HESI RN
HESI Pediatric Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
When teaching parents of a 5-year-old child with sickle cell anemia about pain management, what information should be included?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Administering prescribed pain medication at the first sign of pain is crucial in managing sickle cell anemia-related pain effectively. Prompt administration helps prevent the pain from escalating and becoming severe, enhancing the child's comfort and quality of life. Cold compresses, rest, and diet modifications may play supportive roles but are not as directly impactful in addressing acute pain episodes associated with sickle cell anemia.
Question 2 of 5
During a well baby visit, the parents explain that a soft bulge appears in the groin of their 4-month-old son when he cries or strains during stooling. The infant is scheduled for surgical repair of the inguinal hernia in two weeks. What should the parent be instructed to do if the hernia becomes incarcerated prior to the surgery?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the case of an incarcerated inguinal hernia, gentle manipulation can sometimes help in reducing it before surgery. This action should be taken cautiously and immediately followed by seeking medical attention. It is important to note that attempting reduction should be done by a healthcare professional, and parents should be advised to seek urgent medical care if the hernia becomes incarcerated.
Question 3 of 5
When planning care for a child diagnosed with rheumatic fever, what is the primary goal of nursing care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary goal of nursing care for a child diagnosed with rheumatic fever is to prevent cardiac damage. Rheumatic fever can lead to complications affecting the heart, making it crucial to monitor and prevent cardiac involvement to avoid long-term consequences. While addressing fever and joint pain are important aspects of care, preventing cardiac damage takes precedence in managing rheumatic fever.
Question 4 of 5
An infant with tetralogy of Fallot becomes acutely cyanotic and hyperpneic. Which action should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a situation where an infant with tetralogy of Fallot is acutely cyanotic and hyperpneic, the priority action should be to place the infant in a knee-chest position. This position helps increase systemic vascular resistance, improving pulmonary blood flow and subsequently ameliorating the cyanosis and hyperpnea. It is a non-invasive and effective intervention that can be promptly implemented by the nurse to address the immediate respiratory distress.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is measuring the frontal occipital circumference (FOC) of a 3-months old infant, and notes that the FOC has increased 5 inches since birth and the child's head appears large in relation to body size. Which action is most important for the nurse to take next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Palpate the anterior fontanel for tension and bulging. In a 3-month-old infant with a significant increase in frontal occipital circumference (FOC) and a large head-to-body size ratio, assessing the anterior fontanel is crucial to evaluate for signs of increased intracranial pressure. A tense or bulging fontanel could indicate abnormal brain growth or hydrocephalus, a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Option A) Measure the infant's head-to-toe length is not the most important action in this scenario as the concern is primarily related to the head circumference and signs of increased intracranial pressure, not overall body length. Option C) Observing the infant for sunken eyes is unrelated to the assessment of a large head size and would not provide relevant information in this situation. Option D) Plotting the measurement on the infant's growth chart is not the most immediate action needed when there are concerns about abnormal head growth and potential signs of increased intracranial pressure. It is important to address acute clinical signs first before considering long-term growth patterns. In a pediatric nursing context, understanding the significance of abnormal head growth and recognizing signs of increased intracranial pressure is critical for early detection and intervention in conditions like hydrocephalus. This scenario highlights the importance of thorough assessment skills and prompt action in pediatric care to ensure the well-being of infants.