HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI 2023
1. Why is it recommended that closure of the palate should be done before the age of 2 for an 11-month-old infant with a cleft palate?
- A. “After the age of 2, surgery becomes frightening and should be avoided if possible.”
- B. “The eruption of the 2-year molars often complicates the surgical procedure.”
- C. “As your child grows older, the palate widens, making repair more challenging.”
- D. “Surgery should be performed before your child begins to use faulty speech patterns.”
Correct answer: D
Rationale: It is recommended to perform palate closure surgery before the child starts using faulty speech patterns to prevent the development of speech issues that may be harder to correct later. Delaying surgery until after the age of 2 can lead to the child forming incorrect speech habits, which can be challenging to correct. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the specific concern related to speech development in children with cleft palates.
2. When the working mother of a toddler is preparing to take her child home after a prolonged hospitalization, she asks the nurse what type of behavior she should expect to be displayed. What is the nurse’s most appropriate description of her child’s probable behavior?
- A. Excessively demanding behavior
- B. Hostile attitude toward the mother
- C. Cheerful, with shallow attachment behaviors
- D. Withdrawn, without emotional ties to the mother
Correct answer: A
Rationale: After a prolonged hospitalization, a toddler may exhibit excessively demanding behavior as they readjust to being home. This behavior can be a result of the child seeking extra attention and reassurance after a stressful experience. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hostility, cheerfulness with shallow attachment, and withdrawal without emotional ties are less likely outcomes in this situation and do not align with common reactions of toddlers after hospitalization.
3. A client with a productive cough and fever has been diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia and is being admitted to the unit from the emergency room. Which intervention should the practical nurse ensure has been done prior to the administration of antibiotics?
- A. Sputum specimen
- B. Set of vital signs
- C. Electrocardiogram
- D. Glucometer check
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Before initiating antibiotic therapy in a client with bacterial pneumonia, obtaining a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity is essential. This helps identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and guides the selection of the most effective antibiotic treatment.
4. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed sotalol. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Headache
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Sotalol, a medication used for atrial fibrillation, is known to cause bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate. Monitoring the client's heart rate is essential to detect and manage this potential side effect promptly. Choice B, Tachycardia, is incorrect as sotalol is more likely to cause bradycardia. Choice C, Headache, and Choice D, Hyperglycemia, are unrelated side effects of sotalol and are not commonly associated with this medication.
5. A healthcare professional is teaching parents about why most children should be immunized against varicella (chickenpox) and why some receiving specific medications should not. Which medication should be included in the discussion?
- A. Insulin
- B. Steroids
- C. Antibiotics
- D. Anticonvulsants
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Steroids. Children receiving steroids should not receive the varicella vaccine as it can increase the risk of severe infection due to the immunosuppressive effects of steroids. Insulin (Choice A) is not a medication that contraindicates varicella vaccination. Antibiotics (Choice C) and anticonvulsants (Choice D) are also not medications that would impact the decision to immunize against varicella.