HESI RN
HESI Practice Test Pediatrics Questions
Question 1 of 5
During a routine assessment of a 3-year-old at a community health center, the healthcare professional should be alert for signs of autism spectrum disorder. Which behavior by the child should prompt further evaluation for a possible autistic spectrum disorder?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Engaging in odd repetitive behaviors is a hallmark sign of autism spectrum disorder in children. These behaviors can include repetitive movements, insistence on sameness, or specific routines. Recognizing and addressing these behaviors early can help in providing appropriate interventions and support for the child.
Question 2 of 5
A mother brings her 3-week-old infant to the clinic because the baby vomits after eating and always seems hungry. Further assessment indicates that the infant's vomiting is projectile, and the child seems listless. Which additional assessment finding indicates the possibility of a life-threatening complication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Crying without tears is a sign of severe dehydration, which is a potentially life-threatening complication in infants with projectile vomiting. Dehydration can rapidly progress in infants, leading to serious consequences if not promptly addressed. The combination of projectile vomiting, listlessness, and absence of tears when crying should raise concerns about severe dehydration and the need for urgent intervention to prevent further complications.
Question 3 of 5
A child receives a prescription for amantadine 42 mg PO BID. Amantadine is available as a 50 mg/5 mL syrup. Using a supplied calibrated measuring device, how many mL should be administered per dose? (Round to the nearest tenth.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) 4.2 mL. To determine this, we first need to calculate the amount of amantadine in 1 mL of the syrup. Since the syrup is 50 mg/5 mL, this means there is 50 mg/5 mL = 10 mg/mL of amantadine in the syrup. The prescription is for 42 mg per dose, so to administer 42 mg, we would need 42 mg / 10 mg/mL = 4.2 mL. Therefore, 4.2 mL should be administered per dose. Now, let's analyze why the other options are incorrect: B) 5 mL: This is incorrect because administering 5 mL would exceed the prescribed dose of 42 mg. C) 3.6 mL: This is incorrect because administering 3.6 mL would provide less than the prescribed dose of 42 mg. D) 4 mL: This is incorrect because administering 4 mL would also provide less than the prescribed dose of 42 mg. Educational Context: Understanding medication calculations is crucial in pediatric nursing to ensure accurate dosing and patient safety. Nurses must be proficient in converting between different units of measurement and doses to provide optimal care for pediatric patients. By mastering these skills, nurses can prevent medication errors and promote positive health outcomes in pediatric populations.
Question 4 of 5
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: In the context of caring for a child with pertussis receiving azithromycin IV, the most important intervention for the nurse to include in the child's plan of care is to monitor for signs of facial swelling or urticaria (Option C). This is crucial because azithromycin is an antibiotic known to cause allergic reactions, including facial swelling and urticaria, which can progress rapidly and lead to serious complications like anaphylaxis. Early detection and prompt intervention are essential to prevent adverse outcomes. Option A, obtaining vital signs to monitor for fluid overload, while important in general nursing care, is not the priority in this specific situation where the child is receiving azithromycin IV. Option B, changing the IV site dressing, is essential for preventing infection but is not as critical as monitoring for allergic reactions. Option D, assessing for abdominal pain and vomiting, is not directly related to the potential complications of azithromycin administration in this case. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing and managing potential adverse reactions to medications in pediatric patients, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and assessment to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. Nurses must be knowledgeable about the side effects of medications and skilled in identifying early signs of adverse reactions to provide timely and appropriate care.
Question 5 of 5
An adolescent's mother calls the primary HCP's office to inquire about the results of her daughter's serum test that was drawn last week. Since it is the teenager's 18th birthday, how should the nurse respond to this mother's inquiry?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Explain that the information cannot be released without the 18-year-old's permission. This response aligns with the principles of patient confidentiality and autonomy, which are crucial in healthcare, especially when dealing with adolescents transitioning to adulthood. At 18 years old, individuals have the legal right to control their health information and make decisions about its disclosure. Option A is incorrect because the last clinic visit is not relevant to the issue of releasing test results. Option B is inappropriate as it bypasses the adolescent's right to privacy and autonomy by involving the mother without the teenager's consent. Option C is incorrect because sharing the findings without the adolescent's permission violates their right to confidentiality and informed decision-making. In a pediatric nursing context, respecting adolescents' confidentiality and autonomy is essential for building trust and promoting their independence in managing their health. Educating parents and adolescents about confidentiality laws and rights can empower them to navigate healthcare decisions effectively as the adolescent transitions into adulthood.