HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. An adolescent female who comes to the school clinic is reluctant to confide her concerns to the practical nurse (PN). The PN tells the teen that confidentiality and privacy are maintained unless a life-threatening situation arises. Which principle supports the PN's response?
- A. The adolescent should be encouraged to seek help outside of the school clinic.
- B. Disclosures from the adolescent should be kept confidential.
- C. Honest information ensures establishing a trusting relationship.
- D. Minor adolescents should not be encouraged to disclose private concerns.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct principle supporting the practical nurse's response is that honest information ensures establishing a trusting relationship. By assuring confidentiality and privacy to the adolescent unless there is a life-threatening situation, the practical nurse fosters an environment where the teen feels safe to share their concerns openly. This approach helps build trust, encouraging effective communication and support for the adolescent's well-being. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because encouraging seeking help outside the school clinic, keeping disclosures confidential, and discouraging minor adolescents from sharing private concerns do not address the immediate need to build trust and ensure the well-being of the adolescent in a school setting.
2. What suggestion should the nurse provide to prevent diaper rash in a 4-month-old infant as requested by the mother?
- A. Generously powder the baby's diaper area with talcum powder at each diaper change to promote dryness.
- B. Wash the diaper area every 2 hours with soap and water to help prevent skin breakdown.
- C. Use a barrier cream, such as zinc oxide, which does not have to be completely removed with each diaper change.
- D. Place a cloth diaper inside the disposable diaper for overnight periods when increased wearing time is likely.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Using a barrier cream like zinc oxide forms a protective layer on the skin, creating a barrier against irritants and moisture, thus helping to prevent diaper rash. Unlike other options, barrier creams do not need to be completely removed at each diaper change, allowing the skin to remain protected between changes.
3. A 7-year-old child with type 1 diabetes is brought to the emergency department with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The nurse notes that the child's blood glucose level is 350 mg/dL. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Administer IV fluids as prescribed
- B. Administer insulin as prescribed
- C. Monitor the child's urine output
- D. Check the child's urine for ketones
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a child with type 1 diabetes presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and a high blood glucose level, the priority is to administer IV fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which are crucial in managing diabetic ketoacidosis. Administering insulin without addressing fluid deficits can lead to further complications. While monitoring urine output and checking for ketones are important steps in the care of a child with diabetes, the immediate focus should be on correcting dehydration and electrolyte imbalances through IV fluid administration to stabilize the child's condition.
4. A mother brings her 3-month-old infant to the clinic because the baby does not sleep through the night. Which finding is most significant in planning care for this family?
- A. The mother is a single parent and lives with her parents
- B. The mother states the baby is irritable during feedings
- C. The infant’s formula has been changed twice
- D. The diaper area shows severe skin breakdown
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Severe skin breakdown in the diaper area is a significant finding indicating a potential health issue that needs immediate attention. It may be a sign of a skin condition, such as a diaper rash, which can cause discomfort and pain for the infant. Addressing this concern promptly is crucial to prevent further complications and ensure the baby's well-being. The other choices may also be important in assessing the overall situation of the family, but in terms of immediate care for the infant, the severe skin breakdown takes priority.
5. A 13-year-old client with type 1 diabetes presents to the clinic with a blood glucose level of 400 mg/dL. The client reports feeling thirsty and having frequent urination. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer insulin as prescribed
- B. Encourage the client to drink water
- C. Check the client’s urine for ketones
- D. Reinforce the importance of diet and exercise
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a client with type 1 diabetes presenting with hyperglycemia (blood glucose level of 400 mg/dL) and symptoms of thirst and frequent urination, the priority action for the nurse is to administer insulin as prescribed. Insulin helps lower the blood glucose level and prevents complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. While encouraging hydration is essential, administering insulin is crucial to address the high blood glucose levels. Checking urine for ketones is important in diabetic management but is secondary to administering insulin in this scenario. Reinforcing diet and exercise importance is vital for diabetes management but not the priority in acute hyperglycemia.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
HESI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access