HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
A 2-week-old female infant is hospitalized for the surgical repair of an umbilical hernia. After returning to the postoperative neonatal unit, her RR and HR have increased during the last hour. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a postoperative neonatal setting, an increase in respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) in an infant could indicate pain or distress. It is crucial for the nurse to notify the healthcare provider promptly to assess the infant's condition and provide appropriate interventions. Prompt communication with the healthcare provider ensures timely evaluation and management of the infant's discomfort or distress, promoting optimal postoperative recovery and comfort.
Question 2 of 9
A mother brings her 2-year-old son to the clinic because he has been crying and pulling on his earlobe for the past 12 hours. The child's oral temperature is 101.2°F. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a child presenting with ear pain and fever, asking if the child has had a runny nose is crucial in assessing for possible ear infection causes. Respiratory infections can lead to secondary ear infections, so exploring symptoms related to upper respiratory tract infections, like a runny nose, can help in the evaluation and management of the child's condition.
Question 3 of 9
A child with a fever of 39°C (102.2°F) and a sore throat is brought to the clinic. The practical nurse suspects the child has streptococcal pharyngitis. Which diagnostic test should the practical nurse prepare the child for?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A rapid antigen detection test is the appropriate diagnostic test for suspected streptococcal pharyngitis. This test is commonly used due to its quick results, helping in the prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the condition. It specifically detects the presence of streptococcal antigens in the throat, aiding in confirming the diagnosis and guiding the healthcare provider in determining the most suitable treatment plan.
Question 4 of 9
A 4-month-old girl is brought to the clinic by her mother because she has had a cold for 2 or 3 days and woke up this morning with a hacking cough and difficulty breathing. Which additional assessment finding should alert the nurse that the child is in acute respiratory distress?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Flaring of the nares is a classic sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. It indicates increased work of breathing and is a visible cue that the child is struggling to breathe. This finding should alert healthcare providers to the severity of the respiratory distress and the need for prompt intervention to support the child's breathing.
Question 5 of 9
When should oral hygiene practices start for an infant according to the American Dental Association guidelines?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: According to the American Dental Association guidelines, oral hygiene practices should start as soon as the first tooth appears. At this stage, using a soft cloth and water to clean the infant's gums and teeth is recommended to establish good oral hygiene habits early on and prevent dental issues.
Question 6 of 9
A 6-year-old child with sickle cell anemia presents to the emergency department with severe pain in the legs and abdomen. The child is crying and states that the pain is unbearable. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a sickle cell crisis, pain management is a priority to alleviate the child's suffering. Administering the prescribed pain medication is crucial to address the severe pain experienced by the child. Warm compresses, fluid intake, and oxygen saturation monitoring are important interventions but should follow the priority of pain management in this situation.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who is hospitalized with pneumonia. The child is receiving IV antibiotics and oxygen therapy. The nurse notes that the child's respiratory rate is 40 breaths per minute, and the oxygen saturation is 92%. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the child is hospitalized with pneumonia, receiving IV antibiotics and oxygen therapy. With a high respiratory rate and decreased oxygen saturation, auscultating the child's lung sounds is the priority action. This assessment can provide crucial information about the child's respiratory status, such as the presence of adventitious sounds or decreased air entry, which can guide further interventions and help in evaluating the effectiveness of the current treatments.
Question 8 of 9
A 7-year-old child with cystic fibrosis is admitted to the hospital with a respiratory infection. The nurse is teaching the child's parents about the importance of chest physiotherapy (CPT). Which statement by the parents indicates they need further teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Chest physiotherapy should not be performed right after meals to avoid inducing vomiting. It should be done before meals or at least 1 hour after for effective mucus clearance and to prevent any potential complications like vomiting.
Question 9 of 9
The caregiver discovers a 6-month-old infant unresponsive and calls for help. After opening the airway and finding the infant is still not breathing, what action should the caregiver take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Providing two breaths that make the chest rise is the correct action in this situation. This helps to deliver oxygen to the infant's lungs and body, which is crucial in a situation where the infant is not breathing. Chest rise indicates successful ventilation, and it is an essential step in pediatric resuscitation, especially for infants.