HESI RN
HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam
1. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer a vaccine to a 5-year-old child. The child is visibly anxious and asks if the shot will hurt. What is the healthcare provider’s best response?
- A. It might hurt a little, but it will be over quickly
- B. It won't hurt at all, don't worry
- C. You're a big kid now, and big kids don't cry
- D. If you don't think about it, it won't hurt
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a child expresses fear or anxiety about receiving a vaccination, it is essential for the healthcare provider to provide honest and reassuring information. Choice A acknowledges the potential for some discomfort but also reassures the child that it will be over quickly. This response validates the child's feelings while also preparing them for the procedure. Choices B, C, and D either provide false reassurance, dismiss the child's feelings, or suggest avoidance, which are not appropriate responses in this situation.
2. The mother of an 11-year-old boy with juvenile arthritis tells the nurse, 'I really don’t want my son to become dependent on pain medication, so I only allow him to take it when he is really hurting.' Which information is most important for the nurse to provide this mother?
- A. Encouraging the child to rest when he experiences pain
- B. Encouraging quiet activities like watching television as a pain distractor
- C. Suggesting the use of hot baths as an alternative to pain medication
- D. Explaining that giving pain medication around the clock helps control the pain
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should educate the mother that giving pain medication around the clock helps maintain a consistent level of pain control, preventing severe pain episodes and improving the child's quality of life. It is essential to manage pain proactively rather than waiting for the child to be in severe pain before administering medication. Choices A, B, and C do not address the importance of proactive pain management and maintaining a consistent level of pain control. Encouraging rest, quiet activities, or hot baths as distractions or alternatives may not provide adequate pain relief for the child with juvenile arthritis, and they do not address the underlying issue of effective pain management.
3. 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.
4. An infant with tetralogy of Fallot becomes acutely cyanotic and hyperpneic. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer morphine sulfate.
- B. Start IV fluids.
- C. Place the infant in a knee-chest position.
- D. Provide 100% oxygen by face mask.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a situation where an infant with tetralogy of Fallot is acutely cyanotic and hyperpneic, the priority action should be to place the infant in a knee-chest position. This position helps increase systemic vascular resistance, improving pulmonary blood flow and subsequently ameliorating the cyanosis and hyperpnea. It is a non-invasive and effective intervention that can be promptly implemented by the nurse to address the immediate respiratory distress. Administering morphine sulfate (Choice A) is not the priority in this case as it may cause further respiratory depression. Starting IV fluids (Choice B) may not address the immediate cyanosis and hyperpnea. Providing 100% oxygen by face mask (Choice D) can help with oxygenation but may not be as effective as placing the infant in a knee-chest position to improve blood flow dynamics.
5. A 10-year-old child is being discharged after being admitted for status asthmaticus. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Use a peak flow meter daily to monitor asthma control
- B. Avoid exposure to known allergens
- C. Continue taking asthma medications as prescribed
- D. Seek emergency care if symptoms worsen
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Using a peak flow meter daily is crucial as it helps monitor asthma control by measuring how well the child's lungs are functioning. This monitoring can indicate when intervention is needed before symptoms worsen or become severe, allowing for timely management of asthma exacerbations.
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