HESI LPN
Pediatric Practice Exam HESI
1. After clearing the airway of a newborn who is not in distress, what is the most important action to take next?
- A. Administer free-flow oxygen
- B. Clamp and cut the cord
- C. Keep the newborn warm
- D. Obtain an APGAR score
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Keeping the newborn warm is crucial immediately after clearing the airway to prevent hypothermia, which can lead to complications in newborns. Administering free-flow oxygen is not necessary if the newborn is not in distress. Clamping and cutting the cord can be done after ensuring the newborn's warmth. Obtaining an APGAR score is important but can be done after ensuring the newborn is kept warm and stable.
2. After instituting ordered measures to reduce the fever in a 3-year-old with fever and vomiting, what nursing action is most important for the nurse in the emergency department to take?
- A. Preventing shivering
- B. Restricting oral fluids
- C. Measuring output hourly
- D. Taking vital signs hourly
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Preventing shivering is crucial in this situation as it can increase the body temperature and counteract the effects of antipyretic measures aimed at reducing the fever. Shivering generates heat, potentially worsening the fever. Restricting oral fluids (Choice B) is not appropriate as fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration, especially in a child who has been vomiting. Measuring output hourly (Choice C) and taking vital signs hourly (Choice D) are important nursing actions but not as critical as preventing shivering in this scenario. Therefore, the most important nursing action is to prevent shivering to aid in fever reduction and management.
3. The nurse is calculating the one-minute Apgar score for a newborn male infant and determines that his heart rate is 150 beats/minute, he has a vigorous cry, his muscle tone is good with total flexion, he has quick reflex irritability, and his color is dusky and cyanotic. What Apgar score should the nurse assign to the infant?
- A. 8
- B. 9
- C. 6
- D. 7
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 8. The Apgar score is calculated based on five parameters: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. In this case, the infant has a good heart rate, vigorous cry, good muscle tone, and quick reflex irritability, which would total to 8. The only factor affecting the score is the cyanotic color, which could indicate potential respiratory or circulatory issues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the overall assessment provided in the scenario.
4. Which condition is characterized by a progressive loss of muscle strength due to an autoimmune attack on acetylcholine receptors?
- A. Myasthenia gravis
- B. Multiple sclerosis
- C. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- D. Guillain-Barré syndrome
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis is characterized by muscle weakness caused by autoimmune attack on acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. This results in impaired communication between nerves and muscles. Choice B, Multiple sclerosis, is a condition where the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath covering the nerves in the central nervous system, leading to communication issues between the brain and the rest of the body. Choice C, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, not involving acetylcholine receptors. Choice D, Guillain-Barré syndrome, is an acute condition where the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, causing muscle weakness and paralysis, but it does not target acetylcholine receptors.
5. A mother confides to the nurse that she is thinking of divorce. Which suggestion by the nurse would help minimize the effects on the child?
- A. Tell the child together using appropriate terms.
- B. Reassure the child that no one loves him more than his parents.
- C. Engage in special activities with the child to compensate for the divorce.
- D. Keep your feelings to yourself and maintain a positive facade with the child.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In situations of divorce, it is crucial for both parents to inform the child together using age-appropriate language. This approach helps maintain consistency and clarity for the child, reducing confusion and anxiety. Choice B is incorrect because reassurance should not be solely focused on love but on explaining the situation appropriately. Choice C may inadvertently send the message that the divorce is the child's fault or requires compensation. Choice D is incorrect as children benefit from understanding and processing emotions in a healthy manner, rather than having them kept hidden.