HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI Practice Questions
1. Which is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for the child with acute glomerulonephritis?
- A. Risk for injury related to malignant process and treatment
- B. Fluid volume deficit related to excessive losses
- C. Fluid volume excess related to decreased plasma filtration
- D. Fluid volume excess related to fluid accumulation in tissues and third spaces
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a child with acute glomerulonephritis is fluid volume excess related to decreased plasma filtration. Acute glomerulonephritis is characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys, leading to decreased plasma filtration and retention of fluid. This results in fluid volume excess rather than fluid deficit (choice B) or fluid accumulation in tissues and third spaces (choice D). The diagnosis of 'risk for injury related to malignant process and treatment' (choice A) is not directly related to the pathophysiology of acute glomerulonephritis.
2. You are performing a neurological assessment of your adolescent patient. The patient has the Moro reflex. How should you interpret this neurological assessment finding?
- A. It is normal among adolescents.
- B. It indicates that the patient has an intact peripheral nervous system.
- C. It indicates that the patient has an intact central nervous system.
- D. It is not a normal finding.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is typically present in infants up to around 4-6 months of age and is characterized by the infant's response to a sudden loss of support or loud noise. It is not a normal finding in adolescents or older individuals. Therefore, if an adolescent patient exhibits the Moro reflex during a neurological assessment, it is considered abnormal and warrants further evaluation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the Moro reflex is not expected or normal among adolescents and does not specifically indicate the status of either the peripheral or central nervous system in this age group.
3. The healthcare provider prescribed furosemide for a 4-year-old child with a ventricular septal defect. Which outcome indicates to the nurse that this pharmacological intervention was effective?
- A. Urine specific gravity changing from 1.021 to 1.031
- B. Daily weight decrease of 2 pounds (0.9 kg)
- C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increasing from 8 to 12 mg/dl (2.9 to 4.3)
- D. Urinary output decreasing by 5 ml/hour
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A daily weight decrease of 2 pounds (0.9 kg) is the most appropriate outcome to indicate the effectiveness of furosemide in a child with a ventricular septal defect. Furosemide is a diuretic medication that helps reduce fluid retention. Therefore, a decrease in weight reflects a reduction in fluid volume, which is the desired effect of furosemide. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because changes in urine specific gravity, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, and urinary output do not directly reflect the effectiveness of furosemide in this context.
4. A client diagnosed with a terminal illness asks the nurse about the nurse’s religious beliefs related to death and dying. An appropriate nursing response is to:
- A. Share personal beliefs
- B. Encourage the client to express their thoughts about death and dying
- C. Redirect the conversation to medical treatment
- D. Inform the client that the nurse’s beliefs are not relevant
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the client to express their own thoughts about death and dying is an appropriate nursing response in this situation. It allows the client to explore and express their feelings, fears, and beliefs, facilitating a therapeutic conversation. Sharing personal beliefs (choice A) may not be appropriate as it could impose the nurse's beliefs on the client and hinder open discussion. Redirecting the conversation to medical treatment (choice C) may avoid addressing the client's emotional and spiritual needs. Informing the client that the nurse’s beliefs are not relevant (choice D) dismisses the client's concerns and does not encourage open communication.
5. A young female client with 7 children is having frequent morning headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision. Her BP is 168/104. The client reports that her husband recently lost his job and she is not sleeping well. After administering a STAT dose of an antihypertensive IV med, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Measure urine output hourly to assess for renal perfusion
- B. Request a prescription for pain medication
- C. Use an automated BP machine to monitor for hypotension
- D. Provide a quiet environment with low lighting
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Using an automated BP machine is crucial to continuously monitor for hypotension after administering an antihypertensive medication. This is essential to prevent a rapid drop in blood pressure that could lead to complications. Measuring urine output hourly to assess for renal perfusion is important but not the most immediate concern in this situation. Requesting pain medication is not relevant to the primary issue of managing blood pressure. Providing a quiet environment with low lighting may be beneficial for the client's overall well-being but is not as critical as monitoring for potential hypotension.