HESI RN
HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam
1. A child with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) who is receiving chemotherapy via a subclavian IV infusion has an oral temperature of 103 degrees. In assessing the IV site, the nurse determines that there are no signs of infection at the site. Which intervention is the most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Obtain a specimen for blood cultures.
- B. Assess the CBC.
- C. Monitor the oral temperature every hour.
- D. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Obtaining a specimen for blood cultures is crucial in this situation as it helps identify the source of infection, if present, and guide appropriate treatment. This is important in a child with leukemia receiving chemotherapy to prevent potential complications and ensure timely intervention. Assessing the CBC may provide overall information on the child's condition but may not specifically identify a potential infection. Monitoring the oral temperature is important but obtaining blood cultures takes precedence in this scenario. Administering acetaminophen can help reduce fever but does not address the need to identify a possible infection source.
2. When a patient starts taking amoxicillin, which foods should the nurse instruct the patient to avoid?
- A. Green leafy vegetables
- B. Beef and other red meat
- C. Coffee, tea, and colas
- D. Acidic fruits and juices
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Acidic fruits and juices. Amoxicillin can be irritating to the stomach, so avoiding acidic fruits and juices is recommended to reduce stomach discomfort or potential interactions. Green leafy vegetables (Choice A), beef and other red meat (Choice B), and coffee, tea, and colas (Choice C) are not typically contraindicated with amoxicillin. It is important to focus on acidic foods and beverages to promote comfort and effectiveness of the medication.
3. When a client is suspected of having a stroke, what is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).
- B. Perform a neurological assessment.
- C. Position the client in a supine position.
- D. Check the client's blood glucose level.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to perform a neurological assessment. When a stroke is suspected, the priority action is to assess the client neurologically to determine the extent of brain injury and identify any immediate risks, such as impaired airway, speech deficits, or loss of motor function. This assessment helps in early recognition of signs that are essential for timely intervention and guides further treatment, such as administering tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), if appropriate. Positioning the client in a supine position or checking the blood glucose level can be important but not the priority when a stroke is suspected.
4. A community health nurse is developing a program to increase physical activity among adults in the community. Which intervention is most likely to be successful?
- A. distributing flyers about the benefits of exercise
- B. organizing free community exercise classes
- C. partnering with local gyms to offer discounts
- D. hosting a health fair with information booths
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Organizing free community exercise classes is the most likely successful intervention as it provides a structured and accessible opportunity for adults to engage in physical activity. This choice directly offers a practical solution by providing a regular and organized setting for individuals to participate in physical activity. Distributing flyers about the benefits of exercise, while informative, may not lead to actual participation. Partnering with local gyms to offer discounts relies on individuals taking the initiative to sign up for gym memberships, which may not be feasible for everyone. Hosting a health fair with information booths is informative but may not directly address the need for increased physical activity among adults in the community.
5. A client's urinalysis results show a urine osmolality of 1200 mOsm/L. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Encourage the client to drink more fluids.
- B. Contact the provider and recommend a low-sodium diet.
- C. Prepare to administer an intravenous diuretic.
- D. Obtain a suction device and implement seizure precautions.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when the client has a urine osmolality of 1200 mOsm/L, indicating dehydration, is to encourage the client to drink more fluids. Dehydration can lead to elevated urine osmolality, and increasing fluid intake can help rehydrate the client. A low-sodium diet is not the priority in this scenario as it would not directly address the dehydration indicated by the high urine osmolality. Administering an intravenous diuretic would further concentrate the urine, exacerbating the dehydration. Obtaining a suction device and implementing seizure precautions are not indicated based on the client's urine osmolality results and would not address the underlying issue of dehydration.