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 healthcare provider is assessing an infant with diarrhea and lethargy. Which finding should the provider identify that is consistent with early dehydration?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Dry mucous membranes
- D. Decreased skin turgor
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Tachycardia is a common early sign of dehydration in infants. It is important for healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring infants with these symptoms, as prompt intervention is crucial to prevent further complications.
3. A 6-year-old boy with bronchial asthma takes the beta-adrenergic agonist agent albuterol (Proventil). The child's mother tells the nurse that she uses this medication to open her son's airway when he is having trouble breathing. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. Recommend that the mother bring the child in for immediate evaluation
- B. Advise the mother that overuse of the drug may cause chronic bronchitis
- C. Assure the mother that she is using the medication correctly
- D. Confirm that the medication helps to reduce airway inflammation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's priority is to reassure the mother that she is using albuterol correctly to open her son's airways during episodes of difficulty breathing. This reassurance helps build trust and ensures that the child receives the intended benefit of the medication. The answer choice recommending immediate evaluation (A) is not appropriate at this point as the mother is using the medication as prescribed. Advising about overuse causing chronic bronchitis (B) is incorrect and may cause unnecessary alarm. Confirming that the medication helps reduce airway inflammation (D) is not the best response because albuterol is a beta-adrenergic agonist used primarily for bronchodilation in acute asthma exacerbations, rather than for reducing inflammation.
4. A 2-year-old is admitted to the hospital with possible encephalitis, and a lumbar puncture is scheduled. Which information should the nurse provide this child concerning the procedure?
- A. Describe the side-lying, knees-to-chest position that must be assumed during the procedure.
- B. Explain that fluids cannot be taken for 8 hours before the procedure and for 4 hours after the procedure.
- C. Reassure the child that there will be no restrictions on activity after the procedure is completed.
- D. Tell the child to expect loud clicking noises during the procedure that may be slightly annoying.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Children, especially young ones, benefit from knowing what position they will be in during a procedure as it helps them understand and feel more in control. Describing the side-lying, knees-to-chest position can reduce anxiety and promote cooperation during the lumbar puncture. Choice B is incorrect because the question is about preparing the child for the procedure, not about pre-procedure fasting requirements. Choice C is incorrect because there may be restrictions on activity after the procedure. Choice D is incorrect because mentioning loud clicking noises may increase the child's anxiety and fear.
5. During a follow-up clinical visit, a mother tells the nurse that her 5-month-old son, who had surgical correction for tetralogy of Fallot, has rapid breathing, often takes a long time to eat, and requires frequent rest periods. The infant is not crying while being held, and his growth is in the expected range. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Stimulate the infant to cry to produce cyanosis
- B. Auscultate the heart and lungs while the infant is held
- C. Evaluate the infant for failure to thrive
- D. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Auscultating the heart and lungs while the infant is held can provide important diagnostic information in assessing the cardiac and respiratory status of the infant who had surgical correction for tetralogy of Fallot. This intervention can help the nurse identify any abnormal heart or lung sounds, which may indicate complications or issues that need further evaluation or intervention.
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