HESI RN
HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam
1. The healthcare provider is assessing an infant with pyloric stenosis. Which pathophysiological mechanism is the most likely consequence of this infant's clinical picture?
- A. Metabolic alkalosis.
- B. Respiratory acidosis.
- C. Metabolic acidosis.
- D. Respiratory alkalosis.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pyloric stenosis leads to obstruction at the outlet of the stomach, causing frequent vomiting and loss of stomach acids. This results in a loss of hydrochloric acid and hydrogen ions, leading to metabolic alkalosis due to an increase in serum bicarbonate levels. Therefore, the correct answer is metabolic alkalosis. Choice B, respiratory acidosis, is incorrect as it is not typically associated with pyloric stenosis. Choice C, metabolic acidosis, is incorrect because the loss of stomach acids in pyloric stenosis leads to metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis. Choice D, respiratory alkalosis, is also incorrect as it is not the usual consequence of pyloric stenosis.
2. 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.
3. The mother of a 4-month-old asks the nurse for advice in preventing diaper rash. What suggestion should the nurse provide?
- A. At diaper change generously powder the baby's diaper area with talcum powder to promote dryness.
- B. Wash the diaper area every 2 hours with soap and water to help prevent skin breakdown.
- C. Use a barrier cream, such as zinc oxide, which does not have to be completely removed with each diaper change.
- D. Place a cloth diaper inside the disposable diaper for overnight periods when increased wearing time is likely.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Using a barrier cream like zinc oxide protects the skin and helps prevent diaper rash.
4. When should oral hygiene practices start for an infant according to the American Dental Association guidelines?
- A. There is no need to begin until after all of the child's baby teeth are in.
- B. You don't have to worry about that until your child can handle a toothbrush.
- C. You can begin now using toothpaste on a gauze pad and wiping the gums.
- D. Begin wiping the teeth with a washcloth and water when the first tooth appears.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: According to the American Dental Association guidelines, oral hygiene practices should start as soon as the first tooth appears. At this stage, using a soft cloth and water to clean the infant's gums and teeth is recommended to establish good oral hygiene habits early on and prevent dental issues. Choice A is incorrect as waiting until all baby teeth are in is too late for starting oral hygiene practices. Choice B is incorrect as it is essential to start oral hygiene before the child can handle a toothbrush. Choice C is incorrect as using toothpaste on a gauze pad is not recommended for infants with emerging teeth.
5. 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.
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