HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. What action should be taken by the healthcare provider for a child who has ingested a corrosive product?
- A. Induce vomiting using Ipecac to remove the corrosive agent.
- B. Administer vinegar or lemon juice to neutralize the caustic agent.
- C. Give activated charcoal to decontaminate the stomach.
- D. Telephone the poison control center and follow their advice.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In cases of corrosive product ingestion, it is crucial to contact the poison control center for guidance. Inducing vomiting or attempting to neutralize the agent can lead to further harm. The poison control center professionals are trained to provide specific instructions tailored to the situation, ensuring the best possible outcome for the child. Therefore, the correct action is to call the poison control center for appropriate advice. Inducing vomiting can cause additional damage by re-exposing the esophagus and mouth to the corrosive substance. Administering vinegar or lemon juice is not recommended as it may worsen the situation by causing a chemical reaction. While activated charcoal can be useful in some cases of poisoning, it is not recommended for corrosive substances as it is ineffective in binding to them.
2. The practical nurse is caring for a child with suspected appendicitis. Which assessment finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Nausea and vomiting.
- B. Sudden relief of pain.
- C. Low-grade fever.
- D. Rebound tenderness.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Sudden relief of pain in a child with suspected appendicitis should be reported immediately as it may indicate a rupture of the appendix, which is a medical emergency. Sudden relief of pain is concerning because it can be a sign of a perforated appendix, leading to peritonitis and sepsis.
3. In a hospitalized child receiving IV fluids for dehydration, what is the best indicator that the child’s dehydration is improving?
- A. The child’s urine output increases
- B. The child’s skin turgor is normal
- C. The child’s weight increases
- D. The child’s vital signs are stable
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An increase in urine output is a reliable indicator of improving dehydration in a child. It signifies that the kidneys are functioning better, helping to restore fluid balance in the body. Monitoring urine output is crucial in assessing hydration status and response to treatment. Choices B, C, and D are not the best indicators of improving dehydration. Normal skin turgor is helpful but may not change immediately with improving hydration. Weight increase may reflect retained fluids rather than improved hydration status. Stable vital signs are important but may not always indicate improving dehydration.
4. A 9-week-old infant is scheduled for cleft lip repair. Which information is most important for the nurse to convey to the surgeon before transporting the infant to the surgical suite?
- A. Red blood cell count of 2.3 million/mm³
- B. White blood cell count of 10,000/mm³
- C. Weight gain of 2 pounds since birth
- D. Urine specific gravity is 1.011
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a low red blood cell count may indicate anemia, which could pose risks during surgery. Anemia can affect oxygen delivery to tissues, impacting wound healing and overall surgical outcomes. The other options, such as white blood cell count, weight gain, and urine specific gravity, are less critical for immediate surgical considerations. White blood cell count is more related to infection risk postoperatively rather than immediate surgical risk. Weight gain reflects good overall growth but does not impact the immediate surgical situation. Urine specific gravity is more indicative of hydration status rather than immediate surgical risk.
5. What intervention should the nurse implement first for a male toddler brought to the emergency center approximately three hours after swallowing tablets from his grandmother’s bottle of digoxin (Lanoxin)?
- A. Administer activated charcoal orally
- B. Prepare gastric lavage
- C. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram
- D. Give IV digoxin immune fab (Digibind)
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In cases of digoxin toxicity, IV digoxin immune fab (Digibind) is the antidote and should be administered first to counteract the effects of digoxin poisoning. This intervention is crucial in managing digoxin overdose and should be initiated promptly to improve patient outcomes. Activated charcoal and gastric lavage are not effective in treating digoxin poisoning and may not be beneficial at this stage. While obtaining an electrocardiogram is important to assess cardiac function, administering the antidote should take precedence to address the immediate life-threatening effects of digoxin toxicity.
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