HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI 2023
1. A child with a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia is experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis. What is the most important nursing intervention?
- A. Administering oxygen
- B. Administering pain medication
- C. Monitoring fluid intake
- D. Encouraging physical activity
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, the most important nursing intervention is to administer pain medication. Pain management is crucial in alleviating the intense pain experienced by the patient. Administering oxygen (Choice A) may be necessary in some cases to improve oxygenation, but pain relief takes precedence during a vaso-occlusive crisis. Monitoring fluid intake (Choice C) is important for hydration but is not the priority during a crisis. Encouraging physical activity (Choice D) is contraindicated during a vaso-occlusive crisis as it can exacerbate pain and tissue damage.
2. When speaking to young parents, the nurse states that lead poisoning is one of the most common preventable health problems affecting children. What condition occurs when the level of lead ingested exceeds the amount that can be absorbed by the bone?
- A. Malnutrition
- B. Anemia
- C. Bone pain
- D. Diarrhea
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anemia. When the amount of lead ingested exceeds the amount that can be absorbed by the bone, it leads to anemia. Malnutrition (Choice A) is a state of inadequate nutrition, not directly related to lead poisoning. Bone pain (Choice C) is a symptom of lead poisoning due to its effects on bones but not directly related to lead ingestion exceeding absorption. Diarrhea (Choice D) is not a direct consequence of lead ingestion exceeding absorption by bones.
3. 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.
4. When a woman in early pregnancy is leaving the clinic, she blushes and asks the nurse if it is true that sex during pregnancy is bad for the baby. What is the best response for the nurse to give?
- A. The baby is protected by the sac. Sex is perfectly alright.
- B. It is unlikely to harm the baby. What you do with your personal life is your concern.
- C. Intercourse during pregnancy is usually alright, but you need to ask the doctor if it is acceptable for you.
- D. In a normal pregnancy, intercourse will not harm the baby. However, many women experience a change in desire. How are you feeling?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is the best response as it reassures the patient that intercourse in a normal pregnancy will not harm the baby. It also shows empathy by acknowledging that many women experience changes in sexual desire during pregnancy. This response validates the patient's concerns and opens up a dialogue about her feelings. Choice A is incorrect as it lacks information about changes in sexual desire and oversimplifies the situation. Choice B is dismissive of the patient's concerns and does not provide adequate information. Choice C is not the best response as it suggests asking the doctor without offering immediate reassurance or addressing the patient's worries.
5. The mother of a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB) asks why her child must be kept NPO. Which response would be the most correct?
- A. The epinephrine given causes nausea and vomiting.
- B. The child is being hydrated with IV fluids.
- C. The child is not hungry.
- D. The child's rapid respirations pose a risk for aspiration.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because rapid respirations predispose to aspiration in a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis. Choice A is incorrect because epinephrine does not directly relate to the need for NPO status. Choice B is incorrect as hydration with IV fluids is not the primary reason for keeping the child NPO. Choice C is incorrect as the child being hungry is not the main concern when keeping a child NPO in this situation.