HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 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.
Question 2 of 5
During a well-baby check of a 7-month-old infant, the practical nurse notes an absence of babbling. Which focused assessment should the PN implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The absence of babbling in a 7-month-old infant is a concerning auditory development milestone. Babbling is an early stage of language development which involves making various sounds. A lack of babbling could indicate a hearing impairment or other auditory issues. Therefore, the practical nurse should focus on assessing the infant's auditory function to determine if further evaluation or intervention is necessary.
Question 3 of 5
An adolescent female who comes to the school clinic is reluctant to confide her concerns to the practical nurse (PN). The PN tells the teen that confidentiality and privacy are maintained unless a life-threatening situation arises. Which principle supports the PN's response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct principle supporting the practical nurse's response is that honest information ensures establishing a trusting relationship. By assuring confidentiality and privacy to the adolescent unless there is a life-threatening situation, the practical nurse fosters an environment where the teen feels safe to share their concerns openly. This approach helps build trust, encouraging effective communication and support for the adolescent's well-being.
Question 4 of 5
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 5 of 5
The caregiver is caring for a 3-year-old child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis. The child has had several episodes of vomiting and diarrhea over the past 24 hours. What is the caregiver's priority assessment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, caring for a child with gastroenteritis requires a thorough understanding of the condition and the specific needs of the child. The caregiver's priority assessment in this scenario should be to assess the child's hydration status, which is option B. The correct answer, assessing the child's hydration status, is crucial in this situation because gastroenteritis can lead to significant fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea, which can quickly lead to dehydration in young children. Dehydration is a common complication of gastroenteritis and can be dangerous if not promptly addressed. Monitoring hydration status allows for early detection of dehydration and appropriate intervention, such as rehydration therapy. Option A, monitoring the child's weight, is not the priority assessment in this acute situation as immediate intervention is needed to address potential dehydration before focusing on weight changes. Option C, evaluating the child's nutritional intake, is important but not the priority when the child is actively experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. Option D, checking the child's temperature, is also important but does not take precedence over assessing hydration status in this case. In an educational context, understanding the priority assessments in pediatric nursing helps caregivers provide timely and appropriate care to children with various conditions. Gastroenteritis is a common illness in children, and knowing how to assess and manage dehydration is a fundamental skill for pediatric nurses to ensure the best outcomes for their young patients.