Pediatric HESI Practice Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When teaching an adolescent with type 1 diabetes about dietary management, it is crucial to ensure a ready source of glucose is available. In cases of hypoglycemia, having a quick source of glucose can help raise blood sugar levels rapidly. Option A is not the most critical aspect of dietary management for an adolescent with type 1 diabetes. While it is generally recommended to eat meals at home for better control over food choices, the availability of a ready glucose source takes precedence. Option B, weighing foods on a gram scale, may not be practical for every meal and could be burdensome. Option D, cooking specific foods for the adolescent, is not necessary as the focus should be on the overall dietary plan rather than individualized meals.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring fluid balance. In a child with diabetes insipidus, the primary concern is excessive urination and fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration. Monitoring fluid balance is crucial to prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance. Administering insulin (Choice A) is not indicated in diabetes insipidus, as this condition is not related to insulin deficiency. Administering diuretics (Choice C) should be avoided as it can exacerbate fluid loss in a child already at risk for dehydration. While monitoring vital signs (Choice D) is important, the priority intervention in this situation is monitoring fluid balance to prevent complications associated with dehydration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering bronchodilators is a crucial nursing intervention for a child with asthma as it helps to open the airways and improve breathing. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making breathing easier for the child. Encouraging physical activity may exacerbate asthma symptoms in some cases, so it is not recommended as a primary intervention. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important in assessing respiratory status, but administering bronchodilators would take precedence in this situation. Providing nutritional support is a general nursing intervention and not specific to managing asthma symptoms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Circumoral cyanosis should alert the nurse to perform further assessment in a 2-month-old infant with Down syndrome. This finding may indicate cardiac or respiratory issues, such as inadequate oxygenation. Small, low-set ears and a protruding furrowed tongue are common physical characteristics associated with Down syndrome and may not necessarily warrant immediate further assessment. A flat occiput is a normal variation in infant anatomy and is not typically a cause for immediate concern in this context.