HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. An infant with tetralogy of Fallot becomes acutely cyanotic and hyperpneic. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer morphine sulfate.
- B. Start IV fluids.
- C. Place the infant in a knee-chest position.
- D. Provide 100% oxygen by face mask.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a situation where an infant with tetralogy of Fallot is acutely cyanotic and hyperpneic, the priority action should be to place the infant in a knee-chest position. This position helps increase systemic vascular resistance, improving pulmonary blood flow and subsequently ameliorating the cyanosis and hyperpnea. It is a non-invasive and effective intervention that can be promptly implemented by the nurse to address the immediate respiratory distress. Administering morphine sulfate (Choice A) is not the priority in this case as it may cause further respiratory depression. Starting IV fluids (Choice B) may not address the immediate cyanosis and hyperpnea. Providing 100% oxygen by face mask (Choice D) can help with oxygenation but may not be as effective as placing the infant in a knee-chest position to improve blood flow dynamics.
2. What information should be reinforced with the parents about introducing solid foods to their infant?
- A. Begin with one tablespoon of the food.
- B. Introduce each food 4 to 7 days apart.
- C. Mix the new food with rice cereal.
- D. Remove foods when the infant refuses them.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Introducing solid foods 4 to 7 days apart is crucial as it allows time to identify any allergic reactions or intolerances to specific foods. This gradual introduction helps parents monitor their infant's response to new foods and pinpoint any potential issues, ensuring the infant's safety and well-being. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because starting with one tablespoon of the food, mixing new food with rice cereal, and removing foods when the infant refuses them are not recommended practices for introducing solid foods to infants.
3. The parents of a 15-month-old boy tell the nurse that they are concerned because their son brings his spoon to his mouth but does not turn it over. What action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Discuss the possibility of a referral to a specialist
- B. Question the parents about their concern
- C. Advise the parents on proper spoon handling techniques for the child
- D. Recommend extending mealtimes to allow the child to finish eating
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The initial action for the nurse is to question the parents about their concerns. By doing so, the nurse can gather more information to understand the situation better. This helps in determining if the child's behavior is within normal development or if further action or referrals are necessary. Choice A is incorrect as it jumps to a specialist referral without fully assessing the situation first. Choice C is also incorrect because assuming the parents need advice on proper spoon handling techniques may not be the case. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the core concern raised by the parents.
4. 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.
5. A 6-year-old child is diagnosed with rheumatic fever and demonstrates associated chorea (sudden aimless movements of the arms and legs). Which information should the nurse provide to the parents?
- A. Permanent lifestyle changes need to be made to promote safety in the home
- B. The chorea or movements are temporary and will eventually disappear
- C. Muscle tension is decreased with fine motor project skills, so these activities should be encouraged
- D. Consistent discipline is needed to help the child control the movements
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Chorea associated with rheumatic fever is usually temporary and will subside over time.
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