HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. When planning care for a child diagnosed with rheumatic fever, what is the primary goal of nursing care?
- A. Reduce fever.
- B. Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
- C. Prevent cardiac damage.
- D. Maintain joint mobility and function.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The primary goal of nursing care for a child diagnosed with rheumatic fever is to prevent cardiac damage. Rheumatic fever can lead to complications affecting the heart, making it crucial to monitor and prevent cardiac involvement to avoid long-term consequences. While addressing fever and joint pain are important aspects of care, preventing cardiac damage takes precedence in managing rheumatic fever. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are not the primary goals of nursing care in this case.
2. A 16-year-old male client who has been treated in the past for a seizure disorder is admitted to the hospital. Immediately after admission, he begins to have a grand mal seizure. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Obtain assistance in holding him to prevent injury.
- B. Observe him carefully.
- C. Call a CODE.
- D. Place a padded tongue blade between the teeth.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a grand mal seizure, the priority action for the nurse is to ensure the safety of the client. Observing the client carefully allows the nurse to monitor the seizure activity, the client's breathing, and any signs of distress without interfering with the seizure process. Restraining the client or placing objects in the mouth can lead to injury and should be avoided. Calling a CODE is not appropriate for a seizure as it is a normal response to the client's condition.
3. The parents of a 3-month-old infant are being educated by the healthcare provider about safe sleep practices. Which statement by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. We will place our baby on their back to sleep
- B. We will use a firm mattress and avoid soft bedding
- C. We will keep our baby in our bed so we can monitor them closely
- D. We will avoid putting toys or pillows in the crib
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Co-sleeping, or keeping the baby in the parents' bed, increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It is crucial for parents to place the baby in a separate crib or bassinet to ensure a safe sleep environment and reduce the risk of SIDS. Choices A, B, and D demonstrate understanding of safe sleep practices by mentioning placing the baby on their back, using a firm mattress and avoiding soft bedding, and not putting toys or pillows in the crib, which are all measures to promote safe sleep and reduce the risk of SIDS.
4. A child admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis is demonstrating Kussmaul respirations. The nurse determines that the increased respiratory rate is a compensatory mechanism for which acid-base alteration?
- A. Metabolic alkalosis.
- B. Respiratory acidosis.
- C. Respiratory alkalosis.
- D. Metabolic acidosis.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breathing patterns observed in metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis. In this condition, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate to eliminate excess carbon dioxide (CO2) and decrease the acid levels, thereby helping to correct the acid-base imbalance. Therefore, the correct answer is metabolic acidosis.
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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