Pediatrics HESI Questions and 100% Correct
Answers 2025/2026[verified]
A 6-month-
B
old infant with congestive heart failure (CHF) is receiving digoxin elixir. Which observation by the nurs
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
e warrants immediate intervention?
B B B
B Apical heart rate of 60. B B B B
B Sweating across the forehead. B B B
B Doesn't suck well. B B
B Respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute. - ANSWER-Apical heart rate of 60.
B B B B B B B B B B B B
A heart rate of 60 (A) is much lower than normal for a 6-month-
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
old and warrants immediate intervention. The normal heart rate for a 6-month-
B B B B B B B B B B B
old is 80 to 150 BPM when awake, and a rate of 70 while sleeping is considered within normal limits. (
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
B and C) are expected symptoms of heart failure in an infant. (D) is within normal limits for an infant.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
The nurse is teaching the parents of a 5-year-
B B B B B B B B
old with cystic fibrosis about respiratory treatments. Which statement indicates to the nurse that the
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
parents understand? B
B Perform postural drainage before starting aerosol therapy.
B B B B B B
B Give respiratory treatments when the child is coughing a lot.
B B B B B B B B B
B Administer aerosol therapy followed by postural drainage before meals.
B B B B B B B B
Ensure respiratory therapy is done daily during any respiratory infection. - ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B B B B
Administer aerosol therapy followed by postural drainage before meals.
B B B B B B B B
Postural drainage for a child with cystic fibrosis is most effective when performed after nebulization a
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
nd before meals (C) or at least 1 hour after eating to prevent nausea and vomiting. Postural drainage u
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ses gravity to promote mucous removal after nebulization (A) treatments which open the airways. Pul
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
monary toileting or respiratory treatments should be given 3 to 4 times daily, not episodically (B and D
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
).
A female teenager is taking oral tetracycline HCL (Achromycin V) for acne vulgaris. What is the most im
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
portant instruction for the nurse to include in this client's teaching plan?
B B B B B B B B B B B
B Use sunscreen when lying by the pool.
B B B B B B B
B Cleanse the skin at least 4 times a day.
B B B B B B B B
B Take the medication with a glass of milk.
B B B B B B B
B Menstrual periods may become irregular. - ANSWER-Use sunscreen when lying by the pool.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
,Photosensitivity is a common side effect of tetracycline HCL (Achromycin V) therapy. Severe sunburn c
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
an occur with minimal sun exposure and clients should be instructed to avoid sunlight and to use suns
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
creen (A). (B and D) are not related to tetracycline HCL (Achromycin V) therapy. (C) should be avoided
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
because dairy products interfere with the absorption of tetracyclines.
B B B B B B B B
What preoperative nursing intervention should be included in the plan of care for an infant with pylori
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
c stenosis?
B
B Monitor for signs of metabolic acidosis.B B B B B
B Estimate the quantity of diarrhea stools.
B B B B B
B Place in a supine position after feeding.
B B B B B B
B Observe for projectile vomiting. - ANSWER-Observe for projectile vomiting.
B B B B B B B B
Projectile vomiting (D), which contributes to metabolic alkalosis (A), is the classic sign of pyloric stenos
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
is. (B) is not indicated. (C) is dangerous, due to the potential for aspiration with frequent vomiting.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
An infant is born with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and surgery is planned to correct the defect. Th
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
e nurse recognizes that surgical correction is designed to achieve which outcome?
B B B B B B B B B B B
B Stop the flow of unoxygenated blood into systemic circulation.
B B B B B B B B
B Increase the flow of unoxygenated blood to the lungs.
B B B B B B B B B
B Prevent the return of oxygenated blood to the lungs.
B B B B B B B B B
Reduce peripheral tissue hypoxia and nailbed clubbing - ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B
Prevent the return of oxygenated blood to the lungs.
