Pediatric HESI Practice Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring fluid status is crucial for a child with congenital heart disease because these children are at risk of fluid overload which can worsen their condition. Monitoring fluid intake and output helps prevent complications like congestive heart failure. Encouraging activity (Choice B) should be individualized based on the child's condition and tolerance, as excessive activity can strain the heart. Promoting a high-calorie diet (Choice C) is not typically recommended for children with congenital heart disease unless specifically indicated, as excessive weight gain can worsen their cardiac function. Maintaining oxygen therapy (Choice D) may be necessary in some cases, but monitoring fluid status is a more fundamental aspect of care for children with congenital heart disease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct action would be to notify the doctor immediately. Unrelenting pain despite medication can indicate compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Applying ice, elevating the arm, or giving additional pain medication may not address the underlying cause of the unrelenting pain, which could be a sign of a serious complication like compartment syndrome. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial in this situation to prevent potential complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Allowing the child to play with a favorite toy while taking the medication is the best approach to gain the child's cooperation. This strategy can help distract and calm the child, making the medication administration process smoother. Explaining the medication's importance (Choice A) may not be as effective in gaining immediate cooperation from a young child who may not fully understand. Offering a reward after the medication is taken (Choice C) may create a dependency on rewards for cooperation. Giving the medication mixed with food (Choice D) may not always be appropriate or recommended, especially if the child needs to take the medication on an empty stomach.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the scenario described, the priority is to relieve pressure from the umbilical cord protruding from the vaginal opening by gently pushing it back inside using your gloved fingers. This action helps prevent cord compression, maintains blood flow to the fetus, and ensures fetal oxygenation. Massaging the uterus (Choice A) is not appropriate in this situation as it can potentially worsen the cord compression. Placing the mother on her left side and providing rapid transport (Choice C) can be considered after relieving the pressure on the cord. Elevating the mother's lower extremities and providing immediate transport (Choice D) is not the correct approach when dealing with a visible umbilical cord; instead, the focus should be on relieving pressure from the cord to prevent fetal compromise.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a congenital cardiac malformation causing right-to-left shunting, the nurse should expect an elevated hematocrit. This occurs because the body compensates for decreased oxygenation by producing more red blood cells. Proteinuria (Choice A) is not typically associated with congenital cardiac malformations causing right-to-left shunting. Peripheral edema (Choice B) is more commonly seen in conditions causing left-sided heart failure. Absence of pedal pulses (Choice D) is not a typical finding in congenital cardiac malformations causing right-to-left shunting.