HESI RN
HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam
1. The healthcare provider is evaluating the effects of thyroid therapy used to treat a 5-month-old with hypothyroidism. Which behavior indicates that the treatment has been effective?
- A. Laughs readily, turns from back to side.
- B. Has strong Moro and tonic neck reflexes.
- C. Keeps fists clenched, opens hands when grasping an object.
- D. Can lift head but not chest when lying on abdomen.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In infants, laughing readily and turning from back to side are developmental milestones that indicate effective thyroid therapy and normal development. These actions demonstrate improved muscle tone, coordination, and overall growth, which are key indicators of successful treatment for hypothyroidism in infants. Choices B, C, and D describe behaviors that are not specific indicators of thyroid therapy effectiveness in treating hypothyroidism in infants.
2. The parents of a 3-year-old boy who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) ask, 'how can our son have this disease? We are wondering if we should have any more children.' What information should the nurse provide these parents?
- A. This is an inherited X-linked recessive disorder, which primarily affects male children in the family.
- B. The male infant had a viral infection that went unnoticed and untreated, leading to muscle damage.
- C. The lack of the protein dystrophin in the mother can impact the muscle groups of males.
- D. Damage to the spinal cord due to birth trauma from a breech vaginal birth weakens the muscles.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should inform the parents that Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked recessive disorder, which primarily affects male children in the family. This genetic condition is caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene located on the X chromosome. Females are usually carriers of the gene mutation and may pass it on to their sons. Daughters of carrier mothers have a 50% chance of being carriers themselves. Understanding the genetics of DMD can help the parents make informed decisions about family planning and genetic counseling.
3. In a 12-year-old child with a history of epilepsy brought to the emergency department after experiencing a 10-minute seizure, what is the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Administer oxygen
- B. Administer antiepileptic medication as prescribed
- C. Monitor the child’s vital signs
- D. Check the child’s blood glucose level
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering antiepileptic medication as prescribed is the priority intervention in a child with a history of epilepsy who experienced a prolonged seizure. This action is crucial to stop the seizure and prevent further complications associated with prolonged seizure activity. Administering oxygen may be necessary, but the priority is to stop the seizure. Monitoring vital signs and checking blood glucose levels are important but secondary to administering antiepileptic medication to manage the seizure.
4. A child with leukemia is admitted for chemotherapy, and the nursing diagnosis 'altered nutrition, less than body requirements related to anorexia, nausea, and vomiting' is identified. Which intervention should the nurse include in this child's plan of care?
- A. Encourage a variety of large portions of food at every meal.
- B. Allow the child to eat any food desired and tolerated.
- C. Recommend eating the food as siblings eat at home.
- D. Restrict food brought from fast-food restaurants.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Allowing the child to eat any food desired and tolerated is the most appropriate intervention in this scenario. Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, which can lead to altered nutrition. Allowing the child to choose foods they desire and can tolerate can help improve their nutritional intake during this challenging time. Encouraging large portions of food at every meal (Choice A) may overwhelm the child and worsen their symptoms. Eating like siblings at home (Choice C) may not align with the child's specific needs during chemotherapy. Restricting food from fast-food restaurants (Choice D) is not necessary as long as the food choices are suitable for the child's condition and preferences.
5. A 6-year-old child is diagnosed with rheumatic fever and demonstrates associated chorea (sudden aimless movements of the arms and legs). Which information should the nurse provide to the parents?
- A. Permanent lifestyle changes need to be made to promote safety in the home
- B. The chorea or movements are temporary and will eventually disappear
- C. Muscle tension is decreased with fine motor project skills, so these activities should be encouraged
- D. Consistent discipline is needed to help the child control the movements
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Chorea associated with rheumatic fever is usually temporary and will subside over time.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
HESI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access