HESI LPN
Pediatrics HESI 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 9
A child with a diagnosis of leukemia is receiving chemotherapy. What is the most important nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most important nursing intervention for a child with leukemia receiving chemotherapy is to monitor for signs of infection. Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, putting the child at a higher risk of developing infections. Early detection and prompt treatment of infections are crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Monitoring for signs of bleeding (choice B), dehydration (choice C), and pain (choice D) are also important aspects of care, but in this scenario, the priority is to prevent and manage infections due to the compromised immune system.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a child with tetralogy of Fallot that indicates an elevated RBC count. What does the nurse identify as the cause of the polycythemia?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tissue oxygen needs. Polycythemia occurs in response to chronic hypoxia, leading the body to increase red blood cell production to enhance oxygen delivery. In tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect that results in reduced oxygen levels in the blood, the body compensates by producing more red blood cells. Choice A is incorrect as low tissue oxygen needs would not trigger polycythemia. Choice C, diminished iron levels, is not the cause of polycythemia in this case. Choice D, hypertrophic cardiac muscle, is unrelated to the pathophysiology of polycythemia in tetralogy of Fallot.
Question 3 of 9
A 7-year-old child has an altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash. You perform your assessment and initiate oxygen therapy. En route to the hospital, you should be most alert for
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Seizures are a common complication in children with high fever and altered mental status, indicating a risk of febrile seizures. While vomiting can occur with altered mental status, seizures are of higher concern due to the association with febrile illnesses in children. Combativeness may be a concern in some altered mental status cases but is not as common as seizures. Respiratory distress, although important, is not the primary concern in this scenario given the symptoms presented.
Question 4 of 9
What is an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, it is important for nurses to count the apical pulse for a full minute and compare it with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias because discrepancies between the apical and radial pulse rates can indicate irregular heart rhythms. Option A is incorrect because ordering an immediate electrocardiogram may not always be feasible or necessary as a first step. Option B, counting the radial pulse multiple times, is less accurate than comparing the apical and radial pulse rates. Option D involves an unnecessary step of having another person take simultaneous pulses when the nurse can do it effectively alone.
Question 5 of 9
What is an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, an important nursing responsibility is to count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and then compare this rate with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias as it allows for a direct comparison of the heart's rhythm at two different pulse points. Ordering an immediate electrocardiogram (Choice A) may be necessary but should not be the first step. Counting the radial pulse multiple times (Choice B) is not as accurate as comparing rates directly. Having someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously (Choice D) may introduce errors and inconsistencies in the measurement.
Question 6 of 9
An 18-month-old was brought to the emergency department by her mother, who states, 'I think she broke her arm.' The child is sent for a radiograph to confirm the fracture. Additional assessment of the child leads the nurse to suspect possible child abuse. Which type of fracture would the radiograph most likely reveal?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A spiral fracture is characterized by a twisting injury, often indicating child abuse due to the mechanism involved. This type of fracture is commonly seen in non-accidental trauma cases. Plastic deformity is not typically seen on radiographs but refers to a change in the shape of a bone without breaking. Buckle fractures are incomplete fractures commonly seen in children due to their softer bones. Greenstick fractures are also incomplete fractures, but they do not typically raise suspicion of child abuse as spiral fractures do.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is assessing a 4-year-old client. Which finding suggests to the nurse this child may have a genetic disorder?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Low-set ears with lobe creases are often associated with genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, and can indicate underlying chromosomal abnormalities. This physical characteristic is a common feature seen in various genetic syndromes. The other choices, including feeding problems, weight and height measurements, and motor skills, are not typically specific indicators of genetic disorders in the absence of other associated features.
Question 8 of 9
During the second week of hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic therapy, a 2-year-old toddler whose family is unable to visit often smiles easily, goes to all the nurses happily, and does not express interest in the parent when the parent does visit. The parent tells the nurse, 'I am pleased about the adjustment but somewhat concerned about my child's reaction to me.' How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The child's behavior of smiling easily, interacting happily with nurses, and showing disinterest in the parent when they visit indicates that the child has emotionally withdrawn and accepted the separation. This response suggests that the child may have given up fighting against the separation from the parent due to prolonged hospitalization. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A about the child repressing feelings towards the parent is not supported by the scenario. Choice B about routines and feeling safe does not address the emotional aspect of the child's behavior. Choice D about improved behavior due to feeling better physically does not explain the emotional dynamics at play in the child's behavior.
Question 9 of 9
A child with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis is admitted to the hospital. What is the most important nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most important nursing intervention for a child with bronchiolitis is providing respiratory therapy. This intervention helps to maintain airway patency and improve breathing, which are crucial in managing bronchiolitis. Administering bronchodilators (Choice A) may be a part of the treatment plan but is not the most important intervention. Monitoring oxygen saturation (Choice C) is important but falls secondary to providing direct respiratory support. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice D) is also essential but does not address the immediate respiratory needs of the child with bronchiolitis.