HESI LPN
Pediatric Practice Exam HESI
1. While caring for a 5-year-old child hospitalized for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), what is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering antibiotics
- B. Preventing infection
- C. Providing nutritional support
- D. Managing pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is preventing infection due to their compromised immune system. Children undergoing treatment for ALL are highly susceptible to infections, making infection prevention crucial for the child's well-being and treatment success. Administering antibiotics, though important in specific cases, is not the priority in this scenario. Providing nutritional support and managing pain are significant aspects of care but take a back seat to infection prevention in this situation.
2. A client with Alzheimer's disease is becoming increasingly agitated and combative in the late afternoon. What is the most appropriate intervention?
- A. Offer a sedative medication to calm the client.
- B. Encourage the client to rest in a quiet, low-stimulation environment.
- C. Use reality orientation to reduce confusion.
- D. Engage the client in physical activity to reduce agitation.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the client to rest in a quiet, low-stimulation environment is the most appropriate intervention for a client with Alzheimer's disease who is becoming agitated and combative in the late afternoon. This approach helps reduce agitation and prevent overstimulation, providing a calming and soothing environment for the client. Offering a sedative medication (Choice A) should be avoided as it may have side effects and should only be considered as a last resort. Reality orientation (Choice C) may increase confusion and distress in clients with advanced Alzheimer's disease. Engaging the client in physical activity (Choice D) could potentially escalate the agitation rather than reduce it in this scenario.
3. In an emergency situation, the charge nurse on the night shift at an urgent care center has to deal with admitting clients of higher acuity than usual due to a large fire in the area. Which style of leadership and decision-making would be best in this circumstance?
- A. Assume a decision-making role
- B. Seek input from staff
- C. Use a non-directive approach
- D. Shared decision-making with others
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In an emergency situation such as dealing with patients of higher acuity due to a large fire, it is crucial for the charge nurse to assume a decision-making role. This style of leadership allows for quick and efficient decision-making to manage the increased acuity of patients effectively. Seeking input from staff (Choice B) may delay critical decisions needed in emergencies. Using a non-directive approach (Choice C) or shared decision-making with others (Choice D) may not be suitable in urgent situations where immediate actions are required to address the high acuity of patients.
4. A client returns from surgery with two Penrose drains in place. Anticipating frequent dressing changes, what should the nurse use around the incision site?
- A. Montgomery straps
- B. Sterile gauze
- C. Adhesive tape
- D. Elastic bandages
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Montgomery straps are the correct choice in this scenario. They are specifically designed to secure dressings around drain sites, like Penrose drains, and are ideal for frequent dressing changes. Sterile gauze (Choice B) is commonly used for wound dressings but may not provide the best securement for drains. Adhesive tape (Choice C) can cause skin irritation and may not be suitable for securing drains. Elastic bandages (Choice D) are typically used for compression or support but are not appropriate for securing dressings around drain sites.
5. The nurse is teaching a community group about risks of cardiovascular disease. Several clients ask the nurse to determine their risk. Which client should the nurse identify as having the greatest risk for cardiovascular disease?
- A. A male with a serum cholesterol level of 199 mg/dl.
- B. A female with a serum cholesterol level of 201 mg/dl.
- C. A male with a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level of 200 mg/dl.
- D. A female with a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level of 160 mg/dl.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A male with a high LDL level (200 mg/dl) has a significant risk for cardiovascular disease. High levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Choices A, B, and D have serum cholesterol levels that are slightly elevated but are not as specific or directly linked to cardiovascular risk as high LDL levels. Therefore, the client with the high LDL level is at the greatest risk for cardiovascular disease.