HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI Test Bank
1. You are managing a 10-month-old infant who has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 3 days and is now showing signs of shock. You have initiated supplemental oxygen therapy and elevated the lower extremities. En route to the hospital, you note that the child's work of breathing has increased. What must you do first?
- A. Lower the extremities and reassess the child
- B. Begin positive pressure ventilations and reassess the child
- C. Place a nasopharyngeal airway and increase the oxygen flow
- D. Listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal breath sounds
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the infant is presenting with signs of respiratory distress, as evidenced by the increased work of breathing. Lowering the extremities can help reduce the workload on the diaphragm and improve respiratory mechanics. This action can be beneficial in optimizing the infant's breathing before considering more invasive interventions. Option B, initiating positive pressure ventilations, should be considered if the infant's condition deteriorates further and not as the first step. Option C, placing a nasopharyngeal airway and increasing oxygen flow, is not indicated as the primary intervention for increased work of breathing. Option D, listening to the lungs with a stethoscope, may provide additional information but is not the most urgent action needed in this situation.
2. A mother confides to the nurse that she is thinking of divorce. Which suggestion by the nurse would help minimize the effects on the child?
- A. Tell the child together using appropriate terms.
- B. Reassure the child that no one loves him more than his parents.
- C. Engage in special activities with the child to compensate for the divorce.
- D. Keep your feelings to yourself and maintain a positive facade with the child.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In situations of divorce, it is crucial for both parents to inform the child together using age-appropriate language. This approach helps maintain consistency and clarity for the child, reducing confusion and anxiety. Choice B is incorrect because reassurance should not be solely focused on love but on explaining the situation appropriately. Choice C may inadvertently send the message that the divorce is the child's fault or requires compensation. Choice D is incorrect as children benefit from understanding and processing emotions in a healthy manner, rather than having them kept hidden.
3. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer enoxaparin subcutaneously to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?
- A. Administer the medication with the needle at a 45-degree angle.
- B. Administer the medication with the needle at a 90-degree angle.
- C. Inject the medication into the muscle.
- D. Pinch the skin before injecting.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Enoxaparin is a medication that is administered subcutaneously, which means it should be injected into the fatty tissue layer beneath the skin. Administering enoxaparin at a 90-degree angle ensures proper absorption and reduces the risk of injecting the medication into muscle tissue, which could affect its effectiveness. Injecting the medication at a 45-degree angle may lead to improper absorption as it may not reach the subcutaneous tissue adequately. Injecting the medication into the muscle instead of subcutaneously can alter the absorption rate and therapeutic effects. Pinching the skin before injecting is not necessary for administering enoxaparin subcutaneously and may cause unnecessary discomfort to the client.
4. A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is prescribed topiramate. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?
- A. Cognitive impairment
- B. Weight gain
- C. Liver toxicity
- D. Weight loss
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Correct. Topiramate is associated with cognitive impairment as an adverse effect. It is important for the nurse to monitor the client's cognitive function while on this medication to assess for any signs of cognitive decline or impairment. Choice B, weight gain, is incorrect as topiramate is actually associated with weight loss rather than weight gain. Choice C, liver toxicity, is also incorrect as topiramate is not known to cause liver toxicity. Choice D, weight loss, is not the correct answer as topiramate is not associated with weight gain.
5. What is an important aspect of care for a child with congenital adrenal hyperplasia?
- A. Monitoring electrolyte levels
- B. Restricting physical activity
- C. Administering high doses of vitamin A
- D. Providing a high-protein diet
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitoring electrolyte levels. In the management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, it is crucial to monitor electrolyte levels to prevent imbalances and related complications. Restricting physical activity (choice B) is not a typical aspect of care for this condition. Administering high doses of vitamin A (choice C) is not a standard treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia and can be harmful in excess. Providing a high-protein diet (choice D) may be beneficial for some conditions but is not a specific requirement for managing congenital adrenal hyperplasia.