Pediatric HESI 2023

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a pediatric patient with an unconscious state, a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min, and a heart rate of 50 beats/min, the appropriate management involves chest compressions, artificial ventilations, and rapid transport. These signs indicate severe respiratory and circulatory compromise, requiring immediate intervention to support breathing and circulation. Choice A (100% oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask) is not sufficient in this critical situation as the child requires more than just oxygen supplementation. Choice B (positive pressure ventilations with a BVM device) may be needed, but chest compressions are crucial in this scenario due to the presence of bradycardia. Choice D (back blows and chest thrusts) are not indicated for an unconscious child with respiratory and circulatory compromise; instead, immediate chest compressions are necessary to provide circulatory support.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Macaroni and cheese and Cheerios are appropriate choices for a 30-month-old toddler on a regular diet. These foods are easy to chew, digest, and are generally well-liked by toddlers. Option A, a hamburger with bun and grapes, may be difficult for a toddler to handle due to the size of the hamburger and grapes pose a choking hazard. Option B, chicken fingers and french fries, may be too greasy and processed for a toddler's developing digestive system. Option C, hot dog with bun and potato chips, is also not ideal as hot dogs can be a choking hazard and potato chips are high in salt and may not provide adequate nutrition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In cases where child abuse is suspected, the priority is the safety and well-being of the child. Advising the parents that the child needs to be transported allows for the child to receive necessary medical care without immediate confrontation or escalating the situation. Calling the police to have the parents arrested without concrete evidence may not be appropriate and could further endanger the child. Informing the parents of suspicions may lead to interference or denial of necessary care. Transporting the child to the hospital is crucial, but involving and engaging with the parents in a non-confrontational manner is the initial step to ensure the child's safety and well-being.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Administering pain medication is the most crucial nursing intervention during a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Pain management is a priority to alleviate the patient's discomfort and improve outcomes. Administering oxygen may be necessary in some cases but is not the primary intervention for vaso-occlusive crisis. Monitoring fluid intake is important in sickle cell anemia but is not the priority during a crisis situation. Encouraging physical activity is contraindicated during a vaso-occlusive crisis as it can exacerbate pain and complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Toddlers are learning to assert independence, and this behavior is expected at this age.' At 18 months old, toddlers are in the stage of developing autonomy and testing boundaries. It is normal for them to exhibit behaviors such as temper tantrums and defiance as they explore their independence. Choice A is incorrect as discipline at this age is more about setting limits and providing guidance rather than preventing antisocial behaviors. Choice C is inappropriate as leaving a toddler alone in a crib after explaining unacceptable behavior is not a recommended approach for managing toddler behavior. Choice D is incorrect as the described behavior is typical of toddlers asserting independence, not related to the initiative stage of development. The best response involves acknowledging the child's developmental stage and understanding that these behaviors are part of their normal growth and development.