HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
During a well baby visit, the parents explain that a soft bulge appears in the groin of their 4-month-old son when he cries or strains during stooling. The infant is scheduled for surgical repair of the inguinal hernia in two weeks. What should the parent be instructed to do if the hernia becomes incarcerated prior to the surgery?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the case of an incarcerated inguinal hernia, gentle manipulation can sometimes help in reducing it before surgery. This action should be taken cautiously and immediately followed by seeking medical attention. It is important to note that attempting reduction should be done by a healthcare professional, and parents should be advised to seek urgent medical care if the hernia becomes incarcerated.
Question 2 of 5
An infant with tetralogy of Fallot becomes acutely cyanotic and hyperpneic. Which action should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a situation where an infant with tetralogy of Fallot is acutely cyanotic and hyperpneic, the priority action should be to place the infant in a knee-chest position. This position helps increase systemic vascular resistance, improving pulmonary blood flow and subsequently ameliorating the cyanosis and hyperpnea. It is a non-invasive and effective intervention that can be promptly implemented by the nurse to address the immediate respiratory distress.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is measuring the frontal occipital circumference (FOC) of a 3-months old infant, and notes that the FOC has increased 5 inches since birth and the child's head appears large in relation to body size. Which action is most important for the nurse to take next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Palpate the anterior fontanel for tension and bulging. In a 3-month-old infant with a significant increase in frontal occipital circumference (FOC) and a large head-to-body size ratio, assessing the anterior fontanel is crucial to evaluate for signs of increased intracranial pressure. A tense or bulging fontanel could indicate abnormal brain growth or hydrocephalus, a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Option A) Measure the infant's head-to-toe length is not the most important action in this scenario as the concern is primarily related to the head circumference and signs of increased intracranial pressure, not overall body length. Option C) Observing the infant for sunken eyes is unrelated to the assessment of a large head size and would not provide relevant information in this situation. Option D) Plotting the measurement on the infant's growth chart is not the most immediate action needed when there are concerns about abnormal head growth and potential signs of increased intracranial pressure. It is important to address acute clinical signs first before considering long-term growth patterns. In a pediatric nursing context, understanding the significance of abnormal head growth and recognizing signs of increased intracranial pressure is critical for early detection and intervention in conditions like hydrocephalus. This scenario highlights the importance of thorough assessment skills and prompt action in pediatric care to ensure the well-being of infants.
Question 4 of 5
Which drink choice on a hot day indicates to the healthcare provider that a teenager with sickle cell anemia understands dietary considerations related to the disease?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing, particularly in caring for a teenager with sickle cell anemia, understanding dietary considerations is crucial. Choosing the correct drink on a hot day reflects this understanding. The correct choice, lemonade (Option D), is the best option because it is often recommended for individuals with sickle cell anemia due to its high vitamin C content, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with the disease. Milkshake (Option A) is high in dairy fat and sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and potentially exacerbate symptoms of sickle cell anemia. Iced tea (Option B) and diet cola (Option C) may contain caffeine, which can lead to dehydration, a concern for individuals with sickle cell anemia who are already at risk for dehydration due to increased water loss from sickling of red blood cells. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of nutrition in managing sickle cell anemia and reinforces the need for healthcare providers to educate patients and their families about making appropriate dietary choices to support their health. It also underscores the significance of understanding the specific needs and considerations for individuals with chronic conditions like sickle cell anemia.
Question 5 of 5
The infant scheduled for reduction of intussusception passes a soft-formed brown stool the day before the procedure. What intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Notifying the healthcare provider is crucial when an infant scheduled for intussusception reduction passes a soft-formed brown stool as it may indicate spontaneous reduction of the intussusception. The healthcare provider needs to be informed to assess if the procedure is still necessary or if further evaluation is required.