Pediatric HESI 2023

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Avoid gluten.' Children with celiac disease must follow a gluten-free diet to prevent symptoms and intestinal damage. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, which triggers an immune response in individuals with celiac disease. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while some individuals with celiac disease may also have lactose intolerance or may need to manage fat or sugar intake for overall health, the primary dietary restriction for celiac disease is avoiding gluten to maintain gastrointestinal health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the correct answer as white, non-Hispanic children are more likely to be in very good or excellent health compared to African American and Hispanic children. This is an important disparity in health outcomes that may be influenced by various social determinants. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe how certain families are affected by common barriers to health care. Choice A discusses the declining percentage of children in low-income families, which is not directly related to barriers to health care. Choice C talks about overweight children and the increase in African American females but does not address access to health care. Choice D discusses the impact of health care plans on working families but does not specifically address barriers to health care access for families.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rheumatic fever is the most concerning illness in this case. It can develop as a complication of untreated strep throat caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus. If not properly treated, rheumatic fever can lead to serious complications such as inflamed joints and heart infections. Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium tetani bacteria and is not related to the symptoms described in the scenario. Influenza is a viral respiratory illness and does not typically lead to rheumatic fever. While scarlet fever is also caused by streptococcus bacteria, in this case, the symptoms described are more indicative of rheumatic fever than scarlet fever.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the parents to avoid exposure to allergens. Asthma attacks are commonly triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold. By minimizing the child's contact with these triggers, the likelihood of asthma attacks can be reduced. Encouraging regular exercise can be beneficial for overall health but may not directly prevent asthma attacks. Providing a high-protein diet and increasing fluid intake are important for general health but are not specific preventive measures for asthma attacks.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to suggest applying a warm compress to the affected ear. This can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the earache. Giving a cold drink (Choice B) may not address the underlying issue and is not a recommended treatment for earaches. Administering acetaminophen (Choice C) can help reduce fever but may not directly target the earache. Taking the child to the emergency department (Choice D) is usually not necessary for a common earache unless there are severe symptoms or complications present.