HESI LPN
Pediatrics HESI 2023
1. A nurse is caring for an infant with intractable vomiting. For what complication is it most important for the nurse to assess?
- A. Acidosis
- B. Alkalosis
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hypernatremia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When an infant experiences intractable vomiting, it can lead to the loss of stomach acids, resulting in metabolic alkalosis. Alkalosis is characterized by elevated blood pH and can lead to serious complications. Assessing for alkalosis is essential in this scenario to monitor and manage the infant's condition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in this context, the primary concern is the metabolic imbalance caused by excessive vomiting, leading to alkalosis rather than acidosis, hyperkalemia, or hypernatremia.
2. A 14-year-old male client with a spinal cord injury (SCI) at T-10 is admitted for rehabilitation. During the morning assessment, the nurse determines that the adolescent's face is flushed, his forehead is sweating, his heart rate is 54 beats/min, and his blood pressure is 198/118. What action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Determine if the urinary bladder is distended
- B. Irrigate the indwelling urinary catheter
- C. Review the temperature graph for the last day
- D. Administer an antihypertensive agent
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening emergency that can be triggered by a distended bladder in clients with spinal cord injuries at T-6 or above. The priority action is to determine if the urinary bladder is distended as this could be the cause of the symptoms observed in the adolescent. Flushing, sweating, bradycardia, and severe hypertension are classic signs of autonomic dysreflexia. Irrigating the urinary catheter, reviewing temperature graphs, or administering an antihypertensive agent are not the initial actions to take when suspecting autonomic dysreflexia.
3. A client who is 24 weeks gestation arrives at the clinic reporting swollen hands. On examination, the nurse notes the client has had a rapid weight gain over six weeks. Which action should the nurse implement next?
- A. Review the client's previous blood pressures in the chart.
- B. Obtain the client's blood pressure.
- C. Observe and time the client's contractions.
- D. Examine the client for pedal edema.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Swollen hands and rapid weight gain could be signs of preeclampsia, so the next step is to check the client's blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is a key indicator in assessing for preeclampsia in pregnancy. Reviewing the client's previous blood pressures may provide additional context but obtaining the current blood pressure is crucial for immediate assessment. Observing and timing contractions are not relevant in this scenario as the client is not presenting with signs of active labor. Examining for pedal edema is important in assessing for fluid retention, but obtaining the blood pressure takes precedence in this case due to the potential seriousness of preeclampsia.
4. What should be used to feed an infant born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate?
- A. Plastic spoon
- B. Cross-cut nipple
- C. Parenteral infusion
- D. Rubber-tipped syringe
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A cross-cut nipple is the most appropriate choice for feeding an infant with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Using a cross-cut nipple helps regulate the flow of milk, making feeding easier for the infant and reducing the risk of aspiration. Plastic spoons, parenteral infusion, and rubber-tipped syringes are not recommended for feeding infants with cleft lip and palate as they can pose risks such as choking, aspiration, or inadequate milk intake. It is essential to choose a feeding method that minimizes these risks and ensures proper nutrition for the infant.
5. A client is experiencing sore nipples from breastfeeding. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Place a snug dressing on the client’s nipple when not breastfeeding
- B. Ensure the newborn’s mouth is wide open before latching to the breast
- C. Encourage the client to limit the newborn’s feeding to 10 minutes on each breast
- D. Instruct the client to begin the feeding with the nipple that is most tender
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Ensuring the newborn's mouth is wide open before latching is crucial for achieving a proper latch, which can help reduce nipple soreness. Placing a snug dressing on the nipple when not breastfeeding (choice A) can lead to further irritation and hinder healing. Encouraging the client to limit the newborn’s feeding to 10 minutes on each breast (choice C) may not be adequate for effective feeding as infants should feed until they are satisfied. Instructing the client to begin feeding with the most tender nipple (choice D) can worsen the soreness as it may not allow the baby to feed effectively.