HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
The caregiver discovers a 6-month-old infant unresponsive and calls for help. After opening the airway and finding the infant is still not breathing, what action should the caregiver take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Providing two breaths that make the chest rise is the correct action in this situation. This helps to deliver oxygen to the infant's lungs and body, which is crucial in a situation where the infant is not breathing. Chest rise indicates successful ventilation, and it is an essential step in pediatric resuscitation, especially for infants.
Question 2 of 5
A 2-year-old is admitted to the hospital with possible encephalitis, and a lumbar puncture is scheduled. Which information should the nurse provide this child concerning the procedure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Describe the side-lying, knees to chest position that must be assumed during the procedure. This is the most appropriate information to provide to a 2-year-old child before a lumbar puncture for several reasons. Firstly, children at this age have limited cognitive abilities and may not fully understand complex explanations or instructions. Describing the position in a simple and concrete manner helps the child visualize what will happen during the procedure, reducing anxiety and fear. Additionally, using age-appropriate language and providing a clear expectation of what is expected can help the child cooperate better during the procedure. Option B) Tell the child to expect loud clicking noises during the procedure that may be slightly annoying is incorrect because it introduces a potential negative element that may increase the child's anxiety. It is important to focus on reassuring and preparing the child rather than introducing potentially distressing details. Option C) Reassure the child that there will be no restrictions on activity after the procedure is completed is incorrect because it does not address the immediate concerns or preparation needed for the procedure itself. While it is important to provide reassurance, information about the procedure should take precedence. Option D) Explain that fluids cannot be taken for 8 hours before the procedure and for 4 hours after the procedure is incorrect because it provides information that may not be developmentally appropriate or relevant for a 2-year-old child. This level of detail regarding fluid restrictions is more suitable for older children or adults who can understand and follow such instructions.
Question 3 of 5
A 4-month-old girl is brought to the clinic by her mother because she has had a cold for 2 or 3 days and woke up this morning with a hacking cough and difficulty breathing. Which additional assessment finding should alert the nurse that the child is in acute respiratory distress?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Flaring of the nares is a classic sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. It indicates increased work of breathing and is a visible cue that the child is struggling to breathe. This finding should alert healthcare providers to the severity of the respiratory distress and the need for prompt intervention to support the child's breathing.
Question 4 of 5
What should the nurse do first for a 6-year-old with asthma showing a prolonged expiratory phase, wheezing, and 35% of personal best peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is the priority action in managing an acute asthma exacerbation in a child. Bronchodilators help to relax the muscles around the airways, opening them up and improving breathing. This intervention aims to address the immediate breathing difficulty and should be done promptly to provide relief for the child.
Question 5 of 5
The mother of a one-month-old calls the clinic to report that the back of her infant's head is flat. How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct response is option D) Position the infant on the stomach occasionally when awake and active. This option is the most appropriate because it promotes tummy time, which helps prevent or improve flat spots on the infant's head and encourages neck and upper body strength development. Option A is incorrect because consistently placing the infant on the left side can lead to positional plagiocephaly. Option B is incorrect as propping the infant in a sitting position with a cushion can increase the risk of suffocation and is not recommended for unsupervised sleeping. Option C is also incorrect as the use of pillows in the sleep environment poses a suffocation hazard for infants under one year of age. Educationally, it is important for pediatric nurses to understand the significance of tummy time in preventing flat spots on an infant's head and promoting overall development. By educating parents on the benefits of supervised tummy time and appropriate sleep positioning, nurses can help promote safe and healthy practices for infant care.