HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI 2023
1. Which observation of the exposed abdomen is most indicative of pyloric stenosis?
- A. abdominal rigidity
- B. substernal retraction
- C. palpable olive-like mass
- D. marked distention of the lower abdomen
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In pyloric stenosis, a palpable olive-like mass in the abdomen is a classic finding. This mass is due to the hypertrophied pyloric muscle. Abdominal rigidity (choice A) is associated with conditions like peritonitis, substernal retraction (choice B) is typically seen in respiratory distress, and marked distention of the lower abdomen (choice D) is more characteristic of conditions like intestinal obstruction rather than pyloric stenosis.
2. The nurse is reviewing blood pressure readings for a group of clients on a medical unit. Which client is at the highest risk for complications related to hypertension?
- A. Post-menopausal Caucasian female who overeats and is 20% above her ideal body weight.
- B. Young adult Hispanic female who has hemoglobin at 11 g/dl (110 g/L) and drinks beer daily.
- C. Older adult who consumes a diet of smoked, cured, and pickled foods.
- D. Middle-aged African-American male who has a serum creatinine level of 2.9 mg/dL (256.4 micromol/L).
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. An elevated serum creatinine level indicates kidney damage, which significantly increases the risk of complications from hypertension. High blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time, leading to impaired kidney function. Choices A, B, and C do not directly correlate with increased risk of complications related to hypertension. Choice A focuses on obesity and overeating, Choice B on anemia and alcohol consumption, and Choice C on a diet high in sodium and nitrates, none of which are as directly related to hypertension complications as kidney damage.
3. When evaluating the laboratory report of a 1-year-old infant’s hematocrit, a healthcare professional compares it with the expected hematocrit range for this age group. What is the hematocrit of a healthy 12-month-old infant?
- A. 19% to 32%
- B. 29% to 41%
- C. 37% to 47%
- D. 42% to 69%
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 37% to 47%. The normal hematocrit range for a 12-month-old infant is between 37% to 47%, which reflects the expected blood volume and red blood cell levels for this age. Choice A (19% to 32%) and Choice B (29% to 41%) are too low and do not encompass the typical hematocrit range for a healthy 1-year-old. Choice D (42% to 69%) is too high and falls outside the usual hematocrit values for this age group.
4. A female client on the mental health unit tells the nurse that her roommate is sitting on the bathroom floor with superficial cuts on her wrists. The nurse cleans and assesses the client’s wrists and asks what happened. She doesn’t respond. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Find supplies to put a dressing on the client’s wrists
- B. Take the client to a room for supervision by staff
- C. Call the healthcare provider to report the client’s behavior
- D. Go find a staff member to stay in the room with the client
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In this situation, the nurse's priority is to ensure the safety and supervision of the client. Moving the client to a room for direct supervision by staff is crucial to prevent further harm and provide immediate support. While cleaning and assessing the client's wrists are important, ensuring ongoing supervision is vital in this scenario. Calling the healthcare provider to report the behavior may be necessary but is not the immediate action required. Finding supplies to dress the client's wrists is important but not as urgent as ensuring constant supervision by staff.
5. A client with chronic kidney disease is experiencing hyperkalemia. Which medication should the LPN/LVN anticipate being prescribed to lower the client's potassium level?
- A. Furosemide (Lasix)
- B. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
- C. Calcium gluconate
- D. Albuterol (Proventil)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate). Kayexalate is commonly used to lower potassium levels in clients with hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the large intestine, leading to the elimination of excess potassium from the body. Choice A, Furosemide (Lasix), is a loop diuretic that helps with fluid retention but does not directly lower potassium levels. Choice C, Calcium gluconate, is used to treat calcium deficiencies and does not impact potassium levels. Choice D, Albuterol (Proventil), is a bronchodilator used to treat respiratory conditions and does not affect potassium levels. Therefore, the LPN/LVN should anticipate the prescription of Kayexalate to address the client's hyperkalemia.