B B B B B B B B B
Closure of VSDs stops oxygenated blood from being shunted from the left ventricle to the right ventric
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
le (C). VSDs are acyanotic defects, which means that no unoxygenated blood enters the systemic circul
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ation (A and B). (D) is common with Tetrology of Fallot, which is a cyanotic defect.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
A 3-week-old newborn is brought to the clinic for follow-
B B B B B B B B B
up after a home birth. The mother reports that her child bottle feeds for 5 minutes only and then falls
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
asleep. The nurse auscultates a loud murmur characteristic of a ventricular septal defect (VSD), and fin
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ds the newborn is acyanotic with a respiratory rate of 64 breaths per minute. What instruction should
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
the nurse provide the mother to ensure the infant is receiving adequate intake? (Select all that apply.)
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
A. Monitor the the infant's weight and number of wet diapers per day.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
B. Increase the infant's intake per feeding by 1 to 2 ounces per week.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
C. Mix the dose of prophylactic antibiotic in a full bottle of formula.
B B B B B B B B B B B B
,D. Allow the infant to rest and refeed on demand or every 2 hours.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
E. Use a softer nipple or increase the size of the nipple opening. - ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
A. Monitor the the infant's weight and number of wet diapers per day.
B B B B B B B B B B B B
B. Increase the infant's intake per feeding by 1 to 2 ounces per week.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
D. Allow the infant to rest and refeed on demand or every 2 hours.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
E. Use a softer nipple or increase the size of the nipple opening.
B B B B B B B B B B B B
Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for infants with VSDs, but should not be mixed in a bottle of fo
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
rmula (C) because it is difficult to ensure that the total dose is consumed.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
They should be monitored for weight gain and at least 6 wet diapers per day (A). A one-
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
month old infant should ingest 2 to 4 ounces of formula per feeding and progress to about 30 ounces
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
per day by 4-months of age (B)
B B B B B B
Preoperative nursing care for a child with Wilms' tumor should include which intervention?
B B B B B B B B B B B B
B Gently percuss the abdomen for evidence of trapped air.
B B B B B B B B
B Observe the abdomen for any noticeable discolorations.
B B B B B B
B Apply cold compresses to the abdomen to reduce edema.
B B B B B B B B
Put a sign on the bed reading, "DO NOT PALPATE ABDOMEN." - ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
Put a sign on the bed reading, "DO NOT PALPATE ABDOMEN."
B B B B B B B B B B
Prevention of abdominal palpation (D) minimizes the risk of rupturing the encapsulated tumor and su
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
bsequent metastasis. (A) is unnecessary, and this action could traumatize the tumor in the same mann
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
er as palpation. (B and C) are incorrect since the abdomen is not discolored and cold compresses are n
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ot indicated.
B
At 8 a.m. the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) informs the charge nurse that a female adolescent
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
client with acute glomerulonephritis has a blood pressure of 210/110. The 4 a.m. blood pressure readi
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ng was 170/88. The client reports to the UAP that she is upset because her boyfriend did not visit last
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
night. What action should the nurse take first?
B B B B B B B
B Give the client her 9 a.m. prescription for an oral diuretic early.
B B B B B B B B B B B
B Administer PRN prescription of nifedipine (Procardia) sublingually.
B B B B B B B
B Notify the healthcare provider and inform the nursing supervisor of the client's condition.
B B B B B B B B B B B B
Attempt to calm the client and retake the blood pressure in thirty minutes. - ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
Administer PRN prescription of nifedipine (Procardia) sublingually.
B B B B B B
, Sublingual Procardia (B) lowers blood pressure very quickly, and this should be done first. (A) may also
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
be done, but oral diuretics do not work as rapidly as the sublingual antihypertensive. When notifying t
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
he healthcare provider, the first thing he/she will want to know is if the PRN antihypertensive has bee
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
n administered (C). (D) does not consider the seriousness of this finding. The nurse should stay with th
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
e client until the blood pressure is reduced.
B B B B B B B
The nurse is assessing an 8-month-
B B B B B
old child who has a medical diagnosis of Tetrology of Fallot. Which symptom is this client most likely to
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
exhibit?
B
B Bradycardia.
B Machinery murmur. B
B Weak pedal pulses. B B
B Clubbed fingers. - ANSWER-Clubbed fingers.
B B B B B
Tetrology of Fallot, a cyanotic heart defect, causes clubbing of fingers and toes (D) due to tissue hypoxi
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
a. Tachycardia, not (A), is a manifestation of congenital heart disease. (B) is a classic sign of ventricular
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
septal defect. (C) is characteristic of coarctation of the aorta.
