HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. An adolescent female who is leaning forward with her hands on her knees to breathe tells the practical nurse that she has been using triamcinolone (Azmacort) inhalation aerosol before coming to the clinic. Which action should the PN implement?
- A. Obtain vital signs and assess breath sounds for wheezing.
- B. Collect a blood sample for white blood cell count.
- C. Give the client a nebulizer breathing treatment.
- D. Administer another dose of Azmacort.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a patient presents with breathing difficulties, the first action should be to assess vital signs and breath sounds to evaluate the severity of the condition. This assessment will provide crucial information to determine the appropriate course of action and treatment. Collecting a blood sample for a white blood cell count, giving a nebulizer treatment, or administering another dose of Azmacort would not be the initial priority in this situation. Therefore, option A is the correct choice as it focuses on assessing the patient's respiratory status to guide further interventions.
2. What is the best response for the nurse when a 2-year-old boy begins to cry as the mother starts to leave?
- A. Let me read this book to you.
- B. Two-year-olds usually stop crying the minute the parent leaves.
- C. Now be a big boy. Mommy will be back soon.
- D. Let's wave bye-bye to mommy.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The best response for the nurse in this situation is to help the child understand that the separation is temporary. Waving bye-bye to mommy can be reassuring to the child and make the separation process easier. It acknowledges the child's feelings while providing a positive and comforting interaction. Choice A may distract the child temporarily but doesn't address the underlying issue of separation anxiety. Choice B is inaccurate as children may continue to cry even after the parent leaves. Choice C diminishes the child's emotions and doesn't offer a supportive approach.
3. A child with leukemia is admitted for chemotherapy, and the nursing diagnosis 'altered nutrition, less than body requirements related to anorexia, nausea, and vomiting' is identified. Which intervention should the nurse include in this child's plan of care?
- A. Encourage a variety of large portions of food at every meal.
- B. Allow the child to eat any food desired and tolerated.
- C. Recommend eating the food as siblings eat at home.
- D. Restrict food brought from fast food restaurants.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Allowing the child to eat any food desired and tolerated is the most appropriate intervention for a child with altered nutrition due to anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. It is crucial to prioritize maintaining adequate nutritional intake, and by allowing the child to choose foods they desire and can tolerate, the chances of improving their nutritional status increase. This approach helps in ensuring that the child receives necessary nutrients during chemotherapy, even if their appetite is affected by the treatment. Encouraging a variety of large portions of food at every meal (Choice A) may overwhelm the child and worsen their symptoms. Recommending eating the food as siblings eat at home (Choice C) may not align with the child's preferences and tolerances. Restricting food brought from fast food restaurants (Choice D) is not suitable as it may limit the child's options and preferences during a challenging time.
4. The nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who was admitted for dehydration due to gastroenteritis. The child is now receiving IV fluids and appears more alert. What is the best indicator that the child’s condition is improving?
- A. The child is more alert and playful
- B. The child’s urine output has increased
- C. The child’s vital signs are stable
- D. The child is tolerating small amounts of oral fluids
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Increased urine output is a reliable indicator that hydration status is improving. While alertness and playfulness are positive signs, increased urine output directly reflects improved hydration. Stable vital signs are important but may not directly indicate hydration status. Tolerating small amounts of oral fluids is a good sign but may not be as direct an indicator as increased urine output.
5. What intervention should the nurse implement first for a male toddler brought to the emergency center approximately three hours after swallowing tablets from his grandmother’s bottle of digoxin (Lanoxin)?
- A. Administer activated charcoal orally
- B. Prepare gastric lavage
- C. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram
- D. Give IV digoxin immune fab (Digibind)
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In cases of digoxin toxicity, IV digoxin immune fab (Digibind) is the antidote and should be administered first to counteract the effects of digoxin poisoning. This intervention is crucial in managing digoxin overdose and should be initiated promptly to improve patient outcomes. Activated charcoal and gastric lavage are not effective in treating digoxin poisoning and may not be beneficial at this stage. While obtaining an electrocardiogram is important to assess cardiac function, administering the antidote should take precedence to address the immediate life-threatening effects of digoxin toxicity.
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