HESI PN Pediatrics Exam Review
The practical nurse (PN) is monitoring a child who is manifesting signs of
shock after a motor vehicle collision. Which finding is most important for the
PN to report to the charge nurse?
a) narrowing pulse pressure
b) apprehension
c) irritability
d) thirst
(- Answer: A
Rationale:
As shock progresses, perfusion in the microcirculation becomes marginal
despite compensatory adjustments, and the signs of decompensated shock
become pronounced, such as tachycardia and narrowing pulse pressure
(A). (The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure), which
should be reported immediately. (B,C, and D) are not as significant as (A).
The mother of a 9 month old male infant is concerned because he cries
whenever she leaves him with a sitter. What is the best response for the
practical nurse (PN) to provide?
a) “Have you noticed whether your baby is teething?”
b) “Crying when you leave him in a healthy sign of attachment.”
c) “Consider taking the baby to the doctor because he may be ill.”
d) “You could consider leaving the infant more often so he can adjust.”
(- Answer: B
Rationale:
Healthy attachment is manifested by stranger anxiety in late infancy (B).
Pain from teething expressed by the infant’s cries does not occur only
when the mother leaves the infant with another person (A). The PN should
evaluate the infant’s developmental needs (C) before suggesting the infant
may be ill. An infant who manifests stranger anxiety is best supported by
the mother if the infant is left for shorter periods of time, not (D).
Which preoperative action is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to
implement for a newborn with meningomyelocele?
a) document vital signs
b) prevent skin breakdown
c) minimize the risk for infection
d) monitor neurologic functioning
(- Answer: C
Rationale:
A meningomyelocele provides a direct entry for bacteria into the central
nervous system, leading to meningitis. Measures that protect the integrity
of the meningomyelocele sac and infection control measures should be
implemented to minimize the risk of infection (C). (A,B, and D) should be
implemented but do not have the priority of (C).
The practical nurse is caring for a 6 year old girl who had surgery 12 hours
ago. The child tells the PN that she does not have pain but a few minutes
later, tells her parents that she does. What child development concept is
relevant to this situation?
a) inconsistency in pain reporting suggests that pain not present
b) a child may have pain yet deny its presence to the nurse
c) truthful reporting of pain should occur by this age
d) children use pain experiences to manipulate their parents
(- Answer: B
Rationale:
A child may fear receiving an injection for pain or may believe that pain is a
deserved punishment for some misdeed, so the pain is denied (D) when
the nurse asks the child, who then readily admits having pain to a parent.
This behavior should not be interpreted as (C) but as a valid indication of
pain. (A and C) are incorrect interpretations of this behavior.
A 6 year old who had a tonsillectomy 12 hours ago is complaining of thirst.
What should the practical nurse (PN) offer?
a) popsicle
b) lemonade
c) orange juice
d) chocolate milk
(- Answer: A
Rationale:
Small amounts of clear liquids without red dyes should be offered to the
child. Popsicles (A) are cold and help soothe a dry throat. Citrus drinks (B
and C) are acidic and irritate the operative site in the posterior oropharynx.
Milk (D) thickens oral mucus which makes swallowing more difficult and
causes coughing.
The mother of a male newborn calls the clinic to inquire about the formation
of a yellow crust over her son’s circumcision area. What information should
the practical nurse (PN) provide?
a) do not remove the yellow crust from the site
b) stop using petroleum around the head of the penis
c) bring him into the clinic
d) tightly fasten the diaper
(- Answer: A
Rationale:
Crust formation is part of the healing process and should be removed (A).
(C) is not indicated at this time. The diaper should be fastened loosely, not
tightly (D) which can place pressure on the incision site. (B) assists in the
healing process and should not be discontinued.