HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 4-year-old child is brought to the clinic with complaints of ear pain and fever. The practical nurse suspects otitis media. Which symptom supports this suspicion?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tugging at the ear is a common symptom in children with otitis media. It often indicates discomfort or pain in the ear, suggesting inflammation or infection in the middle ear. This behavior is frequently observed in young children who are unable to express their discomfort verbally, making it a significant clinical indicator for otitis media in this age group.
Question 2 of 5
A 14-year-old client with type 1 diabetes is participating in a school sports event. The nurse provides education to the client about managing blood glucose levels during physical activity. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Skipping insulin dose when blood sugar is high before exercise can be harmful. It is essential to manage blood glucose levels carefully during physical activity, which may require adjustments to insulin doses but skipping doses is not recommended. It is crucial to maintain blood sugar levels within the target range to prevent complications during exercise.
Question 3 of 5
A 7-year-old child with type 1 diabetes is brought to the emergency department with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The nurse notes that the child's blood glucose level is 350 mg/dL. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a child with type 1 diabetes presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and a high blood glucose level, the priority is to administer IV fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which are crucial in managing diabetic ketoacidosis. Administering insulin without addressing fluid deficits can lead to further complications. Monitoring urine output and checking for ketones are important steps but providing IV fluids takes precedence in the initial management of this child's condition.
Question 4 of 5
In a 12-year-old child with a history of epilepsy brought to the emergency department after experiencing a 10-minute seizure, what is the nurse's priority intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Administer antiepileptic medication as prescribed. In a 12-year-old child with a history of epilepsy presenting after a prolonged seizure, the priority intervention is to stop the seizure activity promptly to prevent potential brain damage and further complications. Administering antiepileptic medication as prescribed is crucial in this situation to terminate the seizure and stabilize the child's condition. Option A) Administer oxygen may be important in some cases, but in this scenario, stopping the seizure takes precedence over oxygen administration. Option C) Monitor the child's vital signs is important but not the priority when the child is actively seizing, as immediate intervention to stop the seizure is critical. Option D) Check the child's blood glucose level is also important in evaluating potential triggers for seizures, but it is not the immediate priority when the child is actively seizing. Educationally, understanding the urgent nature of managing seizures in pediatric patients is crucial for pediatric nurses. Timely and appropriate administration of antiepileptic medications can prevent complications and improve outcomes in children with epilepsy. This scenario highlights the significance of prioritizing interventions based on the immediate needs of the patient in an emergency situation.
Question 5 of 5
A 14-year-old adolescent with a history of substance abuse is brought to the emergency department by the parents, who suspect that the adolescent has relapsed. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's priority action should be to obtain a urine sample for toxicology screening. This step is crucial in identifying the substances involved in the relapse, which will guide appropriate treatment strategies. Establishing a therapeutic relationship and discussing treatment options come after obtaining necessary diagnostic information to ensure a comprehensive care plan.