HESI PEDIATRIC Practice Test

Which action is best for the practical nurse (PN) to implement to help a 7-year-old child cope with a lengthy course of IV antibiotic therapy? A) Allow the child to participate in injection play. B) Give the child stickers for cooperative behavior. C) Arrange for the child to go to the playroom daily. D) Ask the child to draw a picture about himself.

A) Allow the child to participate in injection play.

A child is prescribed radiographs of the hand and wrist. The child's parent asks the practical nurse (PN) the purpose of this procedure. What finding should the PN explain is provided by the diagnostic study? A) Skeletal age. B) Linear growth. C) External proportions. D) Neurologic maturation.

A) Skeletal age.

A 3-year-old boy with cerebral palsy (CP) has difficulty swallowing, cannot hold a utensil, and is slightly underweight for his height. Which action should the practical nurse implement when feeding this child? A) Stabilize the child's jaw with the caregiver's hand. B) Offer a specialized formula per tube feedings. C) Put the child in a well-supported, semi-reclining position. D) Place the child in a sitting position with the neck hyperextended.

A) Stabilize the child's jaw with the caregiver's hand.

What information should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce with the parents about introducing solid foods to their infant? A) Begin with one tablespoon of the food. B) Introduce each food 4 to 7 days apart. C) Mix the new food with rice cereal. D) Remove foods when the infant refuses it.

B) Introduce each food 4 to 7 days apart.

When reviewing the dietary guidelines for a child with nephrotic syndrome, which diet should the practical nurse reinforce with the parents? A) High protein. B) Low sodium. C) Low fat. D) High carbohydrate.

B) Low sodium.

The practical nurse (PN) is talking with a group of elementary students about bicycle safety. Which information should the PN provide? A) Bicycle injuries involve a collision with an automobile. B) Wearing protective gear on a bicycle is a voluntary measure. C) Children should wear a bicycle helmet when riding a bicycle. D) Riding double is allowed if the bicycle has an extra-large seat. Submit

C) Children should wear a bicycle helmet when riding a bicycle.

Which play activity should the practical nurse (PN) provide a hospitalized 6-month-old infant? A) Push and pull toys. B) Supervised water play. C) Pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo. D) Ball-rolling and hide and seek game.

C) Pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo.

The practical nurse (PN) 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) Truthful reporting of pain should occur by this age. B) Children use pain experiences to manipulate their parents. C) Inconsistency in pain reporting suggests that pain is not present. D) A child may have pain yet deny its presence to the nurse.

D) A child may have pain yet deny its presence to the nurse.

Which response should the practical nurse (PN) provide a school-age child who asks to talk with a dying sister? A) Talk loudly to ensure the dying client hears and recognizes others voices. B) Touch provides tactile presence of others if she does not respond to words. C) Sitting close offers the dying person the sensation of others presence. D) Although the dying client may not respond, she can still hear what is said.

D) Although the dying client may not respond, she can still hear what is said.

According to Erikson's theory, what behavioral pattern should be displayed by a child who has not developed a sense of competence? A) Guilt. B) Shame. C) Alienation. D) Inferiority.

D) Inferiority.

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) Thirst. B) Irritability. C) Apprehension. D) Narrowing pulse pressure.

D) Narrowing pulse pressure.

Which developmental behavior should the practical nurse (PN) identify as normal for a 6-month-old infant? A) Rolls over completely. B) Creeps on all four extremities. C) Pulls self to a standing position. D) Assumes a sitting position independently.

A) Rolls over completely.

Which information should the practical nurse ensure the family understands about the care of a child with a tracheostomy? A) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. B) Hygiene that includes showering. C) Tracheostomy suction for 30 seconds. D) Powder application around the stoma.

A) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

An adolescent female who is leaning forward with her hands on her knees to breath tells the pracitcal nurse that she has been using triamcinolone (Azmacort) inhalation aerosol before coming to the clinic. Which action should the PN implement? A) Obtain vital signs and breath sounds for wheezing. B) Collect a blood sample for white blood cell count. C) Give the client a nebulizer breathing treatment. D) Administer another dose of Azmacort.

A) Obtain vital signs and breath sounds for wheezing.

