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?

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Pediatrics HESI 2023 Questions

Question 1 of 5

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 2 of 5

What finding would the nurse expect to assess in a child with hypothyroidism?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Weight gain is the expected finding in a child with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism leads to a slowed metabolism, which can result in weight gain. Choices A, B, and C are not typical findings in hypothyroidism. Nervousness and heat intolerance are more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the body is in a state of overactivity. Smooth velvety skin is not a characteristic sign of hypothyroidism.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse is teaching the parents of a 1-month-old girl with Down syndrome how to maintain good health for the child. Which instruction would the nurse be least likely to include?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. While special dietary needs may be important for a child with Down syndrome, they are typically not the primary concern for a 1-month-old. The nurse would be least likely to focus on this aspect as immediate issues such as monitoring for congenital heart defects (echocardiogram), cervical spine abnormalities (radiographs), and respiratory infections are more critical in the early months. Adhering to dietary needs is important, but it is usually addressed as the child grows older and is not the priority during the infant stage.

Question 4 of 5

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 5 of 5

The parents of a 2-year-old child tell the nurse that they are having difficulty disciplining their child. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse is to emphasize the importance of consistency in discipline when dealing with toddlers. Toddlers are at a stage where they are exploring boundaries and learning what behaviors are acceptable. By being consistent, parents can help reinforce these boundaries and teach appropriate behaviors effectively. Choices A, B, and D do not provide specific guidance on how to address the discipline issue effectively. While acknowledging the challenges of this age (Choice A) and empathizing with the parents (Choice D) are important, the key point in this scenario is to highlight the significance of consistency in discipline (Choice C).

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