B B B B B B B B B
Surgery is being delayed for an infant with undescended testes. In collaboration with the healthcare pr
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ovider and the family, which prescription should the nurse anticipate?
B B B B B B B B B
A trial of adrenocorticotrophic hormone injections.
B B B B B
Frequent stimulation of the cremasteric reflex.
B B B B B
A trial of human chorionic gonadotrophic hormone.
B B B B B B B
Frequent warm baths to gently dilate the scrotal area. - ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B B
A trial of human chorionic gonadotrophic hormone.
B B B B B B B
A trial of HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophic hormone) (C) may aid in testicular descent, but does n
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ot replace surgical repair for true undescended testes. Undescended testes (cryptorchidism) may be f
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ound in the inguinal canal due to exaggerated cremasteric reflex. (A) is not indicated. Stimulation of th
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
e cremasteric reflex causes the testes to ascend rather than descend in the scrotum (B). (D) may relax
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
the cremasteric muscle, but may not cause the testes to descend.
B B B B B B B B B B
A preschool-
B
age child who is hospitalized for hypospadias repair is most strongly influenced by which behavior?
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
B Ability to communicate verbally.
B B B
Answers 2025/2026[verified]
A 6-month-
B
old infant with congestive heart failure (CHF) is receiving digoxin elixir. Which observation by the nurs
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
e warrants immediate intervention?
B B B
B Apical heart rate of 60. B B B B
B Sweating across the forehead. B B B
B Doesn't suck well. B B
B Respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute. - ANSWER-Apical heart rate of 60.
B B B B B B B B B B B B
A heart rate of 60 (A) is much lower than normal for a 6-month-
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
old and warrants immediate intervention. The normal heart rate for a 6-month-
B B B B B B B B B B B
old is 80 to 150 BPM when awake, and a rate of 70 while sleeping is considered within normal limits. (
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
B and C) are expected symptoms of heart failure in an infant. (D) is within normal limits for an infant.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
The nurse is teaching the parents of a 5-year-
B B B B B B B B
old with cystic fibrosis about respiratory treatments. Which statement indicates to the nurse that the
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
parents understand? B
B Perform postural drainage before starting aerosol therapy.
B B B B B B
B Give respiratory treatments when the child is coughing a lot.
B B B B B B B B B
B Administer aerosol therapy followed by postural drainage before meals.
B B B B B B B B
Ensure respiratory therapy is done daily during any respiratory infection. - ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B B B B
Administer aerosol therapy followed by postural drainage before meals.
B B B B B B B B
Postural drainage for a child with cystic fibrosis is most effective when performed after nebulization a
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
nd before meals (C) or at least 1 hour after eating to prevent nausea and vomiting. Postural drainage u
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ses gravity to promote mucous removal after nebulization (A) treatments which open the airways. Pul
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
monary toileting or respiratory treatments should be given 3 to 4 times daily, not episodically (B and D
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
).
A female teenager is taking oral tetracycline HCL (Achromycin V) for acne vulgaris. What is the most im
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
portant instruction for the nurse to include in this client's teaching plan?
B B B B B B B B B B B
B Use sunscreen when lying by the pool.
B B B B B B B
B Cleanse the skin at least 4 times a day.
B B B B B B B B
B Take the medication with a glass of milk.
B B B B B B B
B Menstrual periods may become irregular. - ANSWER-Use sunscreen when lying by the pool.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
,Photosensitivity is a common side effect of tetracycline HCL (Achromycin V) therapy. Severe sunburn c
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
an occur with minimal sun exposure and clients should be instructed to avoid sunlight and to use suns
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
creen (A). (B and D) are not related to tetracycline HCL (Achromycin V) therapy. (C) should be avoided
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
because dairy products interfere with the absorption of tetracyclines.
B B B B B B B B
What preoperative nursing intervention should be included in the plan of care for an infant with pylori
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
c stenosis?
B
B Monitor for signs of metabolic acidosis.B B B B B
B Estimate the quantity of diarrhea stools.
B B B B B
B Place in a supine position after feeding.
B B B B B B
B Observe for projectile vomiting. - ANSWER-Observe for projectile vomiting.
