Pediatric HESI Practice Questions

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: B

Rationale: In the scenario described, the priority is to relieve pressure from the umbilical cord protruding from the vaginal opening by gently pushing it back inside using your gloved fingers. This action helps prevent cord compression, maintains blood flow to the fetus, and ensures fetal oxygenation. Massaging the uterus (Choice A) is not appropriate in this situation as it can potentially worsen the cord compression. Placing the mother on her left side and providing rapid transport (Choice C) can be considered after relieving the pressure on the cord. Elevating the mother's lower extremities and providing immediate transport (Choice D) is not the correct approach when dealing with a visible umbilical cord; instead, the focus should be on relieving pressure from the cord to prevent fetal compromise.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering bronchodilators is a crucial nursing intervention for a child with asthma as it helps to open the airways and improve breathing. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making breathing easier for the child. Encouraging physical activity may exacerbate asthma symptoms in some cases, so it is not recommended as a primary intervention. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important in assessing respiratory status, but administering bronchodilators would take precedence in this situation. Providing nutritional support is a general nursing intervention and not specific to managing asthma symptoms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering bronchodilators is a crucial nursing intervention for a child with asthma because it helps to open the airways and ease breathing during an asthma attack. Bronchodilators are medications that work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it easier for the child to breathe. Encouraging physical activity may exacerbate asthma symptoms in some cases due to increased respiratory effort and exposure to triggers. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important but does not address the immediate need of opening the airways during an asthma episode. Providing nutritional support is essential for overall health but is not the primary intervention needed in managing an acute asthma exacerbation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Allowing the child to play with a favorite toy while taking the medication is the best approach to gain the child's cooperation. This strategy can help distract and calm the child, making the medication administration process smoother. Explaining the medication's importance (Choice A) may not be as effective in gaining immediate cooperation from a young child who may not fully understand. Offering a reward after the medication is taken (Choice C) may create a dependency on rewards for cooperation. Giving the medication mixed with food (Choice D) may not always be appropriate or recommended, especially if the child needs to take the medication on an empty stomach.