HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI Practice Questions
1. On the third day of hospitalization, the nurse observes that a 2-year-old toddler who had been screaming and crying inconsolably begins to regress and is now lying quietly in the crib with a blanket. What stage of separation anxiety has developed?
- A. Denial
- B. Despair
- C. Mistrust
- D. Rejection
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Despair. In separation anxiety, the stage of despair is characterized by regression and withdrawal after an initial period of protest. The child may become quiet and appear to accept the separation, but this is actually a sign of deeper distress. Choice A, Denial, is incorrect as it refers to refusing to believe or accept the reality of the separation. Choice C, Mistrust, is incorrect as it pertains to a lack of trust in others, not a stage of separation anxiety. Choice D, Rejection, is incorrect as it involves pushing others away and not related to the described behavior of the toddler in the scenario.
2. Based on developmental norms for a 5-year-old child, a healthcare professional decides to withhold a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) elixir and notify the healthcare provider. Below what apical pulse did the healthcare professional withhold the medication?
- A. 60 beats/min
- B. 70 beats/min
- C. 90 beats/min
- D. 100 beats/min
Correct answer: C
Rationale: For a 5-year-old child, an apical pulse below 90 beats/min is an indicator to withhold digoxin. Digoxin is a medication that affects the heart, and in pediatric patients, monitoring the pulse rate is crucial due to the risk of bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a potential side effect. In this case, an apical pulse of 90 beats/min or lower indicates a heart rate that may be too slow for a child of this age, warranting the withholding of digoxin and prompt notification of the healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and D are not within the critical range specified for withholding digoxin in a 5-year-old child and would not necessitate withholding the medication.
3. What intervention best meets a major developmental need of a newborn in the immediate postoperative period?
- A. Giving a pacifier to the newborn
- B. Putting a mobile over the newborn’s crib
- C. Providing the newborn with a soft, cuddly toy
- D. Warming the newborn’s formula before feeding
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is giving a pacifier to the newborn. Sucking is a natural reflex and a source of comfort for newborns, especially postoperatively. A pacifier can help meet their developmental needs by providing soothing comfort. Choices B, C, and D do not directly address the major developmental need related to the newborn's comfort and reflexes postoperatively. Putting a mobile over the crib, providing a cuddly toy, or warming formula, although potentially beneficial in other contexts, do not specifically target the developmental need of sucking for comfort. Offering a pacifier is a safe and effective way to address this developmental need in newborns.
4. A healthcare provider is assessing a 3-month-old infant with suspected pyloric stenosis. What clinical manifestation is the healthcare provider likely to observe?
- A. Projectile vomiting
- B. Diarrhea
- C. Constipation
- D. Abdominal distension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Projectile vomiting is a classic clinical manifestation of pyloric stenosis in infants. This occurs due to the narrowing of the pyloric sphincter, leading to the forceful expulsion of gastric contents in a projectile manner. Diarrhea (choice B) is not typically associated with pyloric stenosis. Constipation (choice C) is also not a common symptom of this condition. Abdominal distension (choice D) may occur in pyloric stenosis but is not as specific or characteristic as projectile vomiting in diagnosing this condition.
5. A nurse is assessing a 3-month-old infant with suspected pyloric stenosis. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?
- A. Projectile vomiting
- B. Diarrhea
- C. Constipation
- D. Abdominal distension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Projectile vomiting is the hallmark clinical manifestation of pyloric stenosis in infants. In pyloric stenosis, the muscle surrounding the opening between the stomach and the small intestine thickens, leading to obstruction. This obstruction causes forceful, projectile vomiting, which is typically non-bilious (does not contain bile) and occurs after feedings. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal distension are not typical symptoms of pyloric stenosis.
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