What information should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce with the parents of a 3-month old infant about liquid medication administration? A) Place the medication in a nipple and have the infant suck the nipple. B) Pour the medication into a small cup and allow the infant to drink it. C) Administer the medication with a dropper to the back of the infant's tongue. D) Use an oral syringe to place the medication in the side of the infant's mouth.

D) Use an oral syringe to place the medication in the side of the infant's mouth.

The practical nurse (PN) is preparing to administer an intramuscular immunization to a 6-month-old infant. What site should the PN select? A) Deltoid. B) Dorsogluteal. C) Ventrogluteal. D) Vastus lateralis.

D) Vastus lateralis.

Which of Freud's psychosexual development stages occurs during a toddler's growth and development? A) Oral. B) Anal. C) Phallic. D) Genital.

B) Anal.

The practical nurse is conducting a well-baby check of a 7-month-old infant and finds that there is an absence of babbling by the infant. Which focused assessment should the PN implement? A) Visual function. B) Auditory function. C) Cognitive function. D) Social development.

B) Auditory function.

The practical nurse (PN) is instilling ear drops in a 2-year-old child. To straighten the external auditory canal, which direction should the PN pull the earlobe? A) Up and back. B) Down and back. C) Up and forward. D) Down and forward.

B) Down and back.

The practical nurse (PN) is interviewing a 10-year-old girl about school and her extracurricular activities. She responds, "I like school. I play the flute in the school band, and I take tennis lessons." Based on Erikson's psychosocial theory, the PN identifies that this child is in what stage of development? A) Identity. B) Industry. C) Intimacy. D) Initiative.

B) Industry.

A toddler with a chronic illness that requires frequent hospitalization is likely to experience which psychosocial developmental problem? A) Fixation with the feelings of inadequacy. B) Interference with the development of autonomy. C) Distortion of differentiation of self from parent. D) Delayed language, fine-motor, and self-care skills.

B) Interference with the development of autonomy.

The practical nurse (PN) is checking the musculoskeletal system of a one-month old infant during a well child visit. Which finding should the PN report to the healthcare provider? A) Hypotonicity of the leg muscles. B) One leg is shorter than the other. C) Two skin folds on the back of each thigh. D) Broadening and flattening of the buttocks.

B) One leg is shorter than the other.

After reinforcing information to treat a sprained ankle, what statement by the adolescent indicates to the practical nurse that further instruction is needed? A) "Keep the leg elevated when sitting." B) "Wrap the ankle in an elastic bandage for support." C) "Apply warm compresses to the ankle for the first 24 hours." D) "Put an ice pack on the ankle, alternating 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off."

C) "Apply warm compresses to the ankle for the first 24 hours."

The mother calls the clinic and tells the practical nurse (PN) that her child cannot swallow a prescribed tablet that was dispensed by the local pharmacy as a whole tablet. How should the PN respond? A) "You can crush the tablet and put it in some food." B) "You should hold the child's nose closed to force her to swallow the tablets." C) "If a liquid form is available, the pharmacist can call for a prescription change." D) "If the child can't swallow the tablet, tell the child to chew it."

C) "If a liquid form is available, the pharmacist can call for a prescription change."

A school-age child with acute diarrhea and mild dehydration is being given an oral rehydration solution (ORS). The mother calls to report that the child is occasionally vomiting. What recommendation should the practical nurse provide at this time? A) Continue to give ORS frequently in small amounts. B) Alternate giving ORS and carbonated beverages. C) Take the child to the hospital for intravenous fluids. D) Place the child NPO for the next eight to nine hours.

A) Continue to give ORS frequently in small amounts.

The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a 6-year-old who is hospitalized with asthma. Which developmentally correct activity should the PN provide the child? A) Crayons and a coloring book. B) A 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. C) A ball to throw into a basket. D) A music cassette and player.

A) Crayons and a coloring book.

Which nonfood item is the most common cause of respiratory arrest in young children? A) Buttons. B) Pacifiers. C) Broken rattles. D) Latex balloons.

D) Latex balloons.

Which finding should the practical nurse confirm with the parents of an infant who is admitted with possible intussusception? A) Projectile vomiting after meals. B) Clay-colored stools. C) Constant abdominal pain. D) Red currant jelly stools.

