HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI Practice Questions
1. A child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance
- B. Encouraging regular exercise
- C. Administering antipyretics
- D. Administering antibiotics
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to fluid loss. Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance is essential in managing gastroenteritis to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Encouraging regular exercise (Choice B) is not a priority in the acute phase of gastroenteritis when the focus is on rehydration and symptom management. Administering antipyretics (Choice C) may be considered for fever management but is not the priority over monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Administering antibiotics (Choice D) is not routinely indicated for viral gastroenteritis, which is a common cause of the condition in children.
2. When a nurse instructs a client with hearing loss about cleaning their new hearing aids, which statement indicates that the client understands the instructions?
- A. I use a damp cloth to clean the outside part of my hearing aids.
- B. I clean my hearing aids' ear molds with rubbing alcohol.
- C. I always keep the volume of my hearing aids turned up for better hearing.
- D. I remove the batteries from my hearing aids when not in use at night.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because cleaning the outside part of hearing aids with a damp cloth is an appropriate method. Rubbing alcohol can damage ear molds, so choice B is incorrect. Keeping the volume of hearing aids turned up high may lead to discomfort, making choice C incorrect. Removing batteries when not in use at night is good practice for battery life, but it does not directly relate to understanding cleaning instructions, so choice D is less relevant in this context.
3. A client requires application of an eye shield to the right eye. What should the nurse do in order to apply tape to anchor the shield most effectively?
- A. Place tape from the cheek to the forehead
- B. Secure tape from the nose to the ear
- C. Attach tape from the lower eyelid to the upper forehead
- D. Use circular bandaging around the head
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct way to apply tape to anchor an eye shield effectively is to attach the tape from the lower eyelid to the upper forehead. This method provides stability for the shield without putting pressure on the eye itself, thus helping to protect the eye. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because taping from the cheek to the forehead, securing tape from the nose to the ear, or using circular bandaging around the head may not provide the necessary stability and protection required for the eye shield.
4. A client is receiving heparin to treat a deep vein thrombosis. The nurse should monitor which laboratory result to assist in evaluating the efficacy of the drug?
- A. Platelet count
- B. Prothrombin time
- C. Partial thromboplastin time
- D. Serum levels of protamine sulfate
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should monitor the partial thromboplastin time to evaluate the efficacy of heparin. Partial thromboplastin time reflects the anticoagulant effect of heparin by measuring the intrinsic pathway of coagulation. Platelet count assesses platelet levels and is not specific to heparin efficacy. Prothrombin time is used to monitor warfarin therapy. Serum levels of protamine sulfate are not used to evaluate the efficacy of heparin.
5. A female client taking a liquid iron preparation expresses concern that her tooth color has darkened since starting the medication. What action should the PN implement?
- A. Teach the client to use a straw when taking the medication to reduce further tooth staining
- B. Advise the client to withhold further doses until consulting with the healthcare provider
- C. Reassure the client that this change indicates the medication is having the desired effect
- D. Determine if the client is also experiencing mouth or gum pain and difficulty swallowing
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the PN to implement is to teach the client to use a straw when taking the medication to reduce further tooth staining. Using a straw minimizes contact between the iron preparation and the teeth, helping prevent additional staining. Choice B is incorrect because withholding doses without consulting the healthcare provider could be detrimental to the client's health. Choice C is incorrect because darkening of tooth color is not an expected effect of liquid iron preparation and should not be reassured as a desired effect. Choice D is incorrect as it does not directly address the client's concern about tooth staining.