Pediatric Practice Exam HESI

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: For a child with diabetes mellitus, following a specific meal plan is crucial for managing blood glucose levels effectively. This helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels and preventing complications associated with the condition. Monitoring blood glucose levels daily and recognizing signs of hypoglycemia are also important aspects of managing diabetes; however, adherence to a specific meal plan plays a fundamental role in overall diabetes care. Administering insulin based on blood glucose levels alone is not recommended without a specific plan provided by healthcare providers.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Keeping the newborn warm is crucial as newborns are at high risk of hypothermia due to their large body surface area and limited subcutaneous fat. Hypothermia can lead to complications such as respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, and metabolic acidosis. Providing warmth helps maintain the newborn's body temperature and supports physiological processes, promoting overall well-being. Applying free-flow oxygen is not necessary if the newborn is not in distress. Clamping and cutting the cord can be done after addressing the immediate need for warmth. Obtaining an APGAR score is important for assessing the newborn's overall condition but ensuring warmth takes precedence to prevent complications related to hypothermia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Breastfeeding is recommended to help prevent constipation in infants due to the easily digestible nature of breast milk, which often leads to softer stools. Breastfeeding is preferred over formula feeding as it provides optimal nutrition for the infant's digestive system. Choice A, using a soy formula if necessary, may be considered only if there are specific dietary concerns or allergies; however, breast milk is still the preferred option. Choice C, avoiding administering a suppository nightly, is correct as it is not a routine method for preventing constipation in infants and may not be appropriate without medical advice. Choice D, not offering glucose water between feedings, is recommended as it may not address the root cause of constipation and may introduce unnecessary sugar to the infant's diet.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The priority intervention for a 3-month-old infant hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is to cluster care to conserve energy. Infants with RSV often have difficulty breathing and need to rest frequently. Clustering care involves grouping nursing interventions to allow for longer periods of rest between activities, which helps prevent exhaustion and conserve the infant's energy. Administering an antiviral agent is not the primary intervention for RSV, as it is a viral infection and antiviral agents are not typically used for RSV. Offering oral fluids is important for hydration but may not be the priority when the infant is struggling to breathe. Providing an antitussive agent should be done judiciously and under medical guidance, as suppressing the cough reflex can be detrimental in RSV cases where coughing helps clear airway secretions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to look along the scalp line for white dots (nits) when checking for head lice. White dots/nits are the eggs of head lice and are commonly found attached to the hair shaft near the scalp. This method helps identify if head lice are present. Choice A is incorrect as itching alone may not be a definitive sign of head lice; it could be due to other reasons. Choice B is irrelevant as ear mites in dogs are not related to head lice infestation in humans. Choice D is also incorrect as observing between the fingers for red lines is not a method for checking head lice.