HESI RN
HESI Practice Test Pediatrics
1. When developing a behavior modification program for an extremely aggressive 10-year-old boy, what should the nurse do first?
- A. Identify what activities, foods, and toys the child enjoys
- B. Assess the child's previous reactions to punishment
- C. Offer the child positive feedback
- D. Involve other children on the unit in describing the token system
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The first step in developing a behavior modification program for an extremely aggressive 10-year-old boy is to identify what activities, foods, and toys the child enjoys. Understanding the child's motivations is crucial in creating an effective behavior modification plan tailored to his interests and preferences, which can help in positively reinforcing desired behaviors.
2. A client at 12 weeks gestation is admitted to the antepartum unit with a diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Provide emotional support
- B. Monitor daily weight
- C. Encourage small frequent meals
- D. Initiate prescribed intravenous fluids
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Hyperemesis gravidarum, characterized by severe nausea and vomiting, leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The priority intervention is initiating IV fluids to correct these imbalances. Providing emotional support is important for the client's well-being, but addressing fluid and electrolyte imbalances takes precedence. Monitoring daily weight and encouraging small frequent meals are beneficial interventions but are not the priority when managing hyperemesis gravidarum.
3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has Crohn's Disease and is experiencing frequent cramping and diarrhea. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Increase your caloric intake by eating foods high in protein.
- B. Include fresh fruits and vegetables at each meal.
- C. Maintain your weight by eating high-fat foods.
- D. Drink whole milk to ensure adequate calcium intake.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Increasing caloric intake by eating foods high in protein can help Crohn's Disease patients maintain their weight and manage symptoms. Choice B is incorrect because fresh fruits and vegetables may exacerbate symptoms due to their high fiber content. Choice C is incorrect as high-fat foods can be difficult to digest and may worsen symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because whole milk can be problematic for individuals with Crohn's Disease due to its high fat content.
4. A client with heart failure has a prescription for digoxin. The nurse is aware that sufficient potassium should be included in the diet because hypokalemia in combination with this medication:
- A. Can predispose to dysrhythmias
- B. May lead to oliguria
- C. May cause irritability and anxiety
- D. Sometimes alters consciousness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia increases the risk of dysrhythmias when taking digoxin, making potassium intake crucial. Digoxin toxicity is more likely in patients with low potassium levels, leading to an increased risk of dysrhythmias. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypokalemia in combination with digoxin is primarily associated with dysrhythmias rather than oliguria, irritability, anxiety, or alteration of consciousness.
5. During a community health fair, the nurse conducts a blood pressure screening for a 60-year-old woman who has a blood pressure of 160/100 mm Hg. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Instruct the client to monitor her blood pressure at home
- B. Refer the client to her healthcare provider for further evaluation
- C. Educate the client on lifestyle changes to reduce blood pressure
- D. Recheck the blood pressure in 15 minutes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When encountering a high blood pressure reading at a community health fair, it is essential for the nurse to refer the client to her healthcare provider for further evaluation. This step ensures that the client receives a comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and appropriate management plan. In this scenario, it is crucial to prioritize professional evaluation over self-monitoring, lifestyle education, or immediate rechecking of the blood pressure. Referral to a healthcare provider allows for timely intervention and ongoing monitoring of the client's blood pressure to prevent potential complications.