HESI LPN
Pediatrics HESI 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 9
The healthcare professional is developing a teaching plan for a child who is to have their cast removed. What instruction would the professional most likely include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Soaking the area in warm water is the most appropriate instruction for a child who is having their cast removed. This method helps to gently remove dead skin without causing irritation. Applying petroleum jelly to dry skin (Choice A) is not recommended as it may not effectively aid in the removal of dead skin. Rubbing the skin vigorously (Choice B) can lead to skin irritation and should be avoided. Washing the skin with diluted peroxide and water (Choice D) may be too harsh, causing unnecessary irritation to the skin post-cast removal.
Question 2 of 9
A 6-month-old infant is admitted with a diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). What should the nurse include in the care plan?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed is essential in the care of an infant with RSV as it helps improve breathing by reducing congestion and promoting drainage. This position also aids in maintaining patent airways and can enhance comfort for the infant. Providing small, frequent feedings (Choice A) is generally appropriate for infants but is not a specific intervention for RSV. Administering antibiotics (Choice B) is not indicated for RSV, as it is a viral infection and antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Maintaining strict isolation (Choice C) is important to prevent the spread of infections, but it is not a direct care intervention for managing RSV symptoms.
Question 3 of 9
The parents of a 6-month-old infant are concerned about the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). What should the nurse recommend to reduce the risk?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct recommendation to reduce the risk of SIDS in infants is to place them on their back to sleep. This sleeping position helps prevent the occurrence of SIDS by maintaining an open airway and reducing the risk of suffocation. Using a pacifier during sleep has also shown some protective effect against SIDS, but it is not as effective as placing the infant on their back. Having the infant sleep on their side is not recommended as it can increase the risk of accidental suffocation. Keeping the infant's room cool does not directly reduce the risk of SIDS.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is implementing care for a school-age child admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which prescribed intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Initiating intravenous saline solution is the initial priority in managing diabetic ketoacidosis to address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Administering insulin without addressing dehydration first can lead to potential complications. While monitoring cardiac status and oxygen saturation are important, addressing the fluid and electrolyte imbalances takes precedence in the management of DKA.
Question 5 of 9
An 8-year-old child diagnosed with meningitis is to undergo a lumbar puncture. What should the nurse explain is the purpose of this procedure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A lumbar puncture is performed to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. This fluid is then examined for signs of infection, bleeding, or other abnormalities. Measuring the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid is typically done during the procedure itself, but it is not the primary purpose of the lumbar puncture. While a lumbar puncture can indirectly help relieve intracranial pressure by removing excess cerebrospinal fluid, this is not its primary purpose. Assessing the presence of infection in the spinal fluid is part of the analysis that follows the collection of the sample, making it a secondary outcome of the procedure.
Question 6 of 9
A 4-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with a suspected fracture. What is the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing action when a child with a suspected fracture is brought to the emergency department is to immobilize the affected limb. Immobilization helps prevent further injury until a fracture is confirmed or ruled out. Applying ice or elevating the limb can wait until after immobilization has been achieved. Checking the child's neurovascular status is important but is not the priority action in this situation.
Question 7 of 9
A 3-year-old child is being discharged after being treated for dehydration. What should be included in the discharge teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor for signs of dehydration. After treatment for dehydration, it is crucial to educate caregivers about recognizing early signs of dehydration to prevent its recurrence. Monitoring for dehydration ensures that appropriate measures can be taken promptly if signs reappear. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because infection, hypovolemia, and malnutrition, while important considerations in healthcare, are not the primary focus after treating dehydration in a 3-year-old child.
Question 8 of 9
An 18-month-old was brought to the emergency department by her mother, who states, 'I think she broke her arm.' The child is sent for a radiograph to confirm the fracture. Additional assessment of the child leads the nurse to suspect possible child abuse. Which type of fracture would the radiograph most likely reveal?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A spiral fracture is a type of fracture often associated with twisting injuries and can raise suspicion of child abuse. This type of fracture is caused by a twisting force applied to a bone. Plastic deformity is not typically associated with fractures but refers to the ability of a material to change shape and retain that shape. A buckle fracture, also known as a torus fracture, is an incomplete break in a bone commonly seen in children. A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture where the bone is bent and partially broken, more commonly seen in children due to their bone flexibility.
Question 9 of 9
A child with a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia is admitted to the hospital with a vaso-occlusive crisis. What is the most important nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, the priority nursing intervention is administering pain medication. Pain management is crucial to alleviate the intense pain experienced by the child. While administering oxygen can help improve oxygenation, it is not the most critical intervention during a vaso-occlusive crisis. Monitoring fluid intake is important for overall care but is not the immediate priority during a crisis. Encouraging physical activity is contraindicated during a vaso-occlusive crisis as it can worsen the pain and the crisis itself.