HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
When reinforcing information about the use of corticosteroids in treating asthma in children, which statement indicates that the parent understands the teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, it is crucial for parents to understand the proper administration of medications for their children, especially in conditions like asthma. Option B, "I will rinse my child's mouth after each use of the inhaler," is the correct statement indicating the parent understands the teaching on corticosteroid use in asthma. This is because corticosteroid inhalers can lead to oral thrush, a fungal infection, if the mouth is not rinsed after each use. Option A, "My child should take the medication only when experiencing symptoms," is incorrect as corticosteroids are often prescribed as a maintenance medication to prevent asthma symptoms rather than just for acute relief. Option C, "I should discontinue the medication if my child seems better," is incorrect because corticosteroids need to be taken consistently as prescribed to control asthma symptoms effectively. Option D, "Corticosteroids are used for quick relief during an asthma attack," is incorrect as corticosteroids are not typically used for immediate relief during an acute attack; they are more for long-term management and prevention of symptoms. Educationally, it is essential to emphasize to parents the importance of proper medication administration and the rationale behind it to ensure optimal treatment outcomes for their children with asthma. Teaching them about potential side effects and the correct usage of corticosteroids helps empower parents to manage their child's condition effectively and prevent complications.
Question 2 of 5
A 7-year-old child with a history of asthma presents to the clinic with shortness of breath and wheezing. The nurse notes that the child's peak flow reading is in the red zone. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a child with asthma presents with shortness of breath and wheezing, and the peak flow reading is in the red zone, indicating severe airflow limitation, the priority intervention is to administer a bronchodilator. Bronchodilators help dilate the airways quickly, improving airflow and assisting with breathing. Reassessing the peak flow reading, notifying the healthcare provider, and providing oxygen therapy may be necessary actions but administering a bronchodilator takes precedence in managing acute asthma exacerbation.
Question 3 of 5
A 14-year-old client with type 1 diabetes is participating in a school sports event. The nurse provides education to the client about managing blood glucose levels during physical activity. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Skipping insulin dose when blood sugar is high before exercise can be harmful. It is essential to manage blood glucose levels carefully during physical activity, which may require adjustments to insulin doses but skipping doses is not recommended. It is crucial to maintain blood sugar levels within the target range to prevent complications during exercise.
Question 4 of 5
A 7-year-old child with type 1 diabetes is brought to the emergency department with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The nurse notes that the child's blood glucose level is 350 mg/dL. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a child with type 1 diabetes presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and a high blood glucose level, the priority is to administer IV fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which are crucial in managing diabetic ketoacidosis. Administering insulin without addressing fluid deficits can lead to further complications. Monitoring urine output and checking for ketones are important steps but providing IV fluids takes precedence in the initial management of this child's condition.
Question 5 of 5
In a 12-year-old child with a history of epilepsy brought to the emergency department after experiencing a 10-minute seizure, what is the nurse's priority intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Administer antiepileptic medication as prescribed. In a 12-year-old child with a history of epilepsy presenting after a prolonged seizure, the priority intervention is to stop the seizure activity promptly to prevent potential brain damage and further complications. Administering antiepileptic medication as prescribed is crucial in this situation to terminate the seizure and stabilize the child's condition. Option A) Administer oxygen may be important in some cases, but in this scenario, stopping the seizure takes precedence over oxygen administration. Option C) Monitor the child's vital signs is important but not the priority when the child is actively seizing, as immediate intervention to stop the seizure is critical. Option D) Check the child's blood glucose level is also important in evaluating potential triggers for seizures, but it is not the immediate priority when the child is actively seizing. Educationally, understanding the urgent nature of managing seizures in pediatric patients is crucial for pediatric nurses. Timely and appropriate administration of antiepileptic medications can prevent complications and improve outcomes in children with epilepsy. This scenario highlights the significance of prioritizing interventions based on the immediate needs of the patient in an emergency situation.