the practical nurse pn is caring for a child with a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever what is the most important information for the pn to reinforce
Logo

Nursing Elites

HESI RN

Pediatric HESI

1. What is the most important information for the PN to reinforce with the parents when caring for a child diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial in the management of acute rheumatic fever as it helps prevent recurrence and complications. Antibiotics are essential in eradicating the underlying infection that triggers the autoimmune response leading to rheumatic fever. Reinforcing the importance of completing the prescribed antibiotic regimen is vital to ensure the child's recovery and prevent further health issues. Choices B, C, and D are not as critical as completing the antibiotic treatment. While physical exercise, a low-sodium diet, and pain management are important aspects of overall health, they are not the primary focus when managing acute rheumatic fever.

2. When should a mother introduce solid foods to her 4-month-old baby girl? The mother states, 'My mother says I should put rice cereal in the baby's bottle now.' The nurse should instruct the mother to introduce solid foods when her child exhibits which behavior?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Opens mouth when food comes her way.' This behavior indicates readiness to start trying solid foods. Infants should be introduced to solid foods based on developmental cues, such as showing an interest in food and the ability to accept it. Choices A, C, and D are not indicative of readiness for solid foods. Stopping rooting when hungry is a reflex that may persist beyond the readiness for solids. Awakening for nighttime feedings is a normal behavior for a 4-month-old, and transitioning from a bottle to a cup is a later developmental milestone.

3. The nurse is assessing a 3-month-old infant who was brought to the clinic by the parents due to concerns about the infant’s feeding. The parents report that the infant has been vomiting after every feeding and has not gained any weight. What should the nurse assess first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing hydration status is crucial in an infant who is vomiting frequently, as dehydration can quickly become a serious issue. In this scenario, the infant's inability to retain feeds and lack of weight gain may indicate a potential risk of dehydration, making it essential to prioritize checking the infant's hydration status to prevent complications. Evaluating the feeding technique (Choice A) could be important but is secondary to addressing potential dehydration. Measuring the abdominal circumference (Choice C) and reviewing the growth chart (Choice D) are not the priority in this situation where dehydration is a primary concern.

4. A 15-year-old adolescent with anorexia nervosa is admitted to the hospital for severe weight loss. The nurse notes that the client has dry skin, brittle hair, and is severely underweight. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the priority intervention for the nurse is to initiate a structured eating plan. Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by severe food restriction, which can lead to malnutrition and severe weight loss. By starting a structured eating plan, the nurse can ensure the client receives the necessary nutrition to begin the process of weight restoration and recovery. Monitoring vital signs is essential, but without addressing the nutrition deficiency, vital signs may not improve significantly. Establishing a therapeutic relationship is crucial for long-term care but may not address the immediate risk of malnutrition. Providing education about healthy eating habits is important but may not be effective initially due to the severity of the client's condition.

5. A 10-year-old child is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which laboratory value should the practical nurse (PN) anticipate?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a case of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the primary feature is elevated blood glucose levels due to insulin deficiency. Additionally, ketones are increased in the blood and urine. Bicarbonate levels are usually low because of the metabolic acidosis that accompanies DKA. Therefore, the practical nurse should anticipate elevated blood glucose levels as a characteristic laboratory finding in a child admitted with DKA. Choice B is incorrect because serum ketones are increased in DKA. Choice C is incorrect because in DKA, urine glucose is typically high due to spillage of glucose into the urine. Choice D is incorrect because bicarbonate levels are usually low in DKA, not high.

Similar Questions

The nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant who has just received routine immunizations. The mother reports that the baby has been fussy and has a low-grade fever since the immunizations. What is the best response by the nurse?
The healthcare provider is providing postoperative care to a 4-year-old child who underwent tonsillectomy. The provider notices that the child is frequently swallowing. What should the provider do first?
After observing a mother giving her 11-month-old ferrous sulfate followed by two ounces of orange juice, what should the nurse do next?
A child diagnosed with Kawasaki disease is brought to the clinic. The mother reports that her child is irritable, refuses to eat, and has skin peeling on both hands and feet. Which intervention should the nurse instruct the mother to implement first?
The nurse is conducting an admission assessment of an 11-month-old infant with CHF who is scheduled for repair of restenosis of coarctation of the aorta that was repaired 4 days after birth. Findings include blood pressure higher in the arms than the lower extremities, pounding brachial pulses, and slightly palpable femoral pulses. What pathophysiologic mechanisms support these findings?

Access More Features

HESI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All HESI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

HESI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All HESI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses