HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam
1. Which drink choice on a hot day indicates that a teenager with sickle cell anemia understands dietary considerations related to the disease?
- A. Milkshake
- B. Iced tea
- C. Diet cola
- D. Lemonade
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Lemonade is the correct choice for a teenager with sickle cell anemia as it provides hydration without caffeine, which is important for individuals with this condition. Caffeine can lead to dehydration, vasoconstriction, and potentially worsen symptoms in sickle cell anemia patients. Milkshake (choice A) may contain dairy, which can be high in fat and may not be the best choice for someone with sickle cell anemia. Iced tea (choice B) and diet cola (choice C) both contain caffeine, which should be avoided by individuals with sickle cell anemia due to its dehydrating effects.
2. A 7-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with nephrotic syndrome. The nurse notes that the child has gained 3 pounds in the past 24 hours. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Administer a diuretic as prescribed
- B. Restrict the child’s fluid intake
- C. Notify the healthcare provider
- D. Measure the child’s abdominal girth
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a child with nephrotic syndrome experiencing sudden weight gain, the priority action for the nurse is to notify the healthcare provider. This weight gain could indicate worsening edema or fluid retention, necessitating immediate medical evaluation and intervention. The healthcare provider can conduct a comprehensive assessment, order necessary tests, and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Administering a diuretic, restricting fluid intake, or measuring abdominal girth should not be initiated without healthcare provider consultation to ensure appropriate management of the child's condition.
3. What is the priority intervention for a 16-year-old client with a history of depression who is brought to the emergency department after taking an overdose of acetaminophen?
- A. Administer activated charcoal
- B. Place the client on continuous cardiac monitoring
- C. Prepare for gastric lavage
- D. Administer N-acetylcysteine as prescribed
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The priority intervention for a client who has taken an acetaminophen overdose is to administer N-acetylcysteine promptly. N-acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose and helps prevent liver damage. Activated charcoal may be used in certain cases, but N-acetylcysteine takes precedence as it directly counteracts the toxic effects of acetaminophen. Continuous cardiac monitoring and gastric lavage are not the priority interventions for acetaminophen overdose. Administering N-acetylcysteine is crucial to prevent liver damage and address the overdose, making it the most urgent action in this scenario.
4. A middle school student was recently diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and is having trouble with his grades. He is referred to the school nurse by the teacher because he continues to have learning problems. Which action should the school nurse take?
- A. Ask the parents to have the child seen by a clinical psychologist
- B. Ask the parents to become involved in helping the child with his homework
- C. Refer the child to the school counselor for educational testing
- D. Seek the advice of the school principal regarding the child's learning needs
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Referring the child to the school counselor for educational testing is the most appropriate action in this scenario. This step can help identify the specific learning needs of the student and determine the appropriate interventions required to support his academic success. Option A is not the immediate action needed but may be considered in the future. Option B focuses on homework assistance, which may not address the underlying learning problems. Option D involves consulting the school principal, which is not the primary role in addressing the student's learning needs.
5. A 3-year-old child with a high fever and sore throat is brought to the clinic. The nurse observes that the child is drooling and has difficulty swallowing. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer antipyretic medication
- B. Prepare for emergency airway management
- C. Offer the child ice chips to suck on
- D. Assess the child’s hydration status
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a 3-year-old child with drooling, difficulty swallowing, high fever, and sore throat, the nurse should prioritize preparing for emergency airway management. These signs may indicate epiglottitis, a condition that can quickly obstruct the airway, leading to respiratory distress and potentially fatal outcomes if not managed promptly. Administering antipyretic medication (Choice A) may be necessary later but is not the priority. Offering ice chips (Choice C) is contraindicated as the child has difficulty swallowing. Assessing hydration status (Choice D) is important but not the priority when the airway is at risk.
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