Pediatric HESI Practice Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to fluid loss. Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance is essential in managing gastroenteritis to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Encouraging regular exercise (Choice B) is not a priority in the acute phase of gastroenteritis when the focus is on rehydration and symptom management. Administering antipyretics (Choice C) may be considered for fever management but is not the priority over monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Administering antibiotics (Choice D) is not routinely indicated for viral gastroenteritis, which is a common cause of the condition in children.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with hemophilia experiencing a bleeding episode is administering factor VIII. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in clotting factors, such as factor VIII. Administering factor VIII replacement therapy is crucial to stop or control bleeding in individuals with hemophilia. Options A, B, and D are important aspects of patient care but do not take precedence over addressing the underlying cause of the bleeding in a child with hemophilia, which is the deficiency of factor VIII.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The inability to copy a square at 3 years old indicates a potential developmental delay in fine motor skills. At this age, children should be able to copy basic shapes like circles and crosses. Hopping on one foot is typically expected around the age of 4, catching a ball reliably around 5, and using a spoon effectively by 2-3 years old. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are not as indicative of a developmental delay at 3 years old as the inability to copy a square.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Incisors. In infants, incisors are usually the first teeth to erupt, typically around 6 months of age. These are the front teeth used for cutting food. Canines (Choice B), upper molars (Choice C), and lower molars (Choice D) typically erupt after the incisors. Canines are sharp teeth used for tearing food, while molars are flat teeth used for grinding food.