HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI Practice Questions
1. The parents of a 6-week-old infant who was born without an immune system ask a nurse why their baby is still so healthy. How should the nurse reply?
- A. Exposure to pathogens during this time can be limited.
- B. Some antibodies are produced by the infant’s colonic bacteria.
- C. Antibodies are passively received from the mother through the placenta and breast milk.
- D. Fewer antibodies are produced by the fetal thymus during the eighth and ninth months of gestation.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Infants receive passive immunity through antibodies from the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which protect them initially. Choice A is incorrect because a 6-week-old infant born without an immune system would not be able to limit exposure to pathogens effectively. Choice B is incorrect as antibodies produced by colonic bacteria are not a significant source of immunity in infants. Choice D is incorrect as the fetal thymus primarily plays a role in T cell development rather than antibody production during gestation.
2. In observing a client who is pacing, agitated, and presenting aggressive gestures, with rapid speech pattern and belligerent affect, what is the immediate priority of care for the nurse?
- A. Provide safety for the client and other clients on the unit
- B. Provide the clients on the unit with a sense of comfort and safety
- C. Assist the staff in caring for the client in a controlled environment
- D. Offer the client a less stimulated area to calm down and gain control
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a situation where a client is displaying aggression and agitation, the immediate priority of care for the nurse is to ensure safety for the client and others on the unit. Providing a safe environment and implementing calming measures take precedence over other interventions. Option A is the correct choice as it addresses the crucial need for safety in a potentially volatile situation. Options B, C, and D, although important, do not address the primary concern of ensuring safety for all individuals involved.
3. Your patient has a blood potassium level of 9.2 mEq/L. What intervention should you anticipate for this patient?
- A. Intravenous potassium supplementation
- B. Intravenous calcium supplementation
- C. Kidney dialysis
- D. Parenteral nutrition
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Kidney dialysis. A blood potassium level of 9.2 mEq/L indicates severe hyperkalemia, which can be life-threatening. Kidney dialysis is the most appropriate intervention to rapidly lower potassium levels in this situation. Choice A, intravenous potassium supplementation, would worsen the hyperkalemia. Choice B, intravenous calcium supplementation, is not the primary intervention for hyperkalemia. Choice D, parenteral nutrition, is unrelated to treating hyperkalemia and would not address the immediate concern.
4. A nurse is assessing a child with suspected rotavirus infection. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?
- A. Abdominal pain
- B. Diarrhea
- C. Constipation
- D. Vomiting
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Diarrhea. Rotavirus infection commonly presents with symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. While abdominal pain and vomiting are also associated with rotavirus infection, diarrhea is a hallmark feature. Constipation is not typically seen in cases of rotavirus infection. Therefore, the most likely clinical manifestation that the nurse would observe in a child with suspected rotavirus infection is diarrhea.
5. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer enoxaparin subcutaneously to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?
- A. Administer the medication with the needle at a 45-degree angle.
- B. Administer the medication with the needle at a 90-degree angle.
- C. Inject the medication into the muscle.
- D. Pinch the skin before injecting.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Enoxaparin is a medication that is administered subcutaneously, which means it should be injected into the fatty tissue layer beneath the skin. Administering enoxaparin at a 90-degree angle ensures proper absorption and reduces the risk of injecting the medication into muscle tissue, which could affect its effectiveness. Injecting the medication at a 45-degree angle may lead to improper absorption as it may not reach the subcutaneous tissue adequately. Injecting the medication into the muscle instead of subcutaneously can alter the absorption rate and therapeutic effects. Pinching the skin before injecting is not necessary for administering enoxaparin subcutaneously and may cause unnecessary discomfort to the client.