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. The parents of a 2-year-old child with a history of febrile seizures are being taught by the healthcare provider. Which statement by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. We should give our child acetaminophen when they have a fever.
- B. We should not place our child in a cool bath during a seizure.
- C. We should call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
- D. We should try to keep our child’s fever under control.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Placing a child in a cool bath during a seizure is not recommended as it can be dangerous and may lead to accidental drowning or injuries. The priority during a febrile seizure is to ensure the safety of the child by placing them on a soft surface, removing any nearby objects that may cause harm, and gently turning their head to the side to prevent aspiration. Cooling measures like removing excess clothing can be employed, but immersing the child in a cool bath is not advised. Calling 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes is important to seek immediate medical assistance. Administering acetaminophen to reduce fever and trying to keep the child's fever under control are appropriate interventions which should be continued.
3. A mother brings her 3-week-old infant to the clinic because the baby vomits after eating and always seems hungry. Further assessment indicates that the infant’s vomiting is projectile, and the child seems listless. Which additional assessment finding indicates the possibility of a life-threatening complication?
- A. Irregular palpable pulse
- B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
- C. Underweight for age
- D. Crying without tears
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the infant presenting with vomiting, lethargy, and projectile vomiting indicates a potential serious condition. Crying without tears is a sign of dehydration, a critical condition that can lead to life-threatening complications in infants. Dehydration can rapidly worsen an infant's condition, making prompt intervention crucial to prevent further complications. Irregular palpable pulse (Choice A) could indicate a cardiovascular issue but is less immediately life-threatening in this context. Hyperactive bowel sounds (Choice B) are more indicative of gastrointestinal issues rather than a life-threatening complication. Underweight for age (Choice C) may be concerning for growth-related issues but does not directly indicate a life-threatening complication like dehydration does.
4. A 14-year-old adolescent with a history of substance abuse is brought to the emergency department by the parents, who suspect that the adolescent has relapsed. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Obtain a urine sample for toxicology screening
- B. Discuss treatment options with the parents
- C. Establish a therapeutic relationship with the adolescent
- D. Administer a medication to reverse the effects of the substance
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's priority action should be to obtain a urine sample for toxicology screening. This step is crucial in identifying the substances involved in the relapse, which will guide appropriate treatment strategies. By knowing the specific substances, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans effectively. Establishing a therapeutic relationship and discussing treatment options come after obtaining necessary diagnostic information to ensure a comprehensive care plan. Administering a medication to reverse substance effects is not the initial priority; identification of the substances through toxicology screening should precede any treatment intervention.
5. The mother of a 9-month-old, diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) yesterday, calls the clinic to inquire if it will be all right to take her infant to the first birthday party of a friend's child the following day. What response should the nurse provide this mother?
- A. The child will no longer be contagious, so no need to take any further precautions.
- B. Ensure there are no children under the age of 6 months around the infected child.
- C. The child can be around other children but should wear a mask at all times.
- D. Do not expose other children to RSV. It is highly contagious even without direct contact.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. RSV is highly contagious, even without direct contact. It is important to prevent the spread of the virus to other children, so the infected child should not attend the birthday party to avoid exposing other children to RSV. This is crucial to protect the health of other children who may be more vulnerable to the virus. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect as RSV remains contagious for a period of time, and precautions should be taken to prevent its spread. Choice B is incorrect because the age limit specified is not a reliable measure to prevent transmission. Choice C is incorrect as wearing a mask may not be sufficient to prevent the spread of RSV in a social setting like a birthday party.
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