HESI RN
HESI Pediatrics Practice Exam
1. When reviewing developmental changes with the parents of a 6-month-old infant, what information should the practical nurse reinforce?
- A. Encourage the infant to self-feed finger foods.
- B. Teach the parents strategies to help the infant sit up.
- C. Provide a developmentally safe environment for the infant.
- D. Explain that an increased appetite typically occurs in the next 6 months.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because providing a developmentally safe environment for a 6-month-old infant is crucial as they begin to explore their surroundings more actively. This includes ensuring that the environment is free of hazards and that the infant is supervised to prevent accidents. Choice A is incorrect because self-feeding finger foods may not be developmentally appropriate for a 6-month-old infant. Choice B is incorrect as most infants are able to sit up with support around 6 months of age without the need for specific teaching strategies. Choice D is also incorrect as while appetite changes can occur, explaining a specific increase in appetite over the next 6 months is not a primary focus when discussing developmental changes with parents of a 6-month-old.
2. A male infant with bronchiolitis is brought to the clinic by his mother. The infant is congested and febrile with a capillary refill of 2 seconds. Which information should the nurse discuss with the mother?
- A. Encourage the infant to play
- B. Limit the amount of oral intake
- C. Keep the infant isolated from others
- D. Place the infant on their back for naps
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bronchiolitis is a highly contagious respiratory infection commonly caused by viruses. Isolating the infant from others is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection to other vulnerable individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems. Encouraging play may not be appropriate as the infant is sick and needs rest. Limiting oral intake might be necessary if the infant is having difficulty swallowing due to respiratory distress. Placing the infant on their back for naps is a safe sleep practice but not the priority in this situation where preventing transmission of the infection is crucial.
3. A client with chronic kidney disease is prescribed a low-potassium diet. Which food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
- A. Carrots
- B. White bread
- C. Bananas
- D. Apples
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bananas. Bananas are high in potassium and should be avoided in clients who are on a low-potassium diet due to chronic kidney disease. Foods like apples and white bread are low in potassium and are safer choices. Carrots are also low in potassium and do not need to be avoided in this case.
4. When developing a behavior modification program for an extremely aggressive 10-year-old boy, what should the nurse do first?
- A. Determine what activities, foods, and toys the child enjoys
- B. Evaluate the child’s previous reactions to punishment
- C. Provide the child with positive feedback
- D. Encourage other children on the unit to describe the token system
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The first step in developing a behavior modification program for an aggressive child is to determine what activities, foods, and toys the child enjoys. Understanding the child's preferences allows the nurse to personalize the program, making it more engaging and effective. This approach increases the chances of success in modifying the aggressive behavior. Evaluating previous reactions to punishment (Choice B) may be important but comes later in the process. Providing positive feedback (Choice C) is beneficial but should come after tailoring the program. Encouraging other children to describe the token system (Choice D) is not the initial step; the focus should be on individualizing the program for the specific child first.
5. The nurse is caring for a client with Addison's disease. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Hyperpigmentation of the skin.
- B. Low blood pressure.
- C. Nausea and vomiting.
- D. Hypoglycemia.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Low blood pressure in a client with Addison's disease requires immediate intervention as it can indicate an Addisonian crisis, a life-threatening condition that necessitates prompt treatment. Hyperpigmentation of the skin is a characteristic finding in Addison's disease but does not require immediate intervention. Nausea and vomiting can be managed symptomatically in Addison's disease. While hypoglycemia needs attention, it is not the most critical finding requiring immediate intervention in this context.