Pediatric HESI Practice Questions

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with leukemia admitted to the hospital with a fever is to monitor for signs of infection. Children with leukemia are immunocompromised, making them more susceptible to infections. Monitoring for signs of infection helps in early detection and timely intervention, which is crucial in preventing complications. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be necessary if an infection is suspected or confirmed, but the priority is to assess for signs of infection first. Administering antipyretics (choice B) may help reduce fever, but it does not address the underlying cause, which could be an infection. Providing nutritional support (choice C) is important for overall health but is not the priority when a child with leukemia presents with a fever, as infection needs to be ruled out or managed first.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 3-year-old child with Kawasaki disease is monitoring for coronary artery aneurysms. Kawasaki disease can lead to coronary artery complications, making early detection crucial in preventing serious outcomes. Administering IV immunoglobulin is a standard treatment for Kawasaki disease but does not take precedence over monitoring for potential complications. Encouraging fluid intake and providing nutritional support are important aspects of care but are not the priority when compared to monitoring for coronary artery aneurysms to prevent long-term cardiac issues.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most accurate way to determine a therapeutic dose for children is based on their weight rather than age. Weight-based dosing accounts for individual variations in drug metabolism and distribution, ensuring a more precise and safer medication administration. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not address the importance of weight-based dosing in children, potentially leading to inappropriate dosing and safety concerns.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Establishing a bedtime routine is the most appropriate suggestion for a child experiencing night terrors. Consistent bedtime routines help create a sense of security and predictability, reducing the likelihood of night terrors. Encouraging the child to talk about the dream (Choice A) may not be effective as night terrors occur during non-REM sleep, and the child may not remember the dreams. Allowing the child to sleep with the parents (Choice C) can reinforce dependency and may not address the underlying causes of night terrors. Waking the child during the night (Choice D) can disrupt their sleep cycle and worsen the occurrence of night terrors.

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.