HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
An 8-year-old girl was diagnosed with a closed fracture of the radius at approximately 2 p.m. The fracture was reduced in the emergency department, and her arm placed in a cast. At 11 p.m., her mother brings her back to the emergency department due to unrelenting pain that has not been relieved by the prescribed narcotics. Which action would be the priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action would be to notify the doctor immediately. Unrelenting pain despite medication can indicate compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Applying ice or elevating the arm may not address the potential serious underlying issue of compartment syndrome. Giving additional pain medication without further assessment could delay necessary intervention and potentially worsen the condition.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 15-year-old boy who has sustained burn injuries. The nurse observes the burn developing a purplish color with discharge and a foul odor. The nurse suspects which infection?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Invasive burn cellulitis is characterized by the burn developing a dark brown, black, or purplish color with discharge and a foul odor. This description aligns with the symptoms observed in the 15-year-old boy. Burn wound cellulitis (Choice A) typically presents with erythema, edema, warmth, and tenderness at the burn site, without the characteristic changes seen in this case. Burn impetigo (Choice C) is a superficial infection characterized by honey-colored crusts, not consistent with the purplish color and foul odor described. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (Choice D) is a condition caused by exotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus, leading to widespread desquamation of the skin, but it does not typically present with the specific findings mentioned in the scenario.
Question 3 of 5
A 1-year-old child has a congenital cardiac malformation that causes right-to-left shunting of blood through the heart. What clinical finding should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a child with a congenital cardiac malformation causing right-to-left shunting of blood, the nurse should expect an elevated hematocrit. This occurs because the body compensates for decreased oxygenation by producing more red blood cells. Proteinuria (Choice A) is not a typical clinical finding related to right-to-left shunting. Peripheral edema (Choice B) is more commonly associated with conditions causing volume overload, such as left-sided heart failure. Absence of pedal pulses (Choice D) is not directly related to right-to-left shunting but may be seen in conditions affecting peripheral circulation.
Question 4 of 5
A child is diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Which laboratory test would the nurse expect the child to undergo to provide additional evidence for this condition?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level. An elevated serum IgE level is commonly associated with atopic dermatitis, reflecting an allergic response. Choice A, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, is not typically used to diagnose atopic dermatitis. Choice B, potassium hydroxide prep, is used to identify fungal infections like ringworm, not for diagnosing atopic dermatitis. Choice C, wound culture, is performed to identify microorganisms in a wound, not to diagnose atopic dermatitis.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is planning a discussion group for parents with children who have cancer. How would the nurse describe a difference between cancer in children and adults?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Most childhood cancers, such as leukemias and sarcomas, affect tissues rather than specific organs, unlike many adult cancers. Choice B is incorrect because childhood cancers can be localized or spread, similar to adult cancers. Choice C is incorrect because childhood cancers can be highly responsive to treatment, especially when diagnosed early. Choice D is incorrect because the majority of childhood cancers cannot be prevented as they are often due to genetic mutations or unknown causes.