HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI Practice Questions
1. What should the nurse suggest to a parent asking for help with a child experiencing night terrors?
- A. Encourage the child to talk about the night terrors.
- B. Establish a bedtime routine.
- C. Allow the child to sleep with the parents.
- D. Wake the child during the night.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Establishing a bedtime routine is the most appropriate suggestion for a parent seeking help with a child experiencing night terrors. Bedtime routines can create a sense of security and predictability for the child, potentially reducing the frequency of night terrors. Encouraging the child to talk about the night terrors (Choice A) may not be effective during the episode as the child is usually not fully awake. Allowing the child to sleep with the parents (Choice C) may inadvertently reinforce the behavior and hinder the child’s ability to learn to self-soothe. Waking the child during the night (Choice D) may disrupt the sleep cycle and exacerbate the night terrors.
2. A pregnant client mentions in her history that she changes the cat's litter box daily. Which test should the nurse anticipate the healthcare provider to prescribe?
- A. Biophysical profile
- B. Fern test
- C. Amniocentesis
- D. TORCH screening
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, TORCH screening. TORCH screening is done to detect infections such as toxoplasmosis, which can be contracted from handling cat litter and is harmful during pregnancy. Biophysical profile (choice A) is a prenatal ultrasound evaluation. Fern test (choice B) is used to assess for amniotic fluid leakage. Amniocentesis (choice C) involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid to test for genetic abnormalities and certain infections, not specifically related to toxoplasmosis from cat litter.
3. Following a thyroidectomy, a client experiences tetany. The nurse should expect to administer which intravenous medication?
- A. Sodium iodide solution
- B. Levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid)
- C. Calcium gluconate
- D. Propranolol (Inderal)
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Following a thyroidectomy, tetany can occur due to hypoparathyroidism, leading to low calcium levels. Therefore, the nurse should administer calcium gluconate intravenously to raise the calcium levels. Choice A, Sodium iodide solution, is incorrect as it is used for thyroid conditions, not for treating tetany. Choice B, Levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid), is incorrect as it is a thyroid hormone replacement and does not address low calcium levels. Choice D, Propranolol (Inderal), is incorrect as it is a beta-blocker used for conditions like hypertension and not indicated for tetany after thyroidectomy.
4. What is an important aspect of managing a child with chronic kidney disease?
- A. Monitoring electrolyte levels
- B. Increasing protein intake
- C. Limiting fluid intake
- D. Encouraging a high-fat diet
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial in managing chronic kidney disease in children because imbalances can lead to serious complications. Electrolyte levels must be carefully monitored to prevent issues such as electrolyte abnormalities, which can further impact kidney function and overall health. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increasing protein intake, limiting fluid intake, and encouraging a high-fat diet can exacerbate kidney disease in children by putting extra strain on their kidneys or causing other health problems.
5. A client with a history of hypertension is prescribed a low-sodium diet. Which food should the LPN/LVN recommend the client avoid?
- A. Fresh fruits
- B. Grilled chicken
- C. Whole grain bread
- D. Canned soup
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, canned soup. Canned soups are often high in sodium content, which can be harmful to individuals with hypertension following a low-sodium diet. Fresh fruits, grilled chicken, and whole grain bread are generally healthier options with lower sodium content and can be included in a low-sodium diet. Fresh fruits provide essential vitamins and minerals, grilled chicken is a lean protein source, and whole grain bread offers fiber and nutrients without excessive sodium levels. Avoiding canned soup aligns with the goal of reducing sodium intake to manage hypertension.