HESI RN
Pediatric HESI Questions
Question 1 of 9
A 4-year-old child with a history of frequent ear infections is brought to the clinic by the parents who are concerned about the child's hearing. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's priority action should be to inspect the child's ears for drainage. This immediate assessment can provide valuable information about the presence of infection or fluid accumulation, which can directly impact the child's hearing. By identifying any signs of drainage, the nurse can promptly address any current issues affecting the child's ear health and hearing abilities.
Question 2 of 9
Following a motor vehicle collision, a 3-year old girl has a spica cast applied. Which toy is best for the nurse for this 3 year old child?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A set of cloth and hand puppets is safe and developmentally appropriate for a 3-year-old with a spica cast.
Question 3 of 9
The parents of a 3-year-old boy who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy ask, 'How can our son have this disease? We are wondering if we should have any more children.' What information should the nurse provide to parents?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked recessive disorder that primarily affects males. It is crucial for the nurse to explain to the parents that this condition follows an inheritance pattern where the gene mutation responsible for the disorder is located on the X chromosome. Males have only one X chromosome, so if they inherit the mutated gene, they will develop the disease. Females, on the other hand, have two X chromosomes, providing a backup copy that can compensate for the mutation. Understanding this inheritance pattern is essential for family planning decisions, as the risk of passing on the disorder to future children can be explained based on this genetic inheritance.
Question 4 of 9
A 6-year-old child with a history of asthma is brought to the emergency department with difficulty breathing and a severe cough. The nurse notes that the child is using accessory muscles to breathe and has a peak flow reading in the red zone. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a 6-year-old child with asthma experiencing difficulty breathing and using accessory muscles to breathe with a peak flow reading in the red zone, the priority intervention is to administer a nebulized bronchodilator first. Nebulized bronchodilators help open the airways quickly, providing immediate relief and improving breathing. This intervention aims to address the acute respiratory distress the child is experiencing before considering other assessments or interventions such as obtaining arterial blood gases, starting oxygen therapy, or contacting the healthcare provider.
Question 5 of 9
When developing a behavior modification program for an extremely aggressive 10-year-old boy, what should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The first step in developing a behavior modification program for an aggressive child is to determine what activities, foods, and toys the child enjoys. By understanding the child's preferences, the nurse can tailor the program to be more engaging and effective, increasing the likelihood of success in modifying the aggressive behavior.
Question 6 of 9
When caring for a 5-year-old child with a history of seizures who suddenly begins to have a tonic-clonic seizure, what should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During a tonic-clonic seizure, the priority action is to turn the child to the side. This helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration of secretions or vomitus. It also helps in keeping the airway clear and promotes safety during the seizure episode. Administering oxygen, inserting an oral airway, and starting an IV line are important interventions but should follow the initial step of positioning the child to prevent airway obstruction.
Question 7 of 9
A 16-year-old adolescent with cystic fibrosis is admitted to the hospital with a respiratory infection. The nurse is teaching the adolescent about the importance of airway clearance techniques. Which statement by the adolescent indicates a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Airway clearance exercises are essential for individuals with cystic fibrosis to prevent mucus buildup in their lungs. It is crucial to perform these exercises regularly, even when feeling well, to maintain lung health and prevent complications. Therefore, the statement indicating that the exercises are not needed if feeling okay shows a misunderstanding and requires further teaching.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse finds a 6-month-old infant unresponsive and calls for help. After opening the airway and finding the XXXX, the infant is still not breathing. What action should the nurse take next?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a scenario where a 6-month-old infant is unresponsive and not breathing after the airway is open, giving two breaths that make the chest rise is the appropriate action. This helps deliver oxygen to the infant's lungs and can help initiate breathing. Chest compressions are not recommended for infants as the first step in resuscitation. Checking pulses like the femoral or carotid pulse is not the priority when an infant is not breathing, as providing oxygen through breaths is essential.
Question 9 of 9
A child with Graves' disease who is taking propranolol (Inderal) is seen in the clinic. The nurse should monitor the child for which therapeutic response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a child with Graves' disease is prescribed propranolol (Inderal), the nurse should monitor for a decreased heart rate as a therapeutic response. Propranolol is a beta-blocker that acts to slow down the heart rate, which is beneficial in managing the symptoms of Graves' disease, such as tachycardia and other cardiovascular manifestations.