HESI RN
HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam
1. When should a mother introduce solid foods to her 4-month-old baby girl? The mother states, 'My mother says I should put rice cereal in the baby's bottle now.' The nurse should instruct the mother to introduce solid foods when her child exhibits which behavior?
- A. Stops rooting when hungry
- B. Opens mouth when food comes her way
- C. Awakens once for nighttime feedings
- D. Gives up a bottle for a cup
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Opens mouth when food comes her way.' This behavior indicates readiness to start trying solid foods. Infants should be introduced to solid foods based on developmental cues, such as showing an interest in food and the ability to accept it. Choices A, C, and D are not indicative of readiness for solid foods. Stopping rooting when hungry is a reflex that may persist beyond the readiness for solids. Awakening for nighttime feedings is a normal behavior for a 4-month-old, and transitioning from a bottle to a cup is a later developmental milestone.
2. While teaching a parenting class to new parents, the nurse describes the needs of infants and toddlers regarding discipline and limit setting. What is the most important reason for implementing such parenting behaviors?
- A. Children need help in developing social skills.
- B. This age group fears loss of self-control.
- C. They provide the child with a sense of security.
- D. Children must learn to deal with authority.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Implementing discipline and limit setting for infants and toddlers is primarily important as it provides them with a sense of security. This sense of security is crucial for their emotional and psychological development, helping them feel safe and supported as they explore the world around them. Choice A is incorrect because while developing social skills is important, the primary reason for discipline and limit setting in this context is to provide security. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the main reason for implementing discipline and limit setting. Choice D is incorrect as the primary focus is not about dealing with authority at this early stage of development.
3. The heart rate for a 3-year-old with a congenital heart defect has steadily decreased over the last few hours; it is now 76 bpm, whereas the previous reading 4 hours ago was 110 bpm. Which additional finding should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider?
- A. Oxygen saturation of 94%.
- B. Respiratory rate of 25 breaths/minute.
- C. Urine output of 20 mL/hr.
- D. Blood pressure of 70/40.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A significant drop in heart rate and blood pressure should be reported immediately as it may indicate worsening of the congenital heart defect. A decrease in blood pressure to 70/40 is a critical finding that suggests potential cardiovascular compromise and requires urgent attention to prevent further deterioration. Oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and urine output are important parameters, but in this scenario, the alarming decrease in blood pressure is a more critical finding that necessitates immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.
4. A 10-year-old child is brought to the emergency department after falling from a bicycle and hitting their head. The nurse notes that the child is drowsy and has a headache. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Perform a full neurological assessment
- B. Administer pain medication
- C. Allow the child to rest quietly
- D. Check the child's immunization status
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a child who has fallen and hit their head, presenting with drowsiness and headache, the priority action for the nurse is to perform a full neurological assessment. This is crucial to evaluate the extent of the head injury and monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure, which could indicate a more severe traumatic brain injury. Administering pain medication or allowing the child to rest quietly are not appropriate initial actions without first assessing the neurological status. Checking the child's immunization status is important for overall health but is not the priority in this acute situation.
5. A 7-year-old child with leukemia is receiving chemotherapy. The mother asks the practical nurse (PN) how to manage the child's nausea at home. What advice should the PN provide?
- A. Provide small, frequent meals.
- B. Encourage the child to eat spicy foods.
- C. Offer large meals less frequently.
- D. Allow the child to eat whatever they want.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During chemotherapy, children may experience nausea. Providing small, frequent meals can help manage nausea as they are easier to tolerate, reducing the likelihood of vomiting. It is important to offer bland, non-spicy foods to avoid exacerbating nausea. Encouraging large meals less frequently or allowing the child to eat whatever they want may overwhelm the digestive system and worsen nausea. Therefore, the correct advice is to provide small, frequent meals to help the child manage nausea effectively.
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