D) Red currant jelly stools.

Which preoperative action is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to implement for a newborn with a meningomyelocele? A) Minimize the risk for infection. B) Prevent skin breakdown. C) Monitor neurologic functioning. D) Document vital signs.

A) Minimize the risk for infection.

What age-appropriate play activity should the practical nurse suggest to the parents of a 7-month-old infant to encourage visual stimulation? A) Play peek-a-boo. B) Play pat-a-cake. C) Imitate animal sounds. D) Show how to clap hands.

A) Play peek-a-boo.

Which information is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to reinforce with an adolescent who has hepatitis A about preventing the spread of hepatitis in the home? A) Prevent the adolescent from preparing food. B) Ensure that all family members wash their hands before eating. C) Wash the adolescent's dishes separately. D) Encourage the adolescent to wear a mask over the nose and mouth.

A) Prevent the adolescent from preparing food.

A 6-month-old female is scheduled to receive diphtheria, tetanus toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) and IPV (inactivated poliovirus vaccine) immunizations. She is recovering from a cold but is otherwise healthy and afebrile. Her 5-year-old sister is receiving chemotherapy. Which considerations should the practical nurse make for this situation? A) DTaP and IPV can be safely given to the infant at the scheduled time. B) DTaP and IPV are contraindicated because the infant has a cold. C) IPV is contraindicated because her sister is immunocompromised. D) DTaP is contraindicated because her sister is immunocompromised.

A) DTaP and IPV can be safely given to the infant at the scheduled time.

Which statement by a mother indicates that her 5-month-old infant girl is ready for solid food? A) "I find that my baby really has to be encouraged to eat." B) "My baby has just started to sit up without any support." C) "I am surprised that my baby only weighs 11 pounds. I expected her to have gained more weight." D) "When I give my baby solid foods, she has difficulty getting it to the back of her throat to swallow."

B) "My baby has just started to sit up without any support."

What analgesia should the practical nurse use to prepare a school-age child for a lumbar puncture (LP)? A) Ondansetron (Zofran) 4 mg / 5 ml PO TID. B) Codeine 10 mg PO 30 minutes before the procedure. C) A transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic) patch immediately before the procedure. D) EMLA (eutectic mixtures of local anesthetics) 2.5 hours before the procedure

D) EMLA (eutectic mixtures of local anesthetics) 2.5 hours before the procedure

A mother asks the practical nurse (PN), "When will I know if my daughter has entered puberty?" Which finding should the PN tell the mother to observe for with the onset of puberty? A) Menarche. B) Mood swings. C) Heterosexual interest. D) Growth of pubic hair.

D) Growth of pubic hair.

A child is admitted for observation following a closed head injury. Which assessment is most essential for the practical nurse (PN) to monitor for an early sign of a worsening condition? A) Posturing. B) Vital signs. C) Focal neurologic signs. D) Level of consciousness.

D) Level of consciousness.

A 12-year-old male is brought to the clinic after falling during a skateboarding trick. The child's vital signs are heart rate 135 beats/minute, respirations 20 breaths/minute, and blood pressure 90/60. Which finding should the practical nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately? A) The client complaints of his back being sore. B) Capillary refill is less than 2 seconds. C) Blood pressure is 94/68. D) Peripheral pulses are weak and rapid.

D) Peripheral pulses are weak and rapid.

Which action should the practical nurse implemented for a child who has ingested a corrosive product? A) Induce vomiting using Ipecac to remove corrosive agent. B) Drink vinegar or lemon juice to neutralize the caustic agent. C) Give activated charcoal to decontaminate stomach. D) Telephone the poison control center and act on their advice.

D) Telephone the poison control center and act on their advice.

What action should the practical nurse (PN) implement when caring for a dying child and the family? A) Provide adequate oral intake on a regular schedule. B) Organize care to minimize contact that interrupts rest. C) Allow family to give basic care when the child is alert. D) Tell family to continue talking to the child until time of death.

D) Tell family to continue talking to the child until time of death.

What information about Reye's syndrome should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce with the parents of a school-aged child? A) Vaccinate your child before the age of 7 for Reye's syndrome. B) Keep the child at home for 2 days after the appearance of symptoms. C) Avoid giving any medication containing aspirin during a viral illness. D) Do not provide any citrus juices during a bacterial or viral illness.

