HESI RN
HESI Practice Test Pediatrics
1. 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.
2. During a well-child visit for their child, one of the parents with an autosomal dominant disorder tells the nurse, 'We don’t plan on having any more children, since the next child is likely to inherit this disorder.' How should the nurse respond?
- A. Explain that the risk of inheriting the disorder decreases by 50% with each child the couple has.
- B. Acknowledge that the next child will inherit the disorder since the first child did not.
- C. Encourage the couple to reconsider their decision since the inheritance pattern may be sex-linked.
- D. Confirm that there is a 50% chance of their future children inheriting the disorder.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Confirming that there is a 50% chance of their future children inheriting the disorder is the correct response in this situation. Autosomal dominant disorders have a 50% chance of being passed on to each child. Providing accurate genetic counseling is essential to help the parents make informed decisions about family planning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A is inaccurate because the risk of inheriting an autosomal dominant disorder remains at 50% for each child regardless of the number of children the couple has. Choice B is not appropriate as it does not provide helpful information or support to the parents. Choice C is misleading because autosomal dominant disorders follow a specific inheritance pattern and are not sex-linked.
3. A client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is experiencing nausea and vomiting. What is the nurse's first action?
- A. Check the client's blood glucose level.
- B. Decrease the rate of TPN infusion.
- C. Administer an antiemetic as prescribed.
- D. Check the client's TPN bag for solution accuracy.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a client receiving TPN is experiencing nausea and vomiting is to check the client's TPN bag for solution accuracy. This is crucial to ensure that the correct solution is being administered and to address any potential errors. Checking the blood glucose level or administering an antiemetic may be necessary interventions but addressing the TPN bag's accuracy should be the priority to prevent any complications related to incorrect TPN solution.
4. The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative for a femoral head fracture repair. Which intervention(s) should the nurse plan to administer for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis?
- A. Pneumatic compression devices
- B. Incentive spirometry
- C. Assisted ambulation
- D. Calf-pump exercises
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct intervention for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in a postoperative client with a femoral head fracture repair is the use of pneumatic compression devices. These devices help prevent stasis in the lower extremities by promoting venous return through intermittent compression. Incentive spirometry is used to prevent respiratory complications by promoting lung expansion and clearing secretions, not for DVT prophylaxis. Assisted ambulation and calf-pump exercises are beneficial for promoting circulation and preventing DVT, but pneumatic compression devices are more effective in this specific postoperative scenario.
5. Septic abortion is characterized by:
- A. Backache.
- B. Os open.
- C. Heavy bleeding.
- D. Maternal pyrexia.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Septic abortion is characterized by maternal pyrexia. Maternal pyrexia, or fever, is a hallmark sign of septic abortion due to infection. Backache and heavy bleeding can be present in abortion but are not specific to septic abortion. 'Os open' does not directly characterize septic abortion.