Pediatric HESI 2023

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Surfactant therapy is explained to parents as a treatment that enhances the lungs' ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. This is essential for premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) as it helps improve their respiratory function. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because surfactant therapy primarily focuses on addressing lung function and is not related to sedation, apnea reduction, or fighting respiratory tract infections.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Toddlers are learning to assert independence, and this behavior is expected at this age.' At 18 months old, toddlers are in the stage of developing autonomy and testing boundaries. It is normal for them to exhibit behaviors such as temper tantrums and defiance as they explore their independence. Choice A is incorrect as discipline at this age is more about setting limits and providing guidance rather than preventing antisocial behaviors. Choice C is inappropriate as leaving a toddler alone in a crib after explaining unacceptable behavior is not a recommended approach for managing toddler behavior. Choice D is incorrect as the described behavior is typical of toddlers asserting independence, not related to the initiative stage of development. The best response involves acknowledging the child's developmental stage and understanding that these behaviors are part of their normal growth and development.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: After undergoing surgery for pectus excavatum correction with steel bar placement, the nurse should instruct the parents to avoid placing the child in a side-lying position. This position should be avoided to prevent displacement of the steel bar, which could compromise the surgical outcome. Semi-Fowler, supine, and high Fowler positions do not pose the same risk of displacing the steel bar and are generally safe and comfortable for the child in this postoperative period.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: nondisjunction. Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, is caused by nondisjunction, which is an error in cell division leading to an extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. X-linked recessive inheritance refers to genetic disorders carried on the X chromosome, genomic imprinting involves gene expression based on parental origin, and autosomal dominant inheritance relates to disorders caused by a dominant gene on one of the non-sex chromosomes. In the case of trisomy 21, the cause is specifically related to the error in chromosome division, making nondisjunction the most appropriate answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Rest. When a child is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, the priority need in the nursing plan of care is to ensure adequate rest for the child. Rest is crucial as it allows the child's body to fight the infection and recover. Choice B, Exercise, is incorrect as strenuous physical activity may further strain the child's respiratory system. Choice C, Nutrition, is important but providing rest takes precedence initially. Choice D, Elimination, is not the priority concern in this scenario compared to ensuring rest for recovery from pneumonia.