HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI Practice Questions
1. The parents of a newborn with phenylketonuria (PKU) need help and support in adhering to specific dietary restrictions. They ask the nurse, “How long will our child have to be on this diet?” How should the nurse respond?
- A. “We are still not sure; you should discuss this with your health care provider.”
- B. “If your baby does well, foods containing protein can gradually be introduced.”
- C. “Your child needs to be on this diet at least through adolescence and into adulthood.”
- D. “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.”
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.” Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder where the body cannot process phenylalanine properly. The diet for PKU must be continued lifelong to prevent cognitive and developmental issues, as phenylalanine buildup can cause irreversible damage. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse should provide information about the lifelong nature of the dietary restrictions for PKU. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests reintroducing protein-containing foods, which is not recommended for individuals with PKU. Choice C is incorrect as it underestimates the duration of the necessary dietary restrictions for PKU.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Which clinical finding is most concerning?
- A. Jaundice.
- B. Ascites.
- C. Spider angiomas.
- D. Asterixis.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Asterixis. Asterixis, also known as liver flap, is a sign of hepatic encephalopathy, a severe complication of liver disease that necessitates immediate attention. While jaundice (choice A), ascites (choice B), and spider angiomas (choice C) are common clinical findings in cirrhosis, asterixis is the most concerning due to its association with hepatic encephalopathy, which can lead to altered mental status and even coma. Jaundice, ascites, and spider angiomas are also important signs in cirrhosis, but asterixis indicates a more critical condition requiring urgent intervention.
3. A healthcare provider is caring for a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following interdisciplinary team members should be consulted in regards to client care?
- A. Occupational therapist
- B. Case manager
- C. Nutritionist
- D. Psychiatrist
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A case manager is the most appropriate interdisciplinary team member to consult for a client with anorexia nervosa. They can help coordinate care, resources, and communication between various healthcare professionals involved in the client's treatment. Consulting an occupational therapist (Choice A) may not directly address the primary concerns associated with anorexia nervosa. While nutritional therapists (Choice C) play a role in addressing nutritional needs, a case manager is better suited for overall care coordination. Mental health counselors (Choice D) focus more on emotional and psychological aspects, whereas a case manager coordinates practical aspects of care.
4. The school nurse is presenting a class to a group of students about common overuse disorders. Which disorder would the school nurse include?
- A. Dislocated radial head
- B. Transient synovitis of the hip
- C. Osgood-Schlatter disease
- D. Scoliosis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common overuse injury that specifically affects the knee. It is characterized by inflammation of the patellar ligament at the tibial tuberosity due to repetitive strain on the growth plate during activities such as running and jumping. Dislocated radial head (Choice A) is not an overuse disorder but rather an injury usually seen in young children. Transient synovitis of the hip (Choice B) is an acute hip condition and not typically classified as an overuse disorder. Scoliosis (Choice D) is a condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine and is not considered an overuse disorder.
5. The nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hours post-operative from abdominal surgery. The client is complaining of severe pain. What is the nurse's first action?
- A. Reassess the pain and its characteristics
- B. Administer prescribed pain medication
- C. Notify the surgeon
- D. Encourage the use of relaxation techniques
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a post-operative client complains of severe pain is to reassess the pain and its characteristics. Reassessment is crucial to understand the nature and intensity of the pain, which will guide the nurse in providing appropriate interventions. Administering pain medication may be necessary but should only be done after reassessment to ensure the right medication and dose are given. Notifying the surgeon may be required in certain situations, but reassessment of pain should precede this action. Encouraging relaxation techniques is not the priority when a client is experiencing severe pain post-operatively.