PEDIATRIC PN HESI: Questions &
Answers
A 15-year-old male with mild mental retardation who is hospitalized for
minor surgery tells a female practical nurse (PN), “Wow, you have big
ones.” Which response is best for the PN to make?
(Ans- That language is not permitted.”
The health care provider prescribes carbamazepine (Tegretol) for a child
whose tonic-clonic seizures have been poorly controlled. The nurse informs
the mother that the child must have blood tests every week. The mother
asks why so many blood tests are necessary. What complication is
assessed through frequent laboratory testing that the nurse should explain
to this mother?
(Ans- Bone marrow suppression
The practical nurse (PN) is reviewing signs and symptoms of congestive
heart failure with the parents of a 2-year-old child with a congenital heart
defect. Which behavior is most important for the parents to report to the
health care provider?
(Ans- Exhibits a sudden and unexplained weight gain
A child with poison ivy weighs 25 kg and receives a prescription for
Benadryl PO 5 mg/kg. Benadryl is available as a 125 mg/5 mL solution.
How many milliliters should the practical nurse administer? (Fill in the
blank.)
(Ans- 5ml
A short arm cast is applied to a child with a fractured right ulna. The
practical nurse (PN) is preparing the parents with home instructions and
should reinforce that the parents follow which discharge instruction?
(Ans- “Call the health care provider immediately if the nail beds appear
‘blue’ or ’empty.'”
The health care provider prescribes amoxicillin 60 mg PO three times a day
for a child who weighs 13 pounds. The pediatric dosage range is 20 to 40
mg/kg/day in three equal doses. What is the maximum dosage in 24 hours
that should be given? (Fill in the blank.)
(Ans- First, convert the pounds to kg because the conversion is for kg.
1 kg = 2.2 lb
13 lb/(2.2 lb/kg) = 5.9 kg
Second, determine the maximum dose the child can have in 24 hours: 40
mg × 5.9 kg = 236 mg. The maximum dose the child can have is 236 mg.
The nurse is preparing a child for transport to the operating room for an
emergency appendectomy. The anesthesiologist prescribes atropine
sulfate (Atropine) IM STAT. What is the primary purpose for administering
this drug to the child at this time?
(Ans- Decrease the oral secretions.
The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a child who had a cleft lip repair.
What is the most important reason to minimize this child’s crying during the
postoperative recovery period?
(Ans- Crying stresses the suture line.
The parents of a 1-year-old child, who was recently diagnosed with
hypospadias, state that they plan to delay corrective surgery to see if the
child will outgrow the problem. What response is best for the practical
nurse (PN) to provide to these parents?
(Ans- “Discuss your decision with your healthcare provider for additional
information of what you understand about your child’s diagnosis.”
A child with cystic fibrosis is receiving ticarcillin disodium (Ticar) for
Pseudomonas pneumonia. What adverse effect should the nurse assess
for and report promptly to the health care provider?
(Ans- Petechiae