HESI LPN
Pediatric Practice Exam HESI
1. When obtaining a health history from parents of a 4-month-old boy with congenital hypothyroidism, what would the nurse most likely assess?
- A. The child's growth is above normal for his age.
- B. The child is active and playful.
- C. The skin appears pink and healthy.
- D. It is difficult to keep the child awake.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In congenital hypothyroidism, infants often experience lethargy and difficulty staying awake due to low thyroid hormone levels. Choice A is incorrect as hypothyroidism can lead to poor growth in infants. Choice B is incorrect because hypothyroidism can cause decreased activity levels and lethargy rather than being active and playful. Choice C is incorrect as hypothyroidism can result in dry skin and poor skin tone, not necessarily pink and healthy-looking skin.
2. Which client’s vital signs indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that the nurse should report to the healthcare provider?
- A. P 70, BP 120/60 mmHg; P 100, BP 90/60 mmHg; rapid respirations.
- B. P 55, BP 160/70 mmHg; P 50, BP 194/70 mmHg; irregular respirations.
- C. P 130, BP 190/90 mmHg; P 136, BP 200/100 mmHg; Kussmaul respirations.
- D. P 110, BP 130/70 mmHg; P 100, BP 110/70 mmHg; shallow respirations.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer. The vital signs presented (P 130, BP 190/90 mmHg; P 136, BP 200/100 mmHg; Kussmaul respirations) indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which can be a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Kussmaul respirations are deep and labored breathing patterns associated with metabolic acidosis and can be a late sign of increased ICP. Choices A, B, and D do not demonstrate vital sign patterns consistent with increased ICP. Choice A shows variations in blood pressure and pulse rate but does not provide a clear indication of increased ICP. Choice B displays fluctuations in blood pressure and pulse rate with irregular respirations, but these vital signs do not specifically suggest increased ICP. Choice D presents relatively stable vital signs with shallow respirations, which do not align with the typical vital signs seen in increased ICP.
3. In planning care for a 7-year-old boy with diabetes insipidus, what is the priority nursing diagnosis?
- A. Deficient fluid volume related to dehydration
- B. Excess fluid volume related to edema
- C. Deficient knowledge related to fluid intake regimen
- D. Imbalanced nutrition, more than body requirements related to excess weight
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a 7-year-old boy with diabetes insipidus is deficient fluid volume related to dehydration. Diabetes insipidus leads to excessive urination and fluid loss, which can result in dehydration. This diagnosis should take precedence as restoring fluid balance is crucial in managing this condition. Choices B, C, and D are less of a priority in this case. Excess fluid volume related to edema is not typically associated with diabetes insipidus. Deficient knowledge about fluid intake and imbalanced nutrition related to excess weight may be important but addressing the dehydration and fluid volume deficit is the most critical aspect in the immediate care of a child with diabetes insipidus.
4. After abdominal surgery, a client has not urinated since the urinary catheter was removed 8 hours ago. What action should the LPN take first?
- A. Perform a bladder scan to assess for urinary retention.
- B. Encourage the client to drink fluids.
- C. Insert a straight catheter to drain the bladder.
- D. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Performing a bladder scan is the initial step to assess for urinary retention in a postoperative client. This non-invasive technique helps determine the volume of urine in the bladder, guiding further interventions. Encouraging the client to drink fluids (Choice B) may be beneficial but is not the priority when assessing for urinary retention. Inserting a straight catheter (Choice C) should not be the initial action without first assessing for retention. Administering a diuretic (Choice D) should not be done without confirming the need through assessment.
5. .A 7-month-old girl is to be catheterized to obtain a sterile urine specimen. One of the infant’s parents expresses fear that this procedure may traumatize the baby psychologically. How should the nurse provide reassurance?
- A. The fear is justified and the nurse should obtain a “clean catch” specimen.
- B. Parents have a right to refuse the catheterization and the concerns are realistic.
- C. Although the concern is appropriate, the need for a sterile specimen is the priority.
- D. The procedure is uncomfortable, but there should not be a damaging long-term effect.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: While catheterization can be uncomfortable, it does not typically result in long-term psychological harm, and obtaining a sterile specimen is important for accurate diagnosis.