Pediatric HESI Practice Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a child with acute glomerulonephritis is fluid volume excess related to decreased plasma filtration. Acute glomerulonephritis is characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys, leading to decreased plasma filtration and retention of fluid. This results in fluid volume excess rather than fluid deficit (choice B) or fluid accumulation in tissues and third spaces (choice D). The diagnosis of 'risk for injury related to malignant process and treatment' (choice A) is not directly related to the pathophysiology of acute glomerulonephritis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Monitoring for signs of infection. When a child with leukemia presents with a fever, the priority nursing intervention is to monitor for signs of infection due to the immunocompromised state of the child. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be necessary based on the assessment of signs of infection, but monitoring comes first. Administering antipyretics (choice B) helps to reduce fever but does not address the underlying cause. Providing nutritional support (choice C) is essential but not the priority when the child is at risk of infection.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Despair'. In separation anxiety, the stage of despair is characterized by regression and withdrawal after the initial protest. The toddler's shift from intense crying to lying quietly with a blanket demonstrates this withdrawal behavior. Choice A, 'Denial', is incorrect as denial involves refusing to accept the reality of separation. Choice C, 'Mistrust', is incorrect as it relates to a lack of trust rather than the stage of separation anxiety described in the scenario. Choice D, 'Rejection', is incorrect as it does not reflect the behavior of the toddler in the scenario, which is more indicative of withdrawal and regression.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Establishing a bedtime routine is the most appropriate suggestion for a child experiencing night terrors. Consistent bedtime routines help create a sense of security and predictability, reducing the likelihood of night terrors. Encouraging the child to talk about the dream (Choice A) may not be effective as night terrors occur during non-REM sleep, and the child may not remember the dreams. Allowing the child to sleep with the parents (Choice C) can reinforce dependency and may not address the underlying causes of night terrors. Waking the child during the night (Choice D) can disrupt their sleep cycle and worsen the occurrence of night terrors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Epiphysis. Bone growth primarily occurs in the epiphysis, which is the area where growth plates are located. The epiphysis is responsible for longitudinal bone growth. Choice A, 'Growth plate,' is incorrect as it does not specify the exact area where bone growth primarily occurs. Choice C, 'Physis,' refers to the same structure as a growth plate, but the term 'epiphysis' is more specific to bone growth. Choice D, 'Metaphysis,' is incorrect as it is the area of the bone where the epiphysis meets the diaphysis, not the primary site of bone growth.