transmission of Lyme disease. Option A pertains to respiratory protection against dust, Option B focuses on wound care, and Option C relates to water safety, none of which are directly related to preventing Lyme disease transmission.
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. The heart rate for a 3-year-old with a congenital heart defect has steadily decreased over the last few hours; it is now 76 bpm, whereas the previous reading 4 hours ago was 110 bpm. Which additional finding should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider?
- A. Oxygen saturation of 94%.
- B. Respiratory rate of 25 breaths/minute.
- C. Urine output of 20 mL/hr.
- D. Blood pressure of 70/40.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A significant drop in heart rate and blood pressure should be reported immediately as it may indicate worsening of the congenital heart defect. A decrease in blood pressure to 70/40 is a critical finding that suggests potential cardiovascular compromise and requires urgent attention to prevent further deterioration. Oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and urine output are important parameters, but in this scenario, the alarming decrease in blood pressure is a more critical finding that necessitates immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.
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