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
A child has been admitted to the pediatric unit with a severe asthma attack. What type of acid-base imbalance should the nurse expect the child to develop?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a severe asthma attack, the child is likely to develop respiratory acidosis due to impaired respirations leading to the retention of carbon dioxide, which combines with water to form carbonic acid. This results in the pH imbalance characterized by an excess of carbonic acid. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Metabolic alkalosis (Choice A) is not typically associated with severe asthma attacks; respiratory alkalosis (Choice B) would involve a decrease, not an increase, in carbon dioxide levels; and metabolic acidosis (Choice D) is not the primary acid-base imbalance seen in severe asthma attacks.
Question 3 of 9
A child with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is being discharged from the hospital. What is important for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: For a child with diabetes mellitus, following a specific meal plan is crucial for managing blood glucose levels effectively. This helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels and preventing complications associated with the condition. Monitoring blood glucose levels daily and recognizing signs of hypoglycemia are also important aspects of managing diabetes; however, adherence to a specific meal plan plays a fundamental role in overall diabetes care. Administering insulin based on blood glucose levels alone is not recommended without a specific plan provided by healthcare providers.
Question 4 of 9
The caregiver is teaching the mother of a toddler about burn prevention. Which response by the mother indicates a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Setting the water heater at 130 degrees is incorrect because water heaters should be set to no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scald burns. Choice A is correct as leaving fireworks displays to professionals reduces the risk of burns. Choice C is also correct as flame-retardant sleepwear reduces the risk of burn injuries. Choice D is correct as keeping pot handles facing inward prevents accidental spills and burns.
Question 5 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 6 of 9
After clearing the airway of a newborn who is not in distress, what is the most important action for you to take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Keeping the newborn warm is crucial as newborns are at high risk of hypothermia due to their large body surface area and limited subcutaneous fat. Hypothermia can lead to complications such as respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, and metabolic acidosis. Providing warmth helps maintain the newborn's body temperature and supports physiological processes, promoting overall well-being. Applying free-flow oxygen is not necessary if the newborn is not in distress. Clamping and cutting the cord can be done after addressing the immediate need for warmth. Obtaining an APGAR score is important for assessing the newborn's overall condition but ensuring warmth takes precedence to prevent complications related to hypothermia.
Question 7 of 9
What is the most appropriate method to feed an infant born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A cross-cut nipple is the most appropriate method to feed an infant born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Using a cross-cut nipple allows for easier feeding by modifying the flow of milk, which helps in reducing the risk of aspiration in infants with this condition. Plastic spoon, parenteral infusion, and rubber-tipped syringe are not suitable for feeding infants with cleft lip and palate. Feeding an infant with a cleft lip and palate requires special considerations to ensure safe and effective nutrition delivery.
Question 8 of 9
After a child returns from surgery for a tracheostomy, what is the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing action after a tracheostomy surgery is to suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning helps maintain a clear airway and prevent complications such as airway obstruction or respiratory distress. While monitoring respiratory status is important, suctioning takes precedence immediately post-surgery to ensure adequate air exchange. Changing the tracheostomy dressing and ensuring tracheostomy ties are secure are also essential tasks but are secondary to the critical need for airway maintenance through suctioning.
Question 9 of 9
While caring for a 5-year-old child hospitalized for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), what is the priority nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is preventing infection due to their compromised immune system. Children undergoing treatment for ALL are highly susceptible to infections, making infection prevention crucial for the child's well-being and treatment success. Administering antibiotics, though important in specific cases, is not the priority in this scenario. Providing nutritional support and managing pain are significant aspects of care but take a back seat to infection prevention in this situation.