C) Avoid giving any medication containing aspirin during a viral illness.

The mother of a 9-month-old girl provides the practical nurse information about her daughter's diet. Which statement by the mother may indicate why the infant has been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia? A) "She almost never drinks sugar water." B) "She has been on whole milk for 7 months." C) "She likes to chew on bread as a snack." D) "She doesn't like to eat peaches or pears."

B) "She has been on whole milk for 7 months."

A male adolescent who is newly diagnosed with a seizure disorder receives a prescription for an anticonvulsant. Which statement indicates the client is at risk for non-compliance with life-long medication management? A) "I hope I will be able to drive while taking these pills." B) "My friends will think I am a freak if I take these pills." C) "I don't want my parents monitoring my medications." D) "I will take the pills at home so others will not see me."

B) "My friends will think I am a freak if I take these pills."

A 3-year-old boy cries, kicks, and clings to his father when the parents try to leave the hospital room. The parents express their concern to the practical nurse (PN). What response should the PN provide? A) "You can avoid this if you wait to leave after your child falls asleep." B) "It is not helpful for parents to stay with children during hospitalization." C) "Your child is showing a normal response to the stress of hospitalization." D) "Your child's behavior indicates a need for psychological consultation."

C) "Your child is showing a normal response to the stress of hospitalization."

An adolescent female who comes to the school clinic is reluctant to confide her concerns to the practical nurse (PN). The PN tells the teen that confidentiality and privacy are maintained unless a life-threatening situation arises. Which principal supports the PN's response? A) The adolescent should be encouraged to seek help outside of the school clinic. B) Disclosures from the adolescent should be kept confidential. C) Honest information ensures establishing a trusting relationship. D) Minor adolescents should not be encouraged to disclose private concerns.

C) Honest information ensures establishing a trusting relationship.

When reviewing developmental changes with the parents of a 6-month-old infant, what information should the practical nurse reinforce? A) Allow the infant to self-feed finger foods. B) Develop strategies to teach the infant to sit up. C) Provide a developmentally safe environment for the infant. D) Explain that an increased appetite occurs in next 6 months.

C) Provide a developmentally safe environment for the infant.

What information should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce with the mother whose child has ringworm ( Tinea )? A) Ringworm is not contagious. B) Tinea infections are indicative of poor hygiene and uncleanliness. C) Tinea infections are spread by direct and indirect contact. D) Ringworm often subsides spontaneously.

C) Tinea infections are spread by direct and indirect contact.

A 2-year-old child who is hospitalized has become withdrawn and quiet on the fourth day after admission. The parent expresses concern about this change in behavior. Which explanation should the practical nurse (PN) provide? The child is A) adjusting to hospitalization. B) detaching emotionally from the family. C) experiencing the despair stage of separation. D) protesting the separation from the parents.

C) experiencing the despair stage of separation.

How should the practical nurse respond to a mother's inquiry regarding the appropriate time to start cleaning the teeth of her 3-month-old infant? A) "There is no need to begin until after all of the child's baby teeth are in." B) "You don't have to worry about that until your child can handle a toothbrush." C) "You can begin now using toothpaste on a gauze pad and wiping the gums." D) "Begin wiping the teeth with a washcloth and water when the first tooth appears."

D) "Begin wiping the teeth with a washcloth and water when the first tooth appears."

The practical nurse (PN) is reinforcing information about Lyme disease prevention with a client who is preparing for a camping trip with family. Which statement by the client informs the PN that the client understands the instruction? A) "I'll make sure my son wears dark clothing on his hike." B) "I'll get a prescription for amoxicillin to take with us." C) "We should all get the Lyme disease vaccine before our trip." D) "We will wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts in the woods."

D) "We will wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts in the woods."

The practical nurse (PN) arrives at the playgrounds and sees a school-aged boy who has eaten something he is allergic to and is demonstrating a stridor. Which action should the PN implement first? A) Determine what the child has eaten. B) Ask if the child is alone. C) Move the child to a different environment. D) Call for an ambulance.

D) Call for an ambulance.