Pediatric HESI Practice Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the case of a child ingesting household bleach, the primary advice should be to call the poison control center (Choice C). The poison control center can provide specific guidance on how to manage the ingestion, including whether any immediate interventions are necessary. Administering activated charcoal (Choice A) or inducing vomiting immediately (Choice B) can worsen the situation as they are not recommended treatments for bleach ingestion. Taking the child to the emergency department (Choice D) may be necessary depending on the advice given by the poison control center, but the initial step should be to seek guidance from the experts at the poison control center.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Copying a square. At 3 years old, children should be able to copy a square as part of their fine motor skill development. The inability to perform this task may indicate a developmental delay in fine motor skills. Choice B, hopping on one foot, typically develops around 4-5 years of age, so it is not a reliable indicator of a delay at 3. Choice C, catching a ball reliably, involves coordination skills that develop later in childhood, making it less relevant for a 3-year-old assessment. Choice D, using a spoon effectively, is more related to self-care and feeding skills rather than fine motor development, so it is not the best indicator of a developmental delay in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion, it is essential to examine the child in the parent's arms. This approach helps reduce anxiety, provide comfort, and establish trust with the child. Palpating the painful area of the abdomen first (Choice B) may cause discomfort and increase anxiety in the child. Placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen (Choice C) without considering the child's comfort and security may lead to resistance and inaccurate assessment. Separating the child from the parent (Choice D) can exacerbate the child's anxiety and hinder the examination process. Therefore, examining the child in the parent's arms is the most appropriate approach in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Invasive burn cellulitis. Invasive burn cellulitis presents with the burn developing a dark brown, black, or purplish color with discharge and a foul odor. Burn wound cellulitis (choice A) typically involves redness, warmth, and swelling around the burn site. Burn impetigo (choice C) is a superficial infection characterized by honey-colored crusting. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (choice D) is a condition caused by exotoxins from Staphylococcus aureus, leading to widespread skin peeling.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring fluid status is crucial for a child with congenital heart disease because these children are at risk of fluid overload which can worsen their condition. Monitoring fluid intake and output helps prevent complications like congestive heart failure. Encouraging activity (Choice B) should be individualized based on the child's condition and tolerance, as excessive activity can strain the heart. Promoting a high-calorie diet (Choice C) is not typically recommended for children with congenital heart disease unless specifically indicated, as excessive weight gain can worsen their cardiac function. Maintaining oxygen therapy (Choice D) may be necessary in some cases, but monitoring fluid status is a more fundamental aspect of care for children with congenital heart disease.