HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. A child who is admitted to the hospital with anemia is anxious, fearful, and hyperventilating. The nurse anticipates the child developing which acid-base imbalance?
- A. Metabolic acidosis
- B. Respiratory acidosis
- C. Respiratory alkalosis
- D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the child is hyperventilating, which leads to excessive loss of carbon dioxide. This loss of carbon dioxide causes respiratory alkalosis due to a decrease in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood. Therefore, the correct answer is respiratory alkalosis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in pH and bicarbonate levels due to conditions like kidney disease. Respiratory acidosis is caused by retention of carbon dioxide, leading to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide. Metabolic alkalosis results from a loss of acid or an increase in bicarbonate levels.
2. The mother calls the clinic and tells the practical nurse (PN) that her child cannot swallow a prescribed tablet that was dispensed by the local pharmacy as a whole tablet. How should the PN respond?
- A. You can crush the tablet and mix it with food.
- B. You should not force the child to swallow the tablets by holding her nose closed.
- C. If a liquid form is available, the pharmacist can be contacted for a prescription change.
- D. Do not advise the child to chew the tablet if she cannot swallow it.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a child is unable to swallow a tablet, the appropriate response is to consider if a liquid form of the medication is available. This is a safer and more effective alternative than forcing the child to swallow or chew the tablet. Contacting the pharmacist for a prescription change can provide a suitable solution that ensures the child receives the medication in a more manageable form. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because crushing the tablet and mixing it with food may alter the medication's effectiveness or taste, forcing the child to swallow or holding her nose closed can be distressing and ineffective, and advising the child to chew the tablet is not recommended as an alternative to swallowing it.
3. Which nursing diagnosis is a priority for a 4-year-old child diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome?
- A. Impaired urinary elimination.
- B. Risk for infection.
- C. Fluid volume excess.
- D. Risk for impaired skin integrity.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a child with nephrotic syndrome, fluid volume excess is a priority nursing diagnosis due to the risk of edema and related complications. This patient may experience significant fluid retention, leading to edema, hypertension, and potential respiratory distress. Monitoring and managing fluid volume excess are crucial in preventing further complications and supporting the child's health during nephrotic syndrome. The other options are not the priority in this case. Impaired urinary elimination is not typically a primary concern in nephrotic syndrome. While infection is a risk due to compromised immunity, fluid volume excess poses a more immediate threat to the child's health. Risk for impaired skin integrity may be a concern secondary to edema, but addressing fluid volume excess takes precedence.
4. 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.
5. The nurse determines that an infant admitted for surgical repair of an inguinal hernia voids a urinary stream from the ventral surface of the penis. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Document the finding
- B. Palpate scrotum for testicular descent
- C. Assess for bladder distension
- D. Auscultate bowel sounds
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to document the finding. The infant voiding a urinary stream from the ventral surface of the penis suggests hypospadias, a condition where the urethral opening is on the underside of the penis. This finding is crucial information that needs to be documented for further evaluation. Palpating the scrotum for testicular descent, assessing for bladder distension, and auscultating bowel sounds are not appropriate actions based on the presented scenario and do not address the specific concern of the urinary stream location.
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