HESI LPN
Pediatric HESI Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
The parents of a child who is scheduled for open-heart surgery ask why their child must be subjected to chest tubes after surgery. What should the nurse consider before responding in language the parents will understand?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chest tubes are used to drain air and fluid from the chest cavity to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or cardiac tamponade after surgery. Choice A is incorrect as chest tubes are not used to increase tidal volumes. Choice C is incorrect as chest tubes do not maintain positive intrapleural pressure; instead, they assist in removing excess air or fluid. Choice D is incorrect as chest tubes do not regulate pressure on the pericardium and chest wall; they primarily aid in drainage.
Question 2 of 9
Before starting kindergarten, the child should receive boosters of which primary immunizations to ensure ongoing protection?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Before starting kindergarten, the child should receive boosters of DTaP, IPV, and MMR. DTaP provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, IPV protects against polio, and MMR immunization covers measles, mumps, and rubella. These boosters are essential to maintain immunity and protect the child from these diseases as they enter school. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not include the recommended boosters for kindergarten entry and may leave the child susceptible to certain infections.
Question 3 of 9
The caregiver is caring for an infant with osteogenesis imperfecta and is providing instruction on how to reduce the risk of injury. Which response from the caregiver indicates a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lifting the baby by supporting the head and neck can cause fractures in infants with osteogenesis imperfecta. Caregivers should avoid lifting infants in this manner due to the risk of injury. Choices A, C, and D demonstrate correct understanding of how to prevent injuries in infants with osteogenesis imperfecta by avoiding excessive force on the arms or legs, preventing awkward positions, and lifting the legs in a safer manner to change diapers.
Question 4 of 9
An infant who has had diarrhea for 3 days is admitted in a lethargic state and is breathing rapidly. The parent states that the baby has been ingesting formula, although not as much as usual, and cannot understand the sudden change. What explanation should the nurse give the parent?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Infants have a higher extracellular fluid requirement per unit of body weight, making them more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances during illnesses such as diarrhea. Choice A is incorrect because cellular metabolism being unstable is not the primary explanation for the symptoms described. Choice B is incorrect as the proportion of water in the body alone does not fully explain the increased risk of dehydration in infants. Choice C is incorrect because while renal function is immature in children, it is not the most relevant factor in this scenario compared to the increased fluid requirements.
Question 5 of 9
When evaluating a child with a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for medication management, what is an important assessment for the nurse to perform?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the child's dietary intake is crucial as certain foods and additives can affect ADHD symptoms. Ensuring a balanced diet can help manage symptoms and provide proper nutrition. Assessing sleep patterns (Choice A) is also important, but dietary intake is more directly linked to symptom management in ADHD. Academic performance (Choice C) and behavior at home (Choice D) may be affected by ADHD but are not as directly related to medication management as dietary intake.
Question 6 of 9
A child with a fever is prescribed acetaminophen. What should the nurse teach the parents about administering this medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to measure the dose with a proper measuring device. Using a proper measuring device ensures accurate dosing, which is crucial to avoid under or overdosing. Administering the medication with food (Choice A) is not necessary for acetaminophen. Using a household spoon (Choice B) can lead to inaccurate dosing due to variations in spoon sizes. Administering the medication only when the child has a high fever (Choice D) is not appropriate as acetaminophen can be used for fever management regardless of the fever intensity.
Question 7 of 9
A child with a fever is prescribed acetaminophen. What should the caregiver teach the parents about administering this medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to measure the dose with a proper measuring device. Using a household spoon can lead to inaccurate dosing, which can be dangerous. Administering the medication with food or only when the child has a high fever are not the essential instructions related to the safe and effective administration of acetaminophen.
Question 8 of 9
A child sitting on a chair in a playroom starts to have a tonic-clonic seizure with a clenched jaw. What is the nurse's best initial action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct initial action during a tonic-clonic seizure is to place the child on the floor to prevent injury. This action helps protect the child from falling off the chair and provides a safer environment for the seizure to occur. Attempting to open the jaw can cause harm or injury. Calling out for assistance is important but should follow the immediate action of moving the child to the floor. Placing a pillow under the child's head is not recommended as it may lead to airway obstruction or further injury during the seizure.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is caring for a 3-day-old girl with Down syndrome whose mother had no prenatal care. What is the priority nursing diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a newborn with Down syndrome is often related to feeding difficulties due to hypotonia, making imbalanced nutrition the primary concern. Hypotonia, or poor muscle tone, can lead to challenges with feeding and, subsequently, affect the baby's nutritional intake. While choices B, C, and D may also be concerns for a child with Down syndrome, addressing the immediate need for adequate nutrition takes precedence to ensure the infant's well-being and growth.