what should be assessed first in a child with suspected head trauma

HESI LPN

HESI PN Nutrition Practice Exam

1. What should be assessed first in a child with suspected head trauma?

A. Response to verbal stimuli
B. Pupillary reaction
C. Skin color
D. Heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the response to verbal stimuli first in a child with suspected head trauma. This assessment helps in determining the child's level of consciousness and neurological status. Assessing the response to verbal stimuli allows healthcare providers to quickly evaluate if the child is alert, oriented, and able to communicate effectively. This initial assessment is crucial in identifying any immediate concerns related to the child's neurological function. Choices B, C, and D are not the primary assessments in cases of suspected head trauma. While pupillary reaction, skin color, and heart rate are important assessments in trauma situations, assessing the response to verbal stimuli takes precedence in evaluating the neurological status of a child with head trauma.

2. What is a common sign of an allergic reaction in children?

A. Persistent cough
B. Skin rash or hives
C. Increased appetite
D. Low-grade fever

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Skin rash or hives are common signs of an allergic reaction in children, often following exposure to allergens. While a persistent cough can occur in some cases, it is not typically a primary sign of an allergic reaction. Increased appetite is unrelated to allergic reactions. A low-grade fever is not a common sign of an allergic reaction but can be present in other conditions like infections.

3. What is a key aspect of managing a child with cystic fibrosis?

A. Regular pulmonary function tests
B. Daily administration of antibiotics only
C. High-sugar diet
D. Limiting all physical activities

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Regular pulmonary function tests are a key aspect of managing a child with cystic fibrosis. These tests help monitor lung function and disease progression effectively, providing valuable information for healthcare providers to make timely interventions and adjustments to treatment plans. Daily administration of antibiotics alone (Choice B) is important but not the sole key aspect of managing cystic fibrosis. A high-sugar diet (Choice C) is not recommended for individuals with cystic fibrosis as it can exacerbate health issues. Limiting all physical activities (Choice D) is not beneficial as regular exercise is important for overall health and lung function in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

4. What is one function of water in the human body?

A. Water provides calories for energy.
B. Water helps transport nutrients and waste products.
C. Water acts as a solvent for many biological reactions.
D. Water maintains body temperature.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Water helps transport nutrients and waste products. Water plays a crucial role in the body by aiding in the transportation of essential nutrients to cells and removing waste products. While water is essential for various metabolic processes, it does not provide calories for energy (choice A). Although water can act as a solvent for biological reactions (choice C), its primary function is not as a solvent. Additionally, while water does help in regulating body temperature to some extent, its main role is not to maintain body temperature (choice D).

5. How should a healthcare provider handle a child with a suspected head injury who is showing signs of drowsiness?

A. Administer pain medication
B. Perform a full neurological assessment
C. Allow the child to sleep
D. Contact a specialist immediately

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a child with a suspected head injury is showing signs of drowsiness, administering pain medication should not be the first course of action as it may mask important symptoms. Allowing the child to sleep is not recommended as they need to be monitored. Contacting a specialist immediately may delay necessary assessments. Performing a full neurological assessment is the most appropriate action because it helps evaluate the head injury's extent, identify neurological deficits, and guide further intervention or treatment.