HESI RN
Pediatric HESI Questions
Question 1 of 9
What information should the nurse provide to parents of a 3-year-old boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who inquire about the disease and future children?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene on the X chromosome. This disorder primarily affects males because they have one X chromosome, inherited from their mothers, who may be carriers of the mutated gene. Females have two X chromosomes, providing a protective effect as the normal gene on one X chromosome can compensate for the mutated gene on the other. Therefore, the nurse should explain to the parents that Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an inherited X-linked recessive disorder, which is why their son has the disease and why there is a risk of passing it on to future sons.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse finds a 6-month-old infant unresponsive and calls for help. After opening the airway and finding the XXXX, the infant is still not breathing. What action should the nurse take next?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a scenario where a 6-month-old infant is unresponsive and not breathing after the airway is open, giving two breaths that make the chest rise is the appropriate action. This helps deliver oxygen to the infant's lungs and can help initiate breathing. Chest compressions are not recommended for infants as the first step in resuscitation. Checking pulses like the femoral or carotid pulse is not the priority when an infant is not breathing, as providing oxygen through breaths is essential.
Question 3 of 9
What information should the nurse provide to parents of a 3-year-old boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who inquire about the disease and future children?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene on the X chromosome. This disorder primarily affects males because they have one X chromosome, inherited from their mothers, who may be carriers of the mutated gene. Females have two X chromosomes, providing a protective effect as the normal gene on one X chromosome can compensate for the mutated gene on the other. Therefore, the nurse should explain to the parents that Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an inherited X-linked recessive disorder, which is why their son has the disease and why there is a risk of passing it on to future sons.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is assessing a 6 month old infant. Which response requires further evaluation by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The startle reflex should diminish by this age; persistence requires evaluation.
Question 5 of 9
The heart rate for a 3-year-old with a congenital heart defect has steadily decreased over the last few hours, now it's 76 bpm, the previous reading 4 hours ago was 110 bpm. Which additional finding should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A significant drop in heart rate and blood pressure should be reported immediately as it may indicate worsening of the congenital heart defect. A decrease in blood pressure may suggest poor cardiac output and compromised perfusion, requiring urgent medical attention.
Question 6 of 9
A child who weighs 25 kg is receiving IV ampicillin 300 mg/kg/24 hours in equally divided doses every 4 hours. How many milligrams should the nurse administer to the child for each dose?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To calculate the dose for each administration, multiply the child's weight (25 kg) by the dose (300 mg/kg/24 hours) and divide by the number of doses per day (6, as doses are every 4 hours). This gives us (25 kg * 300 mg/kg / 24 hours) / 6 doses = 1875 mg. Therefore, the nurse should administer 1875 mg for each dose.
Question 7 of 9
What action should the nurse implement when the infusion is complete for a 16-year-old with acute myelocytic leukemia receiving chemotherapy via an implanted medication port at the outpatient oncology clinic?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After completing the chemotherapy infusion via the implanted medication port, the nurse should flush the mediport with saline and heparin solution. This action helps prevent clot formation in the port, ensuring its patency for future use and reducing the risk of complications associated with catheter occlusion.
Question 8 of 9
A 6-year-old boy with bronchial asthma takes the beta-adrenergic agonist agent albuterol (Proventil). The child's mother tells the nurse that she uses this medication to open her son's airway when he is having trouble breathing. What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's priority is to first reassure the mother that she is using albuterol correctly to open her son's airways during episodes of difficulty breathing. This reassurance helps build trust and ensures that the child receives the intended benefit of the medication. Once the mother feels confident in her administration technique, the nurse can then provide further education or address any concerns about the child's asthma management.
Question 9 of 9
A 4-year-old child with a history of frequent ear infections is brought to the clinic by the parents who are concerned about the child's hearing. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's priority action should be to inspect the child's ears for drainage. This immediate assessment can provide valuable information about the presence of infection or fluid accumulation, which can directly impact the child's hearing. By identifying any signs of drainage, the nurse can promptly address any current issues affecting the child's ear health and hearing abilities.