HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is caring for an infant with phenylketonuria (PKU). What diet should the nurse anticipate will be ordered by the healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A low-phenylalanine diet is necessary for infants with PKU because it helps prevent the accumulation of phenylalanine, which can result in brain damage. Fat-free (Choice A) and protein-enriched (Choice B) diets are not specifically indicated for PKU. While phenylalanine-free (Choice C) may seem logical, complete elimination of phenylalanine is not practical or safe as it is an essential amino acid. Therefore, the correct choice is a low-phenylalanine diet, which restricts phenylalanine intake to a safe level.
Question 2 of 9
Why is it recommended that closure of the palate should be done before the age of 2 for an 11-month-old infant with a cleft palate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: It is recommended to perform palate closure surgery before the child starts using faulty speech patterns to prevent the development of speech issues that may be harder to correct later. Delaying surgery until after the age of 2 can lead to the child forming incorrect speech habits, which can be challenging to correct. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the specific concern related to speech development in children with cleft palates.
Question 3 of 9
A child has undergone surgery using steel bar placement to correct pectus excavatum. What position would the nurse instruct the parents to avoid?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Side-lying. After surgery using steel bar placement to correct pectus excavatum, the nurse should instruct the parents to avoid placing the child in a side-lying position. This position should be avoided to prevent displacement of the steel bar. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Semi-Fowler, Supine, and High Fowler positions are generally safe and commonly used in postoperative care, but in this specific case, side-lying should be avoided to ensure the effectiveness of the surgical correction.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is planning an initial home care visit to a mother who gave birth to a high-risk infant. For what time of day should the nurse schedule the visit for it to be most productive?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Scheduling the visit at a time that is convenient for the family is the most appropriate choice. This ensures that the family is receptive and available, making the visit more productive. Choice A is incorrect because the presence of the husband may be important for support and decision-making. Choice B focuses solely on the mother and the infant's feeding time, which may not align with the family's overall availability. Choice D is incorrect as it emphasizes the nurse's convenience rather than the family's, which may not lead to an effective visit.
Question 5 of 9
A 2-week-old infant is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of a ventricular septal defect. The parents report that their baby has had difficulty feeding since coming home after birth. What should the nurse consider before responding?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should consider that ineffective sucking and swallowing in a 2-week-old infant could be early signs of a heart defect such as a ventricular septal defect. This is crucial information as it can guide further assessment and management. Choice A is incorrect because while feeding problems can be common in neonates, in this case, the specific context of a suspected heart defect should be prioritized. Choice B is incorrect as inadequate sucking can indeed be significant, especially when considering potential underlying heart issues, regardless of the presence of cyanosis. Choice D is incorrect as while mucus retention can affect feeding, in this case, the focus should be on the possibility of a heart defect rather than a temporary issue like mucus interference.
Question 6 of 9
When assessing a child with suspected nephrotic syndrome, what clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Edema is a hallmark clinical manifestation of nephrotic syndrome. In nephrotic syndrome, there is increased glomerular permeability leading to the loss of proteins, particularly albumin, in the urine. This results in decreased oncotic pressure, leading to fluid shifting into the interstitial spaces and causing edema. Jaundice (Choice A) is not a typical clinical manifestation of nephrotic syndrome. Hypertension (Choice C) is more commonly associated with conditions like glomerulonephritis. Polyuria (Choice D) is not a primary symptom of nephrotic syndrome; instead, patients may have reduced urine output due to fluid retention from edema.
Question 7 of 9
You are called to a residence for a "sick" 5-year-old child. When you arrive and begin your assessment, you note that the child is unconscious with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and a heart rate of 50 beats/min. Management of this child should consist of
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a pediatric patient with an unconscious state, a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min, and a heart rate of 50 beats/min, the appropriate management involves chest compressions, artificial ventilations, and rapid transport. These signs indicate severe respiratory and circulatory compromise, requiring immediate intervention to support breathing and circulation. Choice A (100% oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask) is not sufficient in this critical situation as the child requires more than just oxygen supplementation. Choice B (positive pressure ventilations with a BVM device) may be needed, but chest compressions are crucial in this scenario due to the presence of bradycardia. Choice D (back blows and chest thrusts) are not indicated for an unconscious child with respiratory and circulatory compromise; instead, immediate chest compressions are necessary to provide circulatory support.
Question 8 of 9
What behavior does the nurse anticipate while feeding a newborn with choanal atresia?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct answer: When feeding a newborn with choanal atresia, the nurse should anticipate that the infant may take only part of the feeding. This behavior is due to the condition causing difficulty in breathing through the nose while feeding, prompting the infant to pause for air. Choice A, 'Chokes on the feeding,' is incorrect as it does not specifically relate to the feeding behavior expected in choanal atresia. Choice B, 'Has difficulty swallowing,' is also incorrect because the issue in choanal atresia is primarily related to breathing rather than swallowing. Choice C, 'Does not appear to be hungry,' is not the typical behavior seen in infants with choanal atresia; they may still display hunger cues but struggle with feeding due to the condition.
Question 9 of 9
A child with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is being discharged. What dietary instructions should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For a child with nephrotic syndrome, it is crucial to avoid foods high in salt to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Excessive salt intake can lead to fluid retention and exacerbate edema, which are common issues in nephrotic syndrome. Encouraging a high-protein diet (Choice A) may put additional strain on the kidneys and worsen the condition. While protein restriction is sometimes needed, it is not the primary dietary concern in nephrotic syndrome. Similarly, a low-protein diet (Choice D) is not typically recommended as it may lead to malnutrition in children. Although a low-sodium diet (Choice C) may sound similar to avoiding foods high in salt, the emphasis should be on reducing salt intake specifically, rather than a generalized low-sodium approach.