Pediatrics HESI 2023

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action when a child with a suspected fracture is brought to the emergency department is to immobilize the affected limb. Immobilization helps prevent further injury until a fracture is confirmed or ruled out. Applying ice or elevating the limb may be necessary interventions but should come after immobilizing the limb. Checking the child's neurovascular status is important but should follow immobilization to ensure no further harm is done during the assessment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tissue oxygen needs. Polycythemia occurs in response to chronic hypoxia, leading the body to increase red blood cell production to enhance oxygen delivery. In tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect that results in reduced oxygen levels in the blood, the body compensates by producing more red blood cells. Choice A is incorrect as low tissue oxygen needs would not trigger polycythemia. Choice C, diminished iron levels, is not the cause of polycythemia in this case. Choice D, hypertrophic cardiac muscle, is unrelated to the pathophysiology of polycythemia in tetralogy of Fallot.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed is crucial in the care plan for an infant with RSV as it helps improve breathing by facilitating better airflow and drainage of secretions. This position can also enhance comfort and reduce respiratory distress. Providing small, frequent feedings (Choice A) is generally beneficial for infants but is not specific to managing RSV. Administering antibiotics (Choice B) is not indicated for RSV as it is caused by a virus, and antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Maintaining strict isolation (Choice C) is important to prevent the spread of contagious infections but is not a direct intervention for improving the infant's respiratory status in RSV.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, it is important for nurses to count the apical pulse for a full minute and compare it with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias because discrepancies between the apical and radial pulse rates can indicate irregular heart rhythms. Option A is incorrect because ordering an immediate electrocardiogram may not always be feasible or necessary as a first step. Option B, counting the radial pulse multiple times, is less accurate than comparing the apical and radial pulse rates. Option D involves an unnecessary step of having another person take simultaneous pulses when the nurse can do it effectively alone.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The child's behavior of smiling easily, interacting happily with nurses, and showing disinterest in the parent when they visit indicates that the child has emotionally withdrawn and accepted the separation. This response suggests that the child may have given up fighting against the separation from the parent due to prolonged hospitalization. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A about the child repressing feelings towards the parent is not supported by the scenario. Choice B about routines and feeling safe does not address the emotional aspect of the child's behavior. Choice D about improved behavior due to feeling better physically does not explain the emotional dynamics at play in the child's behavior.