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. The nurse is measuring the frontal occipital circumference (FOC) of a 3-month-old infant and notes that the FOC has increased by 5 inches since birth, and the child's head appears large in relation to body size. Which action is most important for the nurse to take next?
- A. Measure the infant's head-to-toe length.
- B. Palpate the anterior fontanel for tension and bulging.
- C. Observe the infant for sunken eyes.
- D. Plot the measurement on the infant's growth chart.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Palpating the anterior fontanel for tension and bulging is crucial in assessing for increased intracranial pressure. In this scenario, the infant's large head size and rapid increase in the frontal occipital circumference raise concerns for potential issues such as hydrocephalus. Measuring the head-to-toe length (Choice A) is not the priority when assessing for increased intracranial pressure. Observing for sunken eyes (Choice C) is more indicative of dehydration rather than increased intracranial pressure. While plotting the measurement on the infant's growth chart (Choice D) is important for tracking growth, it does not address the immediate concern of assessing for increased intracranial pressure.
3. What information should the practical nurse ensure the family understands about caring for a child with a tracheostomy?
- A. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- B. Hygiene practices, including showering.
- C. Proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning.
- D. Application of powder around the stoma.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is essential for families to be educated in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to manage emergencies involving patients with tracheostomies. Maintaining a clear airway is crucial for the child's safety and well-being. Choice B, hygiene practices, although important, is not as critical as CPR in managing a tracheostomy. Choice C, the proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning, is also crucial but does not take precedence over CPR in emergency situations. Choice D, application of powder around the stoma, is not a standard practice and may not be necessary for tracheostomy care.
4. The healthcare provider is preparing a teaching plan for the parents of a 6-month-old infant with GERD. What instruction should the healthcare provider include when teaching the parents measures to promote adequate nutrition?
- A. Alternate glucose water with formula
- B. Mix the formula with rice cereal
- C. Add multivitamins with iron to the formula
- D. Use water to dilute the formula
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction for promoting adequate nutrition in a 6-month-old infant with GERD is to mix the formula with rice cereal. This thickens the feed, reducing the risk of reflux, aiding in proper nutrition, and minimizing GERD symptoms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Alternating glucose water with formula, adding multivitamins with iron to the formula, or diluting the formula with water are not recommended measures for promoting adequate nutrition in infants with GERD.
5. While assessing the vital signs of a 10-year-old who underwent a tonsillectomy this morning, the nurse observes the child swallowing every 2-3 minutes. Which assessment should the nurse implement?
- A. Inspect the posterior oropharynx
- B. Assess for teeth clenching or grinding
- C. Touch the tonsillar pillars to stimulate the gag reflex
- D. Ask the child to speak to evaluate a change in voice tone
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Frequent swallowing post-tonsillectomy may indicate bleeding. Inspecting the posterior oropharynx is essential to assess for any signs of bleeding, such as fresh blood or clots, which may necessitate immediate intervention. Option B is incorrect as teeth clenching or grinding is not directly related to the observation of frequent swallowing in this scenario. Option C is incorrect because stimulating the gag reflex is not necessary at this point and may be uncomfortable for the child. Option D is incorrect as evaluating a change in voice tone is not relevant to the situation of observing frequent swallowing.
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