HESI Maternity & Pediatrics (PED) Exam 2025-2026:
The Ultimate Study Guide with Real Questions and
Rationales to Pass on Your First Attempt
Which information is most important for the PN to reinforce with an adolescent who has hepatitis A
about preventing the spread of hepatitis in the home?
a) wash the adolescent's dishes separately
b) ensure that all family members wash their hands before eating
c) prevent the adolescent from preparing food
d) encourage the adolescent to wear a mask over the nose and mouth
Answer: C
Rationale:
Hepatitis A is spread through fecal oral contamination, so the chance of contaminating others is best
reduced when the client does not participate in any food prep (C). Although (B) is always recommended,
the adolescent is an infectious reservoir and should refrain from family meal prep during the period of
communicability. (A and D) are not necessary.
The mother of a 9 month old girl provides the PN 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 doesn't like to eat peaches or pears
b) she has been on whole milk for 7 months
c) she almost never drinks sugar water
d) she likes to chew on bread as a snack
Answer: B
Rationale:
Since cow's milk lacks iron, zinc, & vitamin E, which are necessary for a 9 month old infant's growth &
Page 1 of 80
,development (B) indicates a possible etiology for the anemia. (A, C, and D) are not r/t the etiology of
iron deficiency anemia.
The practical nurse (PN) palpates the anterior fontanel of a 14 month old toddler and finds that it is
closed. What action should thePN implement?
a) refer the toddler for a developmental evaluation
b) perform a focused neurological examination
c) report premature cranial suture closure to the healthcare provider
d) document the normal finding for the 14 month old toddler
Answer: D
The anterior fontanel normally closes between 12 and 18 months of age, so this finding should be
documented as a normal finding for the 14 month old toddler (D). (A, B, and C) are unnecessary.
When reviewing the adverse effects of the DTap (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) vaccine
with parents whose child is being immunized, what side effect should the practical nurse convey as
most common?
a) persistent crying and hyperpyrexia
b) local erythema and edema at injection site
c) vomiting and dehydration
d) seizures and hypo-responsive episodes
Answer: B
Rationale:
Mild side effects of the DTaP vaccine that resolve in 24-48 hours after administration include mild fever,
redness and swelling at the injection site (B), fussiness, & a slight decrease in appetite. Serious side
effects (A and D) usually occur after 48 hours of administration and manifest signs of encephalopathy,
which include persistent, inconsolable crying, fever of 104.8F, seizures, & hypotonic hypo-responsive
episodes. (C) is not an expected reaction.
When reviewing the dietary guidelines for a child with nephrotic syndrome, which diet should the
practical nurse reinforce with the parents?
a) low sodium
b) high protein
c) low fat
d) high carbohydrate
Answer: A
Anasarca, generalized edema associated with nephrotic syndrome, indicates that fluid retention should
Page 2 of 80
,be managed with a diet that is low in sodium (A). (B, C, and D) are not dietary recommendations in the
management of nephrosis.
What age appropriate play activity should the PN suggest to the parents of a 7 month old infant to
encourage visual stimulation?
a) play peek a boo
b) show how to clasp hands
c) play pat a cake
d) imitate animal sounds
Answer: A
Infant stimulation is as important for psychological growth as food is for physical growth. By 6 months-1
year, play is a very important part of an infant's day and involves sensorimotor skills. Infants are very
personable and enjoy playing games such as peek a boo, an activity for visual stimulation (A). (B) is an
appropriate activity at 7 months for kinetic stimulation. (C) is more appropriate for auditory stimulation
for infants 9-12 months old. (D) is an age appropriate activity at 7 months for auditory stimulation.
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 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
c) i don't want my parents monitoring my medications
d) i hope i will be able to drive while taking these pills
Answer: B
Rationale:
Adolescents are concerned with being normal, so the statement indicating his fear that his peer group
will not accept him places the adolescence at risk for noncompliance (B). The ability to drive an
automobile (D), maintaining independence (C), and privacy (A) are common tasks of adolescence, which
should not hinder compliance.
A 4 year old girl is brought to the emergent care center with a frog like croaking sound on inspiration.
