HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. A 7-year-old child with a history of asthma presents to the clinic with shortness of breath and wheezing. The nurse notes that the child’s peak flow reading is in the red zone. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Administer a bronchodilator
- B. Reassess the peak flow reading
- C. Notify the healthcare provider
- D. Provide oxygen therapy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a child with asthma presents with shortness of breath and wheezing, and the peak flow reading is in the red zone, indicating severe airflow limitation, the priority intervention is to administer a bronchodilator. Bronchodilators help dilate the airways quickly, improving airflow and assisting with breathing. Reassessing the peak flow reading is important but not the first action to take in a severe asthma exacerbation. Notifying the healthcare provider can be done after initiating immediate treatment with a bronchodilator. Providing oxygen therapy may be needed in some cases, but addressing the airway constriction with a bronchodilator should come first to improve ventilation.
2. 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?
- A. High blood cholesterol level on routine screening.
- B. Increased thirst and urination.
- C. A recent strep throat infection.
- D. A recent DPT immunization.
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.
3. A toddler with a chronic illness that requires frequent hospitalization is likely to experience which psychosocial developmental challenge?
- A. Fixation with feelings of inadequacy
- B. Interference with the development of autonomy
- C. Distortion of differentiation of self from parent
- D. Delayed language, fine-motor, and self-care skills
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Toddlers with chronic illnesses requiring frequent hospitalization may experience interference with the development of autonomy. This is because the need for constant medical care can restrict their independence and ability to explore and make choices, which are essential aspects of achieving autonomy according to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Fixation with feelings of inadequacy (Choice A) is more commonly associated with Erikson's stage of industry vs. inferiority in middle childhood. Distortion of differentiation of self from parent (Choice C) is related to the separation-individuation phase of Mahler's theory of object relations, typically occurring in infancy. Delayed language, fine-motor, and self-care skills (Choice D) may be impacted by chronic illness but are not the primary psychosocial developmental challenge faced by toddlers in this context.
4. The nurse is caring for a 15-year-old adolescent who is admitted with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. The adolescent’s vital signs are stable, but the nurse notes that the client has dry skin and appears thin. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Initiate a structured eating plan for the client
- B. Establish a therapeutic relationship with the client
- C. Monitor the client’s electrolyte levels
- D. Provide education on healthy eating habits
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In clients with bulimia nervosa, electrolyte imbalances are common due to purging behaviors and can lead to severe complications. Monitoring electrolyte levels is essential to detect and manage any imbalances promptly, as they can be life-threatening.
5. A 2-year-old girl is brought to the clinic by her 17-year-old mother. When the nurse observes that the child is drinking sweetened soda from her bottle, what information should the nurse discuss with this mother?
- A. A 2-year-old should be speaking in 2-word phrases
- B. Dental caries is associated with drinking soda
- C. Drinking soda is related to childhood obesity
- D. Toddlers should be sleeping 10 hours a night
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Dental caries are a common concern when children consume sweetened sodas regularly.
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