Pediatrics HESI 2023

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a newborn, a heart rate below 100 beats/min indicates the need for positive pressure ventilation to improve oxygenation. Providing blow-by oxygen or assessing skin condition/color may not address the primary issue of inadequate oxygenation due to the low heart rate. Starting chest compressions and contacting medical control is not warranted as the newborn is breathing spontaneously and only has a slightly low heart rate, which can be managed initially with positive pressure ventilations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: At 18 months of age, needing assistance to climb stairs upright is considered normal behavior for a toddler. Crawling upstairs is a different motor skill and does not necessarily correlate with the ability to climb stairs. The child is still developing gross motor skills, and climbing stairs upright typically requires more coordination and strength, which may not be fully developed at this age. Choices A, B, and D are not relevant in this scenario as the observed behavior is within the expected range of development for an 18-month-old child.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A heart rate below 100 beats/min in a newborn indicates the need for positive pressure ventilation to improve oxygenation. Providing positive pressure ventilations helps in assisting the newborn's breathing efforts to ensure adequate oxygenation. Choice B, providing blow-by oxygen, may not be sufficient to address the underlying issue of inadequate breathing. Choice C, assessing the newborn's skin condition and color, is important but not the most immediate action needed for a heart rate below 100 beats/min. Choice D, starting chest compressions, is not indicated as the infant is breathing spontaneously and has a heart rate, albeit lower than normal, which does not warrant chest compressions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Paroxysmal abdominal pain. Colic in infants is characterized by paroxysmal abdominal pain, leading to excessive crying and fussiness. It is not caused by inadequate peristalsis (Choice A), an allergic response to certain proteins in milk (Choice C), or a protective mechanism designed to eliminate foreign proteins (Choice D). Understanding that colic is primarily associated with abdominal pain helps healthcare providers provide appropriate care and support to parents dealing with colicky infants.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Epicanthal folds are a common physical feature seen in individuals with Down syndrome. These are folds of skin that cover the inner corners of the eyes. Webbed neck (Choice B) is associated with Turner syndrome, not Down syndrome. Enlarged head (Choice C) is not a typical physical characteristic of Down syndrome. Polydactyly (Choice D) is the presence of extra fingers or toes, which is not specifically related to Down syndrome.