HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. During a well-baby check of a 7-month-old infant, the practical nurse notes an absence of babbling. Which focused assessment should the PN implement?
- A. Visual function.
- B. Auditory function.
- C. Cognitive function.
- D. Social development.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The absence of babbling in a 7-month-old infant is a concerning auditory development milestone. Babbling is an early stage of language development that involves making various sounds. A lack of babbling could indicate a hearing impairment or other auditory issues. Therefore, the practical nurse should focus on assessing the infant's auditory function to determine if further evaluation or intervention is necessary. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the absence of babbling specifically points towards a potential issue related to auditory function rather than visual, cognitive, or social development.
2. A client with pneumonia is prescribed antibiotics. What is the most important teaching point for the nurse to provide?
- A. Instruct the client to rest as much as possible.
- B. Encourage increased fluid intake to thin secretions.
- C. Explain the importance of completing the entire course of antibiotics.
- D. Instruct the client to stop taking antibiotics once symptoms subside.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Antibiotics must be taken for the entire prescribed duration to ensure that the infection is completely eradicated. Stopping antibiotics early, even if symptoms improve, can lead to a recurrence of the infection or antibiotic resistance. Choice A is incorrect because though rest is important, completing the antibiotic course is crucial. Choice B is incorrect as while hydration is beneficial, completing the antibiotics is the priority. Choice D is incorrect as stopping antibiotics prematurely can have negative consequences.
3. Following a gunshot wound to the abdomen, a young adult male had an emergency bowel resection and received multiple blood products. His current blood pressure is 78/52 mm Hg, and he is being mechanically ventilated. His oxygen saturation is 87%. Laboratory values indicate hemoglobin of 7 g/dL, platelets of 20,000/mm³, and white blood cells of 2,000/mm³. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Transfuse packed red blood cells.
- B. Obtain blood and sputum cultures.
- C. Infuse 1000 ml of normal saline.
- D. Titrate oxygen to keep O2 saturation above 90%.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to transfuse packed red blood cells first. The client's low hemoglobin level of 7 g/dL indicates severe anemia, which requires immediate transfusion to increase oxygen-carrying capacity. While obtaining blood and sputum cultures (Choice B) is important to identify potential infections, addressing the critical issue of anemia takes precedence. Infusing normal saline (Choice C) may help with volume status but does not address the primary concern of low hemoglobin. Titration of oxygen (Choice D) is crucial, but transfusion to improve oxygen-carrying capacity should be the priority in this scenario.
4. A client is admitted with an epidural hematoma after a skateboarding accident. How should the nurse differentiate the vascular source of intracranial bleeding?
- A. Monitor for clear fluid leakage from the nose.
- B. Assess for rapid onset of decreased level of consciousness.
- C. Check for bruising around the head and neck.
- D. Assess for changes in pupil size and reactivity.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An epidural hematoma is characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms, including decreased level of consciousness, due to arterial bleeding, which differentiates it from other types of intracranial hemorrhage. Monitoring for clear fluid leakage from the nose (choice A) is more indicative of a basilar skull fracture and cerebrospinal fluid leak. Checking for bruising around the head and neck (choice C) is more suggestive of soft tissue injuries or facial fractures. Assessing for changes in pupil size and reactivity (choice D) is essential in evaluating traumatic brain injuries, but it is not specific to differentiating the vascular source of intracranial bleeding in an epidural hematoma.
5. Which statement made by a patient prescribed bupropion (Wellbutrin) demonstrates that the medication education the patient received was effective? Select all that apply.
- A. I hope Wellbutrin will help my depression and also help me to finally quit smoking.
- B. I'm happy to hear that I won't need to worry too much about weight gain.
- C. It's okay to take Wellbutrin since I haven't had a seizure in 6 months.
- D. I need to be careful about driving since the medication could make me drowsy.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer. The patient expressing a desire for Wellbutrin to address both depression and smoking cessation indicates an understanding of the medication's dual benefits. This demonstrates effective medication education as the patient comprehends the drug's purposes. Choice B is incorrect because weight gain is a common side effect of bupropion, so the statement contradicts this fact. Choice C is incorrect as a history of seizures is a contraindication for bupropion, so this statement shows a misunderstanding of the medication's safety profile. Choice D is incorrect because bupropion is not typically associated with sedation, so the concern about drowsiness is not directly related to this medication.