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. In pediatric mental health, there is a lack of sufficient numbers of community-based resources and providers, resulting in long waiting lists for services. This has resulted in:
- A. Children of color and those in poor economic conditions being underserved
- B. Increased stress in the family unit
- C. Markedly increased funding
- D. Premature termination of services
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Premature termination of services.' The lack of sufficient numbers of community-based resources and providers, along with long waiting lists, can lead to premature termination of services for children in need of mental health support. Choice A, 'Children of color and those in poor economic conditions being underserved,' is not directly related to the consequence mentioned in the question. Choice B, 'Increased stress in the family unit,' while a potential consequence, is not explicitly stated in the question as a direct result of the lack of resources. Choice C, 'Markedly increased funding,' is not a consequence but rather a potential solution to address the lack of resources.
3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a group of older adults about oil-rich foods. The nurse should include which of the following foods as the equivalent of 4 tsp of oil?
- A. 1 tbsp of soft margarine
- B. ½ oz of nuts
- C. 2 tbsp of peanut butter
- D. 1 oz of sunflower seeds
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 2 tbsp of peanut butter. Two tablespoons of peanut butter is approximately equivalent to 4 teaspoons of oil, providing healthy fats in the diet. Choice A, 1 tbsp of soft margarine, is not equivalent to 4 tsp of oil as margarine contains additional ingredients. Choice B, ½ oz of nuts, and choice D, 1 oz of sunflower seeds, do not provide an equivalent amount of oil as requested in the question.
4. The nurse is instructing a 65-year-old female client diagnosed with osteoporosis. The most important instruction regarding exercise would be to
- A. Exercise by doing weight-bearing activities
- B. Exercise to reduce weight
- C. Avoid exercise activities that increase the risk of fracture
- D. Exercise to strengthen muscles and thereby protect bones
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most important instruction for a 65-year-old female client diagnosed with osteoporosis regarding exercise is to engage in weight-bearing activities. Weight-bearing exercises are crucial in maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis-related fractures. Choice B is incorrect because the primary focus should be on bone health rather than weight reduction. Choice C is incorrect as avoiding all exercise activities that increase the risk of fracture would limit physical activity, which is essential for overall health. Choice D is incorrect as while strengthening muscles is beneficial, weight-bearing activities directly impact bone health in osteoporosis.
5. A client with antisocial personality disorder repeatedly requests a specific nurse be assigned to him and is belligerent when another nurse is assigned. What action should the charge nurse implement?
- A. Remind the client that nurse assignments are not based on patient requests
- B. Assign the nurse requested by the client to avoid further conflict
- C. Tell the client that he can request a different nurse if unhappy
- D. Explain the situation calmly and reinforce the rules regarding nurse assignments
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the charge nurse to implement is to remind the client that nurse assignments are not based on patient requests. In this situation, it is essential to establish boundaries and communicate that nurse assignments are made based on clinical decisions, not patient preferences. Option B is incorrect because it compromises the principle of fairness in nurse assignments. Option C is incorrect as it encourages the client's behavior by allowing him to request a different nurse based on personal preferences. Option D is also incorrect as it does not address the issue of patient manipulation and reinforces inappropriate behavior.