She is having difficulty breathing and has her chin trust forward with her mouth open. She is drooling,
agitated, and insists on sitting upright. What action should the PN take?
a) Auscultate the lungs and make preparations for placing the child in a mist tent.
b) Examine the oral pharynx and report to the HCP
c) make the child lie down on the stretcher & rest quietly
c) notify the HCP & prep for immediate intubation of tracheotomy
Page 3 of 80
, Answer: D
Rationale:
The child is exhibiting signs of acute epiglottis, a serious obstructive, inflammatory process that can
rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress, which requires immediate intubation or tracheotomy (D)
by the HCP to secure the airway. (A, B, and C) are contraindicated.
A toddler with a chronic illness that requires frequent hospitalization is likely to experience which
psychosocial developmental problem?
a) interference with the development of autonomy
b) distortion of differentiation of self from parent
c) delayed language, fine motor, and self care skill
d) fixation with the feelings of inadequacy
Answer: A
Rationale:
Frequent hospitalization for a toddler with a chronic illness may experience interference with the
development of autonomy (A), which is a major psychosocial task of the age group 1-3 years of age.
Achieving other psychosocial development tasks can be impeded during the stages of school age (B),
infancy (C), and preschool age children (D).
After reinforcing information to treat a sprained ankle, what statement by the adolescent indicates
tot he PN that further instruction is needed?
a) keep the leg elevated when sitting
b) put an ice pack on the ankle, alternating 30 minutes on & 30 minutes off
c) apply warm compresses to the ankle for the first 24 hours
d) wrap the ankle in an elastic bandage for support
Answer: C
Rationale:
The "RICE" treatment (rest, ice, compression, & elevation) should be implemented for a sprain. Warm
compresses (C) reflects the need for further instruction because heat causes vasodilation which can
increase fluid accumulation in the injured area and increase swelling. (A, B, and D) reflect correct
understanding of the treatment protocol.
Which response should the PN provide a school age child who asks to talk with a dying sister?
a) touch provides tactile presence of others if she does not responds to words
b) talk loudly to ensure the dying client hears & recognizes others voices
Page 4 of 80
The Ultimate Study Guide with Real Questions and
Rationales to Pass on Your First Attempt
Which information is most important for the PN to reinforce with an adolescent who has hepatitis A
about preventing the spread of hepatitis in the home?
a) wash the adolescent's dishes separately
b) ensure that all family members wash their hands before eating
c) prevent the adolescent from preparing food
d) encourage the adolescent to wear a mask over the nose and mouth
Answer: C
Rationale:
Hepatitis A is spread through fecal oral contamination, so the chance of contaminating others is best
reduced when the client does not participate in any food prep (C). Although (B) is always recommended,
the adolescent is an infectious reservoir and should refrain from family meal prep during the period of
communicability. (A and D) are not necessary.
The mother of a 9 month old girl provides the PN 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 doesn't like to eat peaches or pears
b) she has been on whole milk for 7 months
c) she almost never drinks sugar water
d) she likes to chew on bread as a snack
Answer: B
Rationale:
Since cow's milk lacks iron, zinc, & vitamin E, which are necessary for a 9 month old infant's growth &
Page 1 of 80
,development (B) indicates a possible etiology for the anemia. (A, C, and D) are not r/t the etiology of
iron deficiency anemia.
The practical nurse (PN) palpates the anterior fontanel of a 14 month old toddler and finds that it is
closed. What action should thePN implement?
a) refer the toddler for a developmental evaluation
b) perform a focused neurological examination
c) report premature cranial suture closure to the healthcare provider
d) document the normal finding for the 14 month old toddler
Answer: D
The anterior fontanel normally closes between 12 and 18 months of age, so this finding should be
documented as a normal finding for the 14 month old toddler (D). (A, B, and C) are unnecessary.
