Pediatric Practice Exam HESI

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Choanal atresia is a congenital condition that presents with a blockage in the nasal passages at the junction of the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx. To assess and confirm the diagnosis of choanal atresia, the nurse should focus on assessing the nasopharynx. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as choanal atresia specifically involves a blockage in the nasal passages, not the rectum, intestinal tract, or laryngopharynx. By assessing the nasopharynx, the severity of the obstruction can be determined, aiding in planning appropriate interventions for the newborn.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, severe joint pain. Rheumatic fever commonly presents with severe joint pain due to joint inflammation. Jaundice (choice A) is not typically associated with rheumatic fever. Peeling skin on the hands and feet (choice B) is more indicative of conditions like Kawasaki disease. While a high fever (choice C) can be present, it is not as specific to rheumatic fever as severe joint pain. Severe joint pain, along with other criteria like carditis, subcutaneous nodules, erythema marginatum, and Sydenham chorea, are major criteria used in the diagnosis of rheumatic fever.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child hospitalized for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is preventing infection. Children with ALL have compromised immune systems, making them highly vulnerable to infections. Preventing infections through strict aseptic techniques, isolation precautions, and proper hygiene is crucial to safeguard the child's health. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be necessary if an infection occurs, but the primary focus should be on infection prevention. While providing nutritional support (choice C) is important, preventing infection takes precedence due to its direct impact on the child's survival. Managing pain (choice D) is essential for the child's comfort but is not the priority over preventing life-threatening infections in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct nursing diagnosis would be 'Grieving related to the child's poor prognosis.' Trisomy 18 is associated with a poor prognosis, and families often experience feelings of grief and loss when dealing with such a diagnosis. The choice 'Interrupted family process' does not directly address the emotional response to the prognosis. 'Deficient knowledge' may be a concern but does not address the emotional aspect of dealing with a poor prognosis. 'Ineffective coping related to stress from providing care' focuses more on the caregiver's ability to cope rather than the family's response to the child's condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In coarctation of the aorta, there is narrowing of the aorta leading to decreased blood flow distal to the constriction. This results in a weak or delayed femoral pulse and a relatively weaker radial pulse compared to the femoral pulse. An irregular heartbeat (choice B) is not a typical finding in coarctation of the aorta. A bounding femoral pulse (choice C) would not be expected due to the decreased blood flow beyond the constriction. An elevated radial blood pressure (choice D) is not a common characteristic of coarctation of the aorta; instead, blood pressure may be higher in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities due to the constriction.