HESI RN
Pediatric HESI
1. The nurse is providing care for a 12-year-old child who was recently diagnosed with scoliosis. The child’s parent asks about treatment options. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Scoliosis can be corrected with exercises and physical therapy.
- B. Bracing is often recommended to prevent further curvature of the spine.
- C. Surgery is usually necessary for all cases of scoliosis.
- D. There is no effective treatment for scoliosis.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Bracing is commonly used in moderate cases of scoliosis to prevent progression of the spinal curvature. Choice A is incorrect because exercises and physical therapy can help manage scoliosis but may not correct it. Choice C is incorrect as surgery is usually reserved for severe cases of scoliosis that do not respond to other treatments. Choice D is incorrect because there are effective treatments available for scoliosis, such as bracing, and surgery when necessary.
2. How do contraceptive oral pills help in birth control?
- A. Preventing ovulation
- B. Killing ova
- C. Killing sperms
- D. More than one of the above
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Contraceptive oral pills primarily work by preventing ovulation, which means Choice A is correct. Choices B and C are incorrect because oral contraceptive pills do not kill ova or sperms. Choice D is incorrect because only preventing ovulation is the primary mechanism of action for oral contraceptive pills.
3. An adult has a coagulation time of 20 minutes. The nurse should observe the client for which of the following?
- A. Blood clots
- B. Ecchymotic areas
- C. Jaundice
- D. Infection
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A coagulation time of 20 minutes is prolonged, suggesting a potential bleeding disorder. Ecchymotic areas, which are areas of bruising, are common signs of abnormal bleeding. Therefore, the nurse should observe the client for ecchymotic areas to monitor for potential bleeding issues. Blood clots are not typically associated with prolonged coagulation time but rather with excessive clotting. Jaundice is related to liver dysfunction, and infection is not directly linked to coagulation time.
4. A child who is admitted to the hospital with anemia is anxious, fearful, and hyperventilating. The nurse anticipates the child developing which acid-base imbalance?
- A. Metabolic acidosis
- B. Respiratory acidosis
- C. Respiratory alkalosis
- D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the child is hyperventilating, which leads to excessive loss of carbon dioxide. This loss of carbon dioxide causes respiratory alkalosis due to a decrease in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood. Therefore, the correct answer is respiratory alkalosis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in pH and bicarbonate levels due to conditions like kidney disease. Respiratory acidosis is caused by retention of carbon dioxide, leading to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide. Metabolic alkalosis results from a loss of acid or an increase in bicarbonate levels.
5. A client is receiving external beam radiation to the mediastinum for treatment of bronchial cancer. Which of the following should take priority in planning care?
- A. Esophagitis
- B. Leukopenia
- C. Fatigue
- D. Skin irritation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Leukopenia. Leukopenia, or a low white blood cell count, is a critical concern in clients undergoing radiation therapy due to the increased risk of infection. While esophagitis, fatigue, and skin irritation are also potential side effects of radiation therapy, leukopenia poses a higher risk as it compromises the body's ability to fight infections effectively.