a child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis is admitted to the hospital what is the priority nursing intervention
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Nursing Elites

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?

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. A child is being assessed for suspected intussusception. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct clinical manifestation that a nurse is likely to observe in a child with suspected intussusception is abdominal distension. Intussusception is a medical emergency where a part of the intestine folds into itself, causing obstruction. Abdominal distension is a common symptom due to the obstruction and the build-up of gases and fluids. While currant jelly stools (Choice B) are a classic sign of intussusception, they are typically seen in later stages of the condition and may not be present during the initial assessment. Projectile vomiting (Choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like pyloric stenosis. Constipation (Choice D) is not a typical manifestation of intussusception; the condition usually presents with severe colicky abdominal pain and possible passage of blood and mucus in stools.

3. A 4-year-old child is admitted with a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention in a 4-year-old child admitted with bacterial pneumonia is administering antibiotics. Antibiotics are crucial for treating the infection and preventing potential complications. Administering antipyretics (Choice A) may help reduce fever, but addressing the underlying infection with antibiotics is the priority. Monitoring fluid intake (Choice C) is important for hydration but does not take precedence over administering antibiotics. Providing nutritional support (Choice D) is essential for overall care but is not the immediate priority when managing bacterial pneumonia.

4. A child has been diagnosed with classic hemophilia. A nurse teaches the child’s parents how to administer the plasma component factor VIII through a venous port. It is to be given 3 times a week. What should the nurse tell them about when to administer this therapy?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering factor VIII in the morning on scheduled days is the correct choice. This timing ensures that the factor VIII levels remain stable throughout the day when the child is active and at risk of bleeding. Choice A is incorrect because factor VIII should be given on a regular schedule rather than only when a bleed is suspected. Choice C is not ideal as the child may be more active during the day, increasing the risk of bleeding. Choice D is also incorrect as the administration should follow a specific schedule to maintain therapeutic levels of factor VIII in the child's system.

5. What behavior does a toddler subjected to prolonged hospitalization with limited parental visits typically exhibit?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Toddlers subjected to prolonged hospitalization with limited parental visits often exhibit a limited emotional response to the environment. This behavior is a common coping mechanism in young children facing such situations. While cheerful interactions with staff members (choice A) may occur occasionally, the overall response tends to be subdued. Indications of sadness throughout the day (choice B) and excessive crying when parents are not present (choice C) are less typical in this scenario, as the child may have learned to suppress emotions due to the challenging circumstances.

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