HESI LPN
Pediatric Practice Exam HESI
1. When caring for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula, what nursing care should be included?
- A. Elevating the head and not giving anything by mouth
- B. Elevating the head at all times
- C. Administering glucose water only during feedings
- D. Avoiding suctioning unless the infant is cyanotic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When caring for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula, it is essential to elevate the head and avoid giving anything by mouth. Elevating the head helps prevent aspiration, and withholding oral intake reduces the risk of complications like aspiration pneumonia. Elevating the head at all times (choice B) is overly restrictive and unnecessary. Administering glucose water only during feedings (choice C) is not recommended as it can still lead to aspiration. Avoiding suctioning unless the infant is cyanotic (choice D) is incorrect because maintaining airway patency may require suctioning, irrespective of cyanosis, in a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula.
2. The nurse is preparing a presentation to a local community group about genetic disorders and the types of congenital anomalies that can occur. What would the nurse include as a major congenital anomaly?
- A. Overlapping digits
- B. Polydactyly
- C. Umbilical hernia
- D. Cleft palate
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Cleft palate is considered a major congenital anomaly because it involves a gap or split in the roof of the mouth, which can significantly impact feeding, speech development, dental health, and overall well-being. Overlapping digits (Choice A) and polydactyly (Choice B) are examples of limb abnormalities rather than major congenital anomalies affecting vital functions. Umbilical hernia (Choice C) is a common condition where abdominal organs protrude through the belly button and is typically not considered a major congenital anomaly in the same way as cleft palate.
3. What should be included in the nursing plan of care for a 6-month-old infant admitted to the pediatric unit with a diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
- A. Place the infant in a warm, dry environment.
- B. Allow parents and siblings to visit.
- C. Maintain standard and contact precautions.
- D. Administer prescribed antibiotics immediately.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Maintain standard and contact precautions. RSV is highly contagious, primarily spread through respiratory secretions. Therefore, it is crucial to implement infection control measures such as standard and contact precautions to prevent the spread of the virus to other patients, staff, and visitors. Choice A is incorrect because warmth and dryness are not specific interventions for RSV; the focus should be on infection control. Choice B may increase the risk of exposing others to RSV, so limiting visitors is recommended. Choice D is unnecessary because RSV is a viral infection, and antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
4. What is the primary treatment for a child with an anaphylactic reaction?
- A. Oral antihistamines
- B. Intravenous fluids
- C. Epinephrine injection
- D. Antipyretics
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Epinephrine injection. An epinephrine injection is the primary treatment for an anaphylactic reaction in children. Epinephrine acts quickly to reverse severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and hives. Oral antihistamines, although useful for milder allergic reactions, are not sufficient to manage the potentially life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis. Intravenous fluids may be necessary to support blood pressure in a child with anaphylaxis but are not the primary treatment. Antipyretics, on the other hand, are medications used to reduce fever and are not indicated as the primary treatment for an anaphylactic reaction.
5. A nurse on the pediatric unit is observing the developmental skills of several 2-year-old children in the playroom. Which child should the nurse continue to evaluate?
- A. Cannot stand on one foot
- B. Builds a tower of 7 blocks
- C. Uses echolalia when speaking
- D. Colors outside the lines of a picture
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Using echolalia, which is the repetition of words or phrases, is not typical for a 2-year-old child and may indicate the need for further evaluation. Choices A, B, and D are all within the expected developmental skills for a 2-year-old. While most 2-year-olds may not be able to stand on one foot, it is not a cause for concern at this age. Building a tower of 7 blocks and coloring outside the lines of a picture are both appropriate for a 2-year-old's developmental skills.