HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. During a well baby visit, the parents explain that a soft bulge appears in the groin of their 4-month-old son when he cries or strains during stooling. The infant is scheduled for surgical repair of the inguinal hernia in two weeks. What should the parent be instructed to do if the hernia becomes incarcerated prior to the surgery?
- A. Use a rectal thermometer to strain during stooling.
- B. Gently manipulate the hernia for reduction.
- C. Offer oral electrolyte fluids for comfort.
- D. Give acetaminophen or aspirin for crying.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the case of an incarcerated inguinal hernia, gentle manipulation can sometimes help in reducing it before surgery. This action should be taken cautiously and immediately followed by seeking medical attention. It is important to note that attempting reduction should be done by a healthcare professional, and parents should be advised to seek urgent medical care if the hernia becomes incarcerated. Using a rectal thermometer to strain during stooling (Choice A) is not the correct approach for an incarcerated hernia and can worsen the condition. Offering oral electrolyte fluids for comfort (Choice C) or giving acetaminophen or aspirin for crying (Choice D) are not appropriate interventions for an incarcerated hernia and may delay necessary medical treatment.
2. The parents of a 5-year-old child, recently diagnosed with celiac disease, are being educated by the healthcare provider. Which statement by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. We need to avoid giving our child any foods that contain wheat, barley, or rye
- B. Our child can still eat oats as long as they are labeled gluten-free
- C. We should read food labels carefully to check for hidden sources of gluten
- D. It’s okay for our child to have small amounts of gluten occasionally
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Children with celiac disease must strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet. Even small amounts of gluten can cause harm by triggering an immune response that damages the intestines. It is crucial for parents to understand that allowing their child to have small amounts of gluten occasionally is not safe and can lead to complications. Therefore, further teaching is needed to emphasize the importance of complete avoidance of gluten-containing foods for a child with celiac disease. Choices A, B, and C demonstrate understanding of the need to avoid gluten-containing foods and hidden sources of gluten, which are essential in managing celiac disease. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests a lax approach to the child's diet, which can be harmful in the case of celiac disease.
3. A child with Graves' disease who is taking propranolol (Inderal) is seen in the clinic. The nurse should monitor the child for which therapeutic response?
- A. Increased weight gain
- B. Decreased heart rate
- C. Reduced headaches
- D. Diminished fatigue
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Decreased heart rate.' Propranolol is a beta-blocker commonly used to manage symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including tachycardia. Monitoring for a decreased heart rate is important as it indicates the drug's therapeutic response in controlling the elevated heart rate associated with Graves' disease. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because weight gain, reduced headaches, and diminished fatigue are not typical therapeutic responses to propranolol in the context of managing Graves' disease.
4. When assessing a 10-year-old newly diagnosed with osteomyelitis, which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?
- A. Recent history of infection recurrences.
- B. Cultural heritage and beliefs.
- C. Family history of bone disorders.
- D. Increased fluid intake occurrences.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a 10-year-old with newly diagnosed osteomyelitis, the most important information for the nurse to obtain is the recent history of infection recurrences. This is crucial because osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, and assessing for any recent recurrence of infections can help in determining the possible source of the osteomyelitis and guide the treatment plan accordingly. Choices B, C, and D are less relevant in the immediate assessment of a newly diagnosed case of osteomyelitis as they do not directly impact the current infection or treatment plan.
5. A child admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis is demonstrating Kussmaul respirations. The nurse determines that the increased respiratory rate is a compensatory mechanism for which acid-base alteration?
- A. Metabolic alkalosis.
- B. Respiratory acidosis.
- C. Respiratory alkalosis.
- D. Metabolic acidosis.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breathing patterns observed in metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis. In this condition, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate to eliminate excess carbon dioxide (CO2) and decrease the acid levels, thereby helping to correct the acid-base imbalance. Therefore, the correct answer is metabolic acidosis.
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