When reviewing the adverse effects of the DTap (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) vaccine
with parents whose child is being immunized, what side effect should the practical nurse convey as
most common?
a) persistent crying and hyperpyrexia
b) local erythema and edema at injection site
c) vomiting and dehydration
d) seizures and hypo-responsive episodes
Answer: B
Rationale:
Mild side effects of the DTaP vaccine that resolve in 24-48 hours after administration include mild fever,
redness and swelling at the injection site (B), fussiness, & a slight decrease in appetite. Serious side
effects (A and D) usually occur after 48 hours of administration and manifest signs of encephalopathy,
which include persistent, inconsolable crying, fever of 104.8F, seizures, & hypotonic hypo-responsive
episodes. (C) is not an expected reaction.
When reviewing the dietary guidelines for a child with nephrotic syndrome, which diet should the
practical nurse reinforce with the parents?
a) low sodium
b) high protein
c) low fat
d) high carbohydrate
Answer: A
Anasarca, generalized edema associated with nephrotic syndrome, indicates that fluid retention should
Page 2 of 80
,be managed with a diet that is low in sodium (A). (B, C, and D) are not dietary recommendations in the
management of nephrosis.
What age appropriate play activity should the PN suggest to the parents of a 7 month old infant to
encourage visual stimulation?
a) play peek a boo
b) show how to clasp hands
c) play pat a cake
d) imitate animal sounds
Answer: A
Infant stimulation is as important for psychological growth as food is for physical growth. By 6 months-1
year, play is a very important part of an infant's day and involves sensorimotor skills. Infants are very
personable and enjoy playing games such as peek a boo, an activity for visual stimulation (A). (B) is an
appropriate activity at 7 months for kinetic stimulation. (C) is more appropriate for auditory stimulation
for infants 9-12 months old. (D) is an age appropriate activity at 7 months for auditory stimulation.
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 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
c) i don't want my parents monitoring my medications
d) i hope i will be able to drive while taking these pills
Answer: B
Rationale:
Adolescents are concerned with being normal, so the statement indicating his fear that his peer group
will not accept him places the adolescence at risk for noncompliance (B). The ability to drive an
automobile (D), maintaining independence (C), and privacy (A) are common tasks of adolescence, which
should not hinder compliance.
A 4 year old girl is brought to the emergent care center with a frog like croaking sound on inspiration.
She is having difficulty breathing and has her chin trust forward with her mouth open. She is drooling,
agitated, and insists on sitting upright. What action should the PN take?
a) Auscultate the lungs and make preparations for placing the child in a mist tent.
b) Examine the oral pharynx and report to the HCP
c) make the child lie down on the stretcher & rest quietly
c) notify the HCP & prep for immediate intubation of tracheotomy
Page 3 of 80
, Answer: D
Rationale:
The child is exhibiting signs of acute epiglottis, a serious obstructive, inflammatory process that can
rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress, which requires immediate intubation or tracheotomy (D)
by the HCP to secure the airway. (A, B, and C) are contraindicated.
A toddler with a chronic illness that requires frequent hospitalization is likely to experience which
psychosocial developmental problem?
a) interference with the development of autonomy
b) distortion of differentiation of self from parent
c) delayed language, fine motor, and self care skill
d) fixation with the feelings of inadequacy
Answer: A
Rationale:
Frequent hospitalization for a toddler with a chronic illness may experience interference with the
development of autonomy (A), which is a major psychosocial task of the age group 1-3 years of age.
Achieving other psychosocial development tasks can be impeded during the stages of school age (B),
infancy (C), and preschool age children (D).
After reinforcing information to treat a sprained ankle, what statement by the adolescent indicates
tot he PN that further instruction is needed?
a) keep the leg elevated when sitting
b) put an ice pack on the ankle, alternating 30 minutes on & 30 minutes off
c) apply warm compresses to the ankle for the first 24 hours
d) wrap the ankle in an elastic bandage for support
Answer: C
Rationale:
The "RICE" treatment (rest, ice, compression, & elevation) should be implemented for a sprain. Warm
compresses (C) reflects the need for further instruction because heat causes vasodilation which can
increase fluid accumulation in the injured area and increase swelling. (A, B, and D) reflect correct
understanding of the treatment protocol.
Which response should the PN provide a school age child who asks to talk with a dying sister?
a) touch provides tactile presence of others if she does not responds to words
b) talk loudly to ensure the dying client hears & recognizes others voices
Page 4 of 80
