HESI RN
HESI Practice Test Pediatrics
1. A parent of a 2-month-old infant, who was treated for pyloric stenosis, is receiving discharge instructions from a healthcare provider. Which statement by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. We will burp our baby more frequently during feedings
- B. We should feed our baby in an upright position
- C. We will lay our baby on their stomach after feeding
- D. We will start feeding our baby with small, frequent feedings
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Placing infants on their stomach after feeding increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It is important to educate parents to always place infants on their back to sleep to reduce this risk.
2. During a follow-up clinical visit, a mother tells the nurse that her 5-month-old son, who had surgical correction for tetralogy of Fallot, has rapid breathing, often takes a long time to eat, and requires frequent rest periods. The infant is not crying while being held, and his growth is in the expected range. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Stimulate the infant to cry to produce cyanosis
- B. Auscultate the heart and lungs while holding the infant
- C. Evaluate the infant for failure to thrive
- D. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Auscultating the heart and lungs while the infant is held is the most appropriate intervention to assess his current condition. This action allows the nurse to gather important information regarding the cardiovascular and respiratory status of the infant, which is crucial in evaluating his post-surgical recovery and overall well-being. Option A is incorrect as stimulating the infant to cry intentionally is not necessary and could cause distress. Option C is incorrect as the infant's growth is within the expected range, indicating no signs of failure to thrive. Option D is incorrect as obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram is not the initial intervention needed in this situation; assessing the heart and lungs through auscultation is more immediate and informative.
3. A 7-year-old is admitted to the hospital with persistent vomiting, and a nasogastric tube attached to low intermittent suction is applied. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Gastric output of 100 mL in the last 8 hours.
- B. Shift intake of 640 mL IV fluids plus 30 mL PO ice chips.
- C. Serum potassium of 3.0 mEq/L.
- D. Serum pH of 7.45.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is significantly low and indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to report this finding promptly to the healthcare provider for immediate intervention. The other findings are not as critical in this situation. Gastric output of 100 mL in the last 8 hours may be expected in a patient with persistent vomiting. The shift intake of IV fluids and ice chips indicates fluid replacement, which is important but not as urgent as correcting electrolyte imbalances. A serum pH of 7.45 is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate concern.
4. The healthcare provider is assessing a child for neurological soft signs. Which finding is most likely demonstrated in the child's behavior?
- A. Inability to move the tongue in a specific direction.
- B. Presence of vertigo.
- C. Poor coordination and sense of position.
- D. Loss of visual acuity.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Neurological soft signs in children often manifest as poor coordination and a sense of position. These signs can indicate underlying neurological issues and are important to assess in pediatric patients. Choices A, B, and D are less likely to be associated with neurological soft signs in children. Inability to move the tongue in a specific direction may suggest a cranial nerve dysfunction rather than general neurological soft signs. Presence of vertigo is more related to inner ear disturbances or vestibular issues. Loss of visual acuity may indicate problems with the eyes rather than general neurological soft signs.
5. The caregiver is caring for a 3-year-old child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis. The child has had several episodes of vomiting and diarrhea over the past 24 hours. What is the caregiver's priority assessment?
- A. Monitor the child's weight
- B. Assess the child's hydration status
- C. Evaluate the child's nutritional intake
- D. Check the child's temperature
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the child's hydration status. In children with gastroenteritis, assessing hydration status is crucial as they are at risk of dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. Monitoring hydration helps prevent complications and guides appropriate interventions to maintain the child's fluid balance. Monitoring the child's weight (Choice A) is not the priority in this situation compared to assessing hydration status. Evaluating nutritional intake (Choice C) is important but not the priority when the child is at risk of dehydration. Checking the child's temperature (Choice D) is relevant but not the priority over assessing hydration status in a child with gastroenteritis.
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