HESI RN
HESI Practice Test Pediatrics Questions
Question 1 of 5
When instilling ear drops in a 2-year-old child, how should the practical nurse (PN) position the earlobe to straighten the external auditory canal?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When administering ear drops to a child under three years old, it is essential to pull the earlobe down and back. This positioning helps straighten the external auditory canal, facilitating the proper administration of the ear drops. Pulling the earlobe down and back in young children aims to ensure that the medication reaches the intended area for optimal effectiveness.
Question 2 of 5
When reviewing the dietary guidelines for a child with nephrotic syndrome, which diet should the practical nurse reinforce with the parents?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In pediatric nephrotic syndrome, it is crucial for the practical nurse to reinforce a low sodium diet with the parents. This is because sodium retention is a common issue in nephrotic syndrome, leading to edema and hypertension. By reducing sodium intake, the child's fluid balance can be better controlled, reducing the risk of complications. High protein (Option A) is not recommended because excessive protein intake can further strain the kidneys, which are already compromised in nephrotic syndrome. High protein diets can also increase the risk of proteinuria, a common symptom of the condition. Low fat (Option C) and high carbohydrate (Option D) diets are not the primary focus in managing nephrotic syndrome. While a balanced diet is important for overall health, in this specific condition, controlling sodium intake takes precedence due to its direct impact on fluid balance and symptom management. From an educational perspective, reinforcing the rationale behind dietary recommendations for specific pediatric conditions like nephrotic syndrome helps parents understand the importance of dietary modifications in managing their child's health. It empowers them to actively participate in their child's care and promotes better outcomes through adherence to medical recommendations.
Question 3 of 5
A mother reports to the nurse at the pediatric clinic that her toddler has had a fever and sore throat for the past two days. The nurse observes several swollen red spots on the child's body, some of which are fluid-filled blisters. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse to take is to implement transmission precautions (Option D). The presence of swollen red spots with fluid-filled blisters on the child's body indicates a potential contagious condition, such as chickenpox. By implementing transmission precautions, the nurse can prevent the spread of the illness to other children and healthcare providers in the clinic. Option A, obtaining a fluid culture from the blisters, is not the immediate priority in this situation. The clinical presentation already strongly suggests a diagnosis, and waiting for culture results could delay necessary interventions. Administering a fever-reducing medication (Option B) may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the need for infection control measures to prevent the spread of the illness. Covering the draining vesicles with a dressing (Option C) is not sufficient to prevent transmission of a contagious disease like chickenpox, as the virus can still be spread through respiratory droplets and contact with the blisters. In a pediatric setting, it is crucial for healthcare providers to promptly recognize and respond to infectious conditions to protect both the affected child and others in the clinical environment. Implementing appropriate transmission precautions is a fundamental aspect of pediatric nursing care that helps maintain a safe and healthy healthcare environment for all individuals involved.
Question 4 of 5
A 2-year-old girl is brought to the clinic by her 17-year-old mother. When the nurse observes that the child is drinking sweetened soda from her bottle, what information should the nurse discuss with this mother?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Dental caries is associated with drinking soda. This choice is the most appropriate because sweetened soda is a known risk factor for dental caries, especially in young children whose teeth are still developing. By discussing this with the mother, the nurse can educate her about the potential harm soda can have on her child's dental health, emphasizing the importance of limiting or avoiding sugary drinks. Option A) A 2-year-old should be speaking in 2-word phrases is incorrect because it is unrelated to the issue at hand, which is the child's consumption of sweetened soda. While language development is important, it is not the priority in this situation. Option C) Drinking soda is related to childhood obesity is also incorrect as the primary concern in this case is the impact of soda on dental health, not obesity. While soda consumption can contribute to obesity, this is not the focus of the scenario. Option D) Toddlers should be sleeping 10 hours a night is irrelevant to the child's soda consumption and dental health. While sleep is important for toddlers, it is not the key issue in this scenario. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to provide parents with information on healthy habits and potential risks to their child's well-being. By addressing the specific issue of soda consumption and its link to dental caries, nurses can empower parents to make informed decisions about their child's nutrition and oral health.
Question 5 of 5
During a routine assessment of a 3-year-old at a community health center, the healthcare professional should be alert for signs of autism spectrum disorder. Which behavior by the child should prompt further evaluation for a possible autistic spectrum disorder?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Engaging in odd repetitive behaviors is a hallmark sign of autism spectrum disorder in children. These behaviors can include repetitive movements, insistence on sameness, or specific routines. Recognizing and addressing these behaviors early can help in providing appropriate interventions and support for the child.