HESI LPN
Pediatric Practice Exam HESI Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is obtaining a health history from parents of a 4-month-old boy with congenital hypothyroidism. What would the nurse most likely assess?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Congenital hypothyroidism in infants often leads to lethargy and difficulty staying awake due to low thyroid hormone levels. Assessing the child's ability to stay awake is crucial in identifying signs of hypothyroidism. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because above-normal growth, being active and playful, and having healthy-looking skin are not typical manifestations of congenital hypothyroidism. Instead, infants with hypothyroidism may exhibit poor weight gain, decreased activity, and dry, pale skin.
Question 2 of 9
During a vaccination drive at a well-child clinic, a nurse observes that a recently hired nurse is not wearing gloves. What should the nurse advise the newly hired nurse to do?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Put on gloves because standard precautions are required. Standard precautions, which include wearing gloves, are crucial in preventing the transmission of infections during immunization. Choice A is incorrect because the immediate action should be to address the lack of gloves. Choice C is incorrect as gloves are necessary for infection control. Choice D is incorrect as gloves should be worn as a standard preventive measure, regardless of the child's appearance.
Question 3 of 9
A child with a diagnosis of leukemia is receiving chemotherapy. What is the priority nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with leukemia receiving chemotherapy is monitoring for signs of infection. Chemotherapy can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Detecting and managing infections promptly is crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Providing nutritional support is important, but infection prevention takes precedence due to the immediate threat it poses to the child's health. Monitoring for signs of bleeding is relevant in leukemia due to decreased platelet count, but infection surveillance is more critical. Monitoring for signs of pain is essential, but addressing infections promptly is the priority to prevent further deterioration in the child's condition.
Question 4 of 9
When caring for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula, what nursing care should be included?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When caring for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula, it is essential to elevate the head and avoid giving anything by mouth. Elevating the head helps prevent aspiration, and withholding oral intake reduces the risk of complications like aspiration pneumonia. Elevating the head at all times (choice B) is overly restrictive and unnecessary. Administering glucose water only during feedings (choice C) is not recommended as it can still lead to aspiration. Avoiding suctioning unless the infant is cyanotic (choice D) is incorrect because maintaining airway patency may require suctioning, irrespective of cyanosis, in a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula.
Question 5 of 9
When a mother confides in the nurse that she is contemplating divorce, which suggestion by the nurse would help minimize the effects on the child?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. It is essential for both parents to inform the child about the divorce together, using age-appropriate language. This approach can help minimize the negative impact on the child by providing a sense of unity and understanding. Choice B is incorrect because offering false reassurance about love may not address the child's concerns effectively, as the situation is complex. Choice C is not suitable as engaging in special activities cannot substitute for the emotional stability that the child may lose due to the divorce. Choice D is incorrect because sharing the parent's feelings may burden the child with adult emotions, which could be overwhelming and confusing for their developmental stage.
Question 6 of 9
What is the priority nursing intervention for a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is to administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs help manage pain and inflammation associated with JIA, making them crucial in providing relief to the child. Encouraging a diet high in protein (Choice A) may be beneficial for overall health but is not the priority in managing JIA symptoms. Applying heat to affected joints (Choice C) can provide comfort but does not address the underlying inflammation. Providing range-of-motion exercises (Choice D) is important for maintaining joint mobility but is not the priority intervention when managing acute symptoms of JIA.
Question 7 of 9
A healthcare provider is assessing a child with suspected rheumatic fever. What clinical manifestation is the provider likely to observe?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Severe joint pain is a classic symptom of rheumatic fever, resulting from inflammation of the joints. Rheumatic fever primarily affects the joints, heart, skin, and the central nervous system. Jaundice (Choice A) is not typically associated with rheumatic fever. Peeling skin on the hands and feet (Choice B) is more characteristic of conditions like Kawasaki disease. While high fever (Choice C) can be present in rheumatic fever, it is not as specific or characteristic as severe joint pain.
Question 8 of 9
Which of the following signs or symptoms is more common in children than adults following head trauma?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are more common in children following head trauma due to their higher risk of increased intracranial pressure. Children have less space for swelling within the skull compared to adults, making them more prone to experiencing symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Altered mental status and changes in pupillary reaction can also occur in both children and adults following head trauma, but they are not specifically more common in children. Tachycardia and diaphoresis are generally signs of autonomic nervous system activation and may occur in both children and adults, but they are not typically more common in children compared to adults following head trauma.
Question 9 of 9
What is the priority nursing responsibility when a 3-year-old child in a crib has a clamped jaw and is having a tonic-clonic seizure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During a tonic-clonic seizure, the priority nursing responsibility is to protect the child from self-injury. Applying restraints is not recommended during a seizure as it can lead to further harm. Administering oxygen may be necessary after the seizure to support oxygenation, but it is not the priority during the seizure itself. Inserting a plastic airway is also not indicated as the jaw is clamped, and the child should not have anything placed in the mouth during a seizure. Therefore, the correct action is to ensure the child's safety by protecting them from self-injury, preventing harm from uncontrolled movements and potential falls.