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. The caregiver is being educated by a healthcare provider about the use of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) for their 8-year-old child with asthma. Which statement by the caregiver indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will shake the inhaler before each use
- B. My child should breathe in quickly after pressing the inhaler
- C. I should wait a minute between puffs
- D. We should use a spacer with the inhaler
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The caregiver should be informed that the child should breathe in slowly and deeply after pressing the inhaler. This allows for better medication delivery to the lungs and ensures optimal effectiveness of the treatment.
3. How should the caregiver instruct on caring for a 4-month-old with seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap) when shampooing the child's hair?
- A. Use a soft brush and gently scrub the area.
- B. Avoid scrubbing the scalp until the scales disappear.
- C. Avoid washing the child's hair more than once a week.
- D. Use soap and water and avoid shampoos.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When dealing with seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap) in infants, it is essential to use a soft brush and gently scrub the affected area to help remove the scales. This process can aid in managing the condition and preventing further build-up. It is important to be gentle to avoid irritating the baby's delicate skin. Choice B is incorrect as gentle scrubbing with a soft brush can help in the removal of scales. Choice C is incorrect because regular but gentle washing is recommended to manage cradle cap. Choice D is incorrect as using specialized shampoos designed for cradle cap is usually recommended over soap and water.
4. In a 12-year-old child with a history of epilepsy brought to the emergency department after experiencing a 10-minute seizure, what is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Administer oxygen
- B. Administer antiepileptic medication as prescribed
- C. Monitor the child’s vital signs
- D. Check the child’s blood glucose level
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering antiepileptic medication as prescribed is the priority intervention in a child with a history of epilepsy who experienced a prolonged seizure. This action is crucial to stop the seizure and prevent further complications associated with prolonged seizure activity. Administering oxygen may be necessary, but the priority is to stop the seizure. Monitoring vital signs and checking blood glucose levels are important but secondary to administering antiepileptic medication to manage the seizure.
5. A mother brings her 8-month-old baby boy to the clinic because he has been vomiting and having diarrhea for the last 3 days. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to make?
- A. Assess the infant's abdomen for tenderness
- B. Determine if the infant has been exposed to a virus
- C. Measure the infant’s pulse
- D. Evaluate the infant’s cry
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most crucial assessment in this scenario is to measure the infant's pulse. Pulse measurement is essential to evaluate the severity of dehydration, which can be a significant concern in a baby experiencing vomiting and diarrhea for several days. Assessing the abdomen for tenderness may provide information on potential causes of symptoms but is not as urgent as monitoring hydration status. Determining exposure to a virus is important for infection control but does not directly address the immediate issue of dehydration. Evaluating the infant's cry, although a form of communication, does not provide critical information regarding the baby's physiological status in this situation.
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