HESI Pediatrics Quizlet

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Irritability is a significant symptom of lead poisoning in toddlers and should be emphasized to parents. Lead poisoning can manifest with various symptoms, but irritability is particularly common in children exposed to lead. Abdominal pain (Choice A) is not a typical symptom of lead poisoning in toddlers. While constipation (Choice B) can occur, it is less specific and less common than irritability. Frequent urination (Choice D) is not a typical symptom associated with lead poisoning in toddlers and is less relevant for parents to recognize in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct clinical manifestation that a nurse is likely to observe in a child with suspected intussusception is abdominal distension. Intussusception is a medical emergency where a part of the intestine folds into itself, causing obstruction. Abdominal distension is a common symptom due to the obstruction and the build-up of gases and fluids. While currant jelly stools (Choice B) are a classic sign of intussusception, they are typically seen in later stages of the condition and may not be present during the initial assessment. Projectile vomiting (Choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like pyloric stenosis. Constipation (Choice D) is not a typical manifestation of intussusception; the condition usually presents with severe colicky abdominal pain and possible passage of blood and mucus in stools.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Infection is the most common cause of shock in infants and children due to their increased susceptibility to sepsis. Infants and children have underdeveloped immune systems, making them more prone to infections that can lead to septic shock. While cardiac failure is a serious condition, it is not the most common cause of shock in this population. Accidental poisoning, though dangerous, is less common than infection in causing shock in infants and children. Severe allergic reactions can lead to anaphylactic shock, but they are not as prevalent as infections in causing shock in this age group.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: systolic blood pressure. In young children, systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter for assessing perfusion status. Factors such as anxiety, crying, and fear can significantly affect blood pressure measurements, leading to inaccuracies. Distal capillary refill, skin color and temperature, and presence of peripheral pulses are more reliable indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Distal capillary refill assesses peripheral perfusion, skin color, and temperature reflect tissue perfusion, and the presence of peripheral pulses indicates blood flow to the extremities. Therefore, when evaluating a 2-year-old child with possible shock, focusing on parameters other than systolic blood pressure is crucial for an accurate assessment of perfusion status.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The priority action when caring for a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis is to continually assess the respiratory status (Option D). Acute laryngotracheobronchitis can potentially lead to respiratory distress, making continuous monitoring crucial to identify early signs of deterioration and intervene promptly. While options A, B, and C are also important aspects of care, they do not take precedence over respiratory assessment in this critical situation. Initiating measures to reduce fever (Option A), ensuring oxygen delivery (Option B), and providing emotional support (Option C) are all significant interventions, but without ongoing assessment of respiratory status, there is a risk of missing potential respiratory deterioration.