Pediatric HESI 2024

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: For a 5-year-old child, an apical pulse below 90 beats/min is an indicator to withhold digoxin. Digoxin is a medication that affects the heart, and in pediatric patients, monitoring the pulse rate is crucial due to the risk of bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a potential side effect. In this case, an apical pulse of 90 beats/min or lower indicates a heart rate that may be too slow for a child of this age, warranting the withholding of digoxin and prompt notification of the healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and D are not within the critical range specified for withholding digoxin in a 5-year-old child and would not necessitate withholding the medication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Diarrhea. Rotavirus infection commonly presents with symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. While abdominal pain and vomiting are also associated with rotavirus infection, diarrhea is a hallmark feature. Constipation is not typically seen in cases of rotavirus infection. Therefore, the most likely clinical manifestation that the nurse would observe in a child with suspected rotavirus infection is diarrhea.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Antifungals. Candidal diaper rash is caused by a yeast infection and is best treated with antifungal agents. Corticosteroids (choice A) may worsen fungal infections by suppressing the immune response. Antibiotics (choice C) are used to treat bacterial infections, not fungal infections like candidal diaper rash. Retinoids (choice D) are not typically used to treat candidal diaper rash in infants; they are more commonly used for dermatological conditions like acne.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Covering the sac with saline-soaked nonadhesive gauze is essential in the preoperative care of an infant with myelomeningocele. This practice helps prevent infection and maintains moisture around the sac before surgery, promoting optimal healing outcomes. Positioning the infant supine with a pillow under the buttocks may be uncomfortable and unnecessary. Wrapping the infant snugly in a blanket does not address the specific care needs of the myelomeningocele. Applying a diaper over the sac can increase the risk of infection and should be avoided in this case.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a 3-year-old hospitalized child wets the bed during a nap, the nurse should respond by changing the child's clothes without discussing the incident. This approach helps to maintain the child's dignity, avoid embarrassment, and reduce anxiety about bedwetting. Asking the child to help remake the bed (Choice A) may not be developmentally appropriate for a 3-year-old and could potentially lead to further distress. Putting clean sheets on the bed over a rubber sheet (Choice B) addresses the aftermath but does not directly address the child's needs and feelings. Explaining that children should call the nurse when they need to go to the bathroom (Choice D) may not be effective in this situation as the child may not have control over bedwetting during sleep.