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 exacerbate their condition. Monitoring fluid intake and output helps prevent complications such as heart failure. Encouraging activity may be important, but it should be done cautiously and within limits due to the child's cardiac condition. Promoting a high-calorie diet is not typically a priority in congenital heart disease care unless there are specific indications. Maintaining oxygen therapy may be necessary in some cases but is not the primary intervention for managing congenital heart disease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract leading to diarrhea and vomiting, which can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, the priority nursing intervention is to monitor and maintain the child's fluid and electrolyte balance to prevent complications. Encouraging regular exercise (Choice B) may not be appropriate initially for a child with gastroenteritis who needs rest and fluid replacement. Administering antipyretics (Choice C) is not the priority unless the child has a fever. Administering antibiotics (Choice D) is not indicated for viral gastroenteritis, which is the most common cause of the condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: A ready source of glucose should be available. When managing type 1 diabetes, it is crucial to have a quick source of glucose readily available in case of hypoglycemia. This ensures that the adolescent can quickly raise their blood sugar levels to prevent complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the immediate need for glucose in managing hypoglycemia. While it is important for meals to be consumed regularly and in a controlled manner, specifying that they should be eaten at home or foods weighed using a gram scale is not as critical as ensuring a quick source of glucose in emergency situations.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: For a child with a disorder of the posterior pituitary gland, desmopressin acetate is a medication commonly used to manage the condition by replacing the antidiuretic hormone. Instructing the parents on how to administer desmopressin acetate correctly is essential for the child's care. Choice A is incorrect because growth hormone treatment is not typically used for posterior pituitary disorders. Choice C is incorrect as treatment for this condition usually continues beyond puberty. Choice D is incorrect as acute adrenal crisis is not directly related to a disorder of the posterior pituitary gland.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level. An elevated serum IgE level is commonly associated with atopic dermatitis, reflecting an allergic response. Choice A, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, is a nonspecific test for inflammation and not specific to atopic dermatitis. Choice B, potassium hydroxide prep, is used to diagnose fungal infections like tinea versicolor, not atopic dermatitis. Choice C, wound culture, is not typically indicated for the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis as it is a chronic inflammatory skin condition rather than an infectious process.