Pediatric Practice Exam HESI

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Keeping the newborn warm is crucial as newborns are at high risk of hypothermia due to their large body surface area and limited subcutaneous fat. Hypothermia can lead to complications such as respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, and metabolic acidosis. Providing warmth helps maintain the newborn's body temperature and supports physiological processes, promoting overall well-being. Applying free-flow oxygen is not necessary if the newborn is not in distress. Clamping and cutting the cord can be done after addressing the immediate need for warmth. Obtaining an APGAR score is important for assessing the newborn's overall condition but ensuring warmth takes precedence to prevent complications related to hypothermia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action after a tracheostomy surgery is to suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning helps maintain a clear airway and prevent complications such as airway obstruction or respiratory distress. While monitoring respiratory status is important, suctioning takes precedence immediately post-surgery to ensure adequate air exchange. Changing the tracheostomy dressing and ensuring tracheostomy ties are secure are also essential tasks but are secondary to the critical need for airway maintenance through suctioning.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Using a doll to demonstrate the procedure is the most appropriate preoperative teaching method for a 2-year-old child. It helps them understand what to expect in a non-threatening way by providing a visual representation of the upcoming surgery. Explaining the procedure in simple terms may be too abstract for a child of this age, as they may not fully comprehend verbal explanations. Showing pictures of the hospital environment may not be as effective as using a doll, as it may not provide a concrete understanding of the actual procedure. Allowing the child to play with medical equipment is unsafe and does not adequately prepare them for the surgery, as it may lead to misunderstandings or fear regarding the equipment's actual use during the surgery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 4-year-old child admitted with bacterial pneumonia is administering antibiotics. Antibiotics are essential to treat the infection, prevent its spread, and avoid potential complications. Administering antipyretics (Choice A) may help reduce fever but does not address the underlying cause of pneumonia, which is bacterial in this case. Monitoring fluid intake (Choice C) is important to maintain hydration but does not directly treat the infection. Providing nutritional support (Choice D) is crucial for overall health, but the immediate priority is to address the bacterial infection with antibiotics to prevent further complications and promote recovery.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Vasopressin is a medication used to treat diabetes insipidus by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys. However, an excessive dose of vasopressin can lead to water retention, causing SIADH, which is characterized by dilutional hyponatremia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Thyroid storm is a severe form of hyperthyroidism characterized by increased metabolism and can lead to life-threatening complications. Cushing syndrome results from excess cortisol production and is characterized by weight gain, hypertension, and other features. Vitamin D toxicity occurs due to an overdose of vitamin D, leading to hypercalcemia and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and weakness.