A 7-year-old child with sickle cell anemia presents to the emergency department with severe pain in the arms and legs. What is the nurse's priority action?

Questions 55

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HESI Practice Test Pediatrics Questions

Question 1 of 9

A 7-year-old child with sickle cell anemia presents to the emergency department with severe pain in the arms and legs. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a sickle cell crisis, pain management is a priority due to the severe pain experienced by the child. Administering prescribed pain medication is crucial to alleviate the pain and provide comfort to the child. Once pain is controlled, other comfort measures like applying warm compresses and encouraging fluid intake can be implemented. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important but not the priority action when dealing with severe pain in a sickle cell crisis.

Question 2 of 9

The nurse is caring for a 14-year-old adolescent who was admitted to the hospital after a suicide attempt. The adolescent's mood appears stable, and the healthcare provider has recommended discharge. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to ensure that a safety plan is in place before discharge. A safety plan is essential to assist the adolescent in managing future crises and decreasing the likelihood of another suicide attempt. It provides guidance on coping strategies and resources to help the adolescent stay safe in times of distress.

Question 3 of 9

Which nursing intervention is most important to assist in detecting hypopituitarism and hyperpituitarism in children?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Recording the height and weight of children is crucial in detecting growth abnormalities like hypopituitarism and hyperpituitarism. Inappropriate growth patterns, such as disproportionate weight gain or stunted height, can be indicative of these conditions. Regular monitoring of height and weight is a fundamental nursing intervention that can aid in the early identification and management of pituitary-related disorders in children.

Question 4 of 9

A child is recovering from an appendectomy. The parent asks when the child can resume normal activities. What is the best response by the nurse?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: After an appendectomy, it is important for the child to avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks to allow for proper healing. Resuming normal activities too soon can put unnecessary strain on the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

Question 5 of 9

After observing a mother giving her 11-month-old ferrous sulfate followed by two ounces of orange juice, what should the nurse do next?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Providing positive feedback is essential in reinforcing correct behaviors. By praising the mother for properly administering the ferrous sulfate to her 11-month-old, the nurse can encourage her to continue following the correct procedure. This positive reinforcement can boost the mother's confidence and adherence to the recommended administration method, ultimately benefiting the infant's health.

Question 6 of 9

The healthcare provider is assessing an infant with diarrhea and lethargy. Which finding should the provider identify that is consistent with early dehydration?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Tachycardia is a common early sign of dehydration in infants. It is important for healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring infants with these symptoms, as prompt intervention is crucial to prevent further complications.

Question 7 of 9

When instilling ear drops in a 2-year-old child, how should the practical nurse (PN) position the earlobe to straighten the external auditory canal?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When administering ear drops to a child under three years old, it is essential to pull the earlobe down and back. This positioning helps straighten the external auditory canal, facilitating the proper administration of the ear drops. Pulling the earlobe down and back in young children aims to ensure that the medication reaches the intended area for optimal effectiveness.

Question 8 of 9

A child with pertussis is receiving azithromycin (Zithromax Injection) IV. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the child's plan of care?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring for signs of an allergic reaction, such as facial swelling or urticaria, is crucial when administering antibiotics like azithromycin. It is important to watch for these signs to promptly identify and manage any potential adverse reactions during the course of treatment.

Question 9 of 9

A mother reports to the nurse at the pediatric clinic that her toddler has had a fever and sore throat for the past two days. The nurse observes several swollen red spots on the child's body, some of which are fluid-filled blisters. What action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The presence of swollen red spots and fluid-filled blisters may indicate a contagious condition. Implementing transmission precautions is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection to others in the clinic setting.

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