HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI Practice Questions
1. A child with a diagnosis of diabetes insipidus is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering insulin
- B. Monitoring fluid balance
- C. Administering diuretics
- D. Monitoring vital signs
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct priority nursing intervention for a child diagnosed with diabetes insipidus is to monitor fluid balance. Diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by excessive urination and thirst, which can lead to dehydration. Monitoring fluid balance is essential to prevent dehydration and ensure the child's hydration status remains stable. Administering insulin (Choice A) is not indicated in diabetes insipidus because it is a disorder of the posterior pituitary gland, not the pancreas. Administering diuretics (Choice C) would exacerbate fluid loss in a child already at risk for dehydration. Monitoring vital signs (Choice D) is important but not the priority when compared to maintaining fluid balance in a child with diabetes insipidus.
2. The client is post-operative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following assessment findings would require immediate intervention?
- A. Absent bowel sounds
- B. Saturated abdominal dressing
- C. Pain level of 8/10
- D. Temperature of 100.4°F
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A saturated abdominal dressing is a critical finding that may indicate active bleeding or wound complications. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further complications, such as hypovolemic shock or infection. Absent bowel sounds, though abnormal, are a common post-operative finding and do not require immediate intervention. Pain level of 8/10 can be managed effectively with appropriate pain control measures and does not indicate an urgent issue. A temperature of 100.4°F is slightly elevated but may be a normal post-operative response to surgery and does not typically require immediate intervention unless accompanied by other concerning signs or symptoms.
3. What is a common sign of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in infants?
- A. Dislocated patella
- B. Limited abduction of the hip
- C. Swelling of the knee
- D. Hyperextension of the leg
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Limited abduction of the hip is a common sign of developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants. It indicates possible hip dislocation or instability, making it a key clinical manifestation to assess for DDH. Dislocated patella (Choice A) is not typically associated with DDH. Swelling of the knee (Choice C) and hyperextension of the leg (Choice D) are not specific signs linked to DDH in infants, further supporting why they are incorrect choices.
4. What is the first-line treatment for a child with a bacterial ear infection?
- A. Intravenous antibiotics
- B. Oral antibiotics
- C. Nasal decongestants
- D. Antihistamines
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Oral antibiotics. Oral antibiotics are the first-line treatment for bacterial ear infections in children as they effectively target the infection at the source and help alleviate symptoms. Intravenous antibiotics (Choice A) are typically reserved for severe cases where oral antibiotics are not sufficient. Nasal decongestants (Choice C) and antihistamines (Choice D) are not the primary treatments for bacterial ear infections. Nasal decongestants are used for nasal congestion, and antihistamines are used for allergies. However, these medications do not directly address the bacterial infection in the ear, unlike oral antibiotics.
5. A parent and 3-month-old infant are visiting the well-baby clinic for a routine examination. What should the nurse include in the accident prevention teaching plan?
- A. Remove small objects from the floor.
- B. Cover electric outlets with safety plugs.
- C. Remove toxic substances from low areas.
- D. Test the temperature of water before bathing.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Testing the temperature of water before bathing is crucial to prevent burns, which is a significant risk for infants due to their sensitive skin. Infants have delicate skin that can easily be burned by water that is too hot. Testing the water temperature before bathing ensures that the water is at a safe and comfortable level for the infant. While choices A, B, and C are also important in accident prevention, such as reducing choking hazards, preventing electric shocks, and avoiding poisoning, testing the water temperature before bathing is the most immediate and direct action to prevent harm to the infant during bathing.