HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 6-year-old boy with bronchial asthma takes the beta-adrenergic agonist agent albuterol (Proventil). The child's mother tells the nurse that she uses this medication to open her son's airway when he is having trouble breathing. What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is to assure the mother that she is using the medication correctly. Albuterol is a beta-adrenergic agonist that helps open the airways during an asthma attack. By reassuring the mother, the nurse reinforces the correct usage of the medication, which is crucial in managing the child's asthma symptoms effectively.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse provides information about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to the mother of a 14-year-old adolescent who came to the clinic this morning complaining of menstrual cramping. Which explanation should the nurse provide to support administering the HPV vaccine to the adolescent at this visit?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Immunity must be established to prevent future HPV infection and the risk for cervical cancer. Administering the HPV vaccine to adolescents is crucial because it helps establish immunity against the virus, which can lead to cervical cancer later in life. By vaccinating early, the adolescent can build immunity before potential exposure to HPV through sexual activity. Option A is incorrect because while protective barriers can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, they are not foolproof and do not provide the same level of protection as vaccination. Option B is incorrect and perpetuates a negative stereotype about adolescents, as honesty about sexual activity should not be assumed. Option C is also incorrect because while the vaccine may not cover all strains of HPV, it still offers significant protection against the most common cancer-causing strains. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to emphasize the importance of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Educating parents and adolescents about the benefits of vaccination can help increase vaccine uptake and ultimately reduce the burden of HPV-related illnesses in the population.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child who is brought to the clinic for a routine checkup. The child's parent reports that the child has been more irritable and less active over the past week. The nurse notes a petechial rash on the child's trunk and extremities. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Notify the healthcare provider immediately. The presence of a petechial rash in a child, along with a history of increased irritability and decreased activity, raises concerns for potentially serious underlying conditions such as meningitis or sepsis. Petechiae are small, pinpoint, red or purple spots on the skin that can indicate bleeding under the skin, which can be a sign of a significant medical issue. Option A) Asking about recent exposure to contagious diseases is not the priority in this case as the child's symptoms are more indicative of a serious medical condition requiring immediate attention. Option B) Reviewing the child's immunization record is important but not the first step when a child presents with concerning symptoms like petechial rash and changes in behavior. Option C) Measuring the child's temperature is a routine assessment but does not take precedence over the urgent need to address the petechial rash and the child's overall condition. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing concerning signs and symptoms in pediatric patients and the need for prompt action in such situations. Nurses must be able to prioritize assessments and interventions based on the child's presentation to ensure timely and appropriate care. This case emphasizes the critical role of nurses in early identification and management of potentially serious conditions in pediatric patients.
Question 4 of 5
A 6-year-old child with a history of asthma is brought to the clinic with complaints of wheezing and shortness of breath. The nurse notes that the child is using accessory muscles to breathe. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse to take first is to administer a bronchodilator (option A). When a child with a history of asthma presents with wheezing, shortness of breath, and the use of accessory muscles to breathe, it indicates an acute exacerbation of asthma. Administering a bronchodilator, such as albuterol, is crucial in managing bronchospasm and improving airway patency, which can rapidly relieve the child's respiratory distress. Obtaining a peak flow reading (option B) would be important to assess the severity of the asthma exacerbation, but it is not the first priority in this acute situation. Applying oxygen (option C) may be necessary later if the child's oxygen saturation is low, but addressing the underlying bronchospasm with a bronchodilator takes precedence. Performing a complete respiratory assessment (option D) is important but should come after initiating immediate treatment to address the child's distress. In the educational context, understanding the appropriate prioritization of interventions in the management of pediatric asthma exacerbations is crucial for nurses caring for children with asthma. Recognizing respiratory distress signs and symptoms and knowing the prompt administration of bronchodilators can prevent respiratory compromise and improve outcomes for pediatric patients with asthma.
Question 5 of 5
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: In this scenario, option C, "We should perform CPT right after the child eats," indicates a need for further teaching by the parents. The correct timing for performing chest physiotherapy (CPT) in a child with cystic fibrosis is before meals. Performing CPT after eating can lead to discomfort, vomiting, or aspiration due to the pressure applied during the procedure. Option A, "We should perform CPT before meals," is correct because performing CPT before meals helps in clearing the airways effectively without the risk of complications. Option B, "CPT will help loosen mucus in the lungs," is also correct as CPT is aimed at helping to mobilize and remove mucus from the lungs. Option D, "CPT is an important part of our child's treatment," is true as CPT plays a crucial role in managing cystic fibrosis by preventing lung infections and maintaining lung function. Educationally, it is important for parents of children with cystic fibrosis to understand the correct timing and technique for CPT to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Providing clear instructions and reinforcing the importance of proper CPT can help parents in managing their child's condition at home effectively.