B B B B B B B B
Projectile vomiting (D), which contributes to metabolic alkalosis (A), is the classic sign of pyloric stenos
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
is. (B) is not indicated. (C) is dangerous, due to the potential for aspiration with frequent vomiting.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
An infant is born with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and surgery is planned to correct the defect. Th
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
e nurse recognizes that surgical correction is designed to achieve which outcome?
B B B B B B B B B B B
B Stop the flow of unoxygenated blood into systemic circulation.
B B B B B B B B
B Increase the flow of unoxygenated blood to the lungs.
B B B B B B B B B
B Prevent the return of oxygenated blood to the lungs.
B B B B B B B B B
Reduce peripheral tissue hypoxia and nailbed clubbing - ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B
Prevent the return of oxygenated blood to the lungs.
B B B B B B B B B
Closure of VSDs stops oxygenated blood from being shunted from the left ventricle to the right ventric
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
le (C). VSDs are acyanotic defects, which means that no unoxygenated blood enters the systemic circul
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ation (A and B). (D) is common with Tetrology of Fallot, which is a cyanotic defect.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
A 3-week-old newborn is brought to the clinic for follow-
B B B B B B B B B
up after a home birth. The mother reports that her child bottle feeds for 5 minutes only and then falls
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
asleep. The nurse auscultates a loud murmur characteristic of a ventricular septal defect (VSD), and fin
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ds the newborn is acyanotic with a respiratory rate of 64 breaths per minute. What instruction should
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
the nurse provide the mother to ensure the infant is receiving adequate intake? (Select all that apply.)
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
A. Monitor the the infant's weight and number of wet diapers per day.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
B. Increase the infant's intake per feeding by 1 to 2 ounces per week.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
C. Mix the dose of prophylactic antibiotic in a full bottle of formula.
B B B B B B B B B B B B
,D. Allow the infant to rest and refeed on demand or every 2 hours.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
E. Use a softer nipple or increase the size of the nipple opening. - ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
A. Monitor the the infant's weight and number of wet diapers per day.
B B B B B B B B B B B B
B. Increase the infant's intake per feeding by 1 to 2 ounces per week.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
D. Allow the infant to rest and refeed on demand or every 2 hours.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
E. Use a softer nipple or increase the size of the nipple opening.
B B B B B B B B B B B B
Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for infants with VSDs, but should not be mixed in a bottle of fo
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
rmula (C) because it is difficult to ensure that the total dose is consumed.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
They should be monitored for weight gain and at least 6 wet diapers per day (A). A one-
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
month old infant should ingest 2 to 4 ounces of formula per feeding and progress to about 30 ounces
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
per day by 4-months of age (B)
B B B B B B
Preoperative nursing care for a child with Wilms' tumor should include which intervention?
B B B B B B B B B B B B
B Gently percuss the abdomen for evidence of trapped air.
B B B B B B B B
B Observe the abdomen for any noticeable discolorations.
B B B B B B
B Apply cold compresses to the abdomen to reduce edema.
B B B B B B B B
Put a sign on the bed reading, "DO NOT PALPATE ABDOMEN." - ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
Put a sign on the bed reading, "DO NOT PALPATE ABDOMEN."
B B B B B B B B B B
Prevention of abdominal palpation (D) minimizes the risk of rupturing the encapsulated tumor and su
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
bsequent metastasis. (A) is unnecessary, and this action could traumatize the tumor in the same mann
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
er as palpation. (B and C) are incorrect since the abdomen is not discolored and cold compresses are n
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ot indicated.
B
At 8 a.m. the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) informs the charge nurse that a female adolescent
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
client with acute glomerulonephritis has a blood pressure of 210/110. The 4 a.m. blood pressure readi
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ng was 170/88. The client reports to the UAP that she is upset because her boyfriend did not visit last
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
night. What action should the nurse take first?
B B B B B B B
B Give the client her 9 a.m. prescription for an oral diuretic early.
B B B B B B B B B B B
B Administer PRN prescription of nifedipine (Procardia) sublingually.
B B B B B B B
B Notify the healthcare provider and inform the nursing supervisor of the client's condition.
B B B B B B B B B B B B
Attempt to calm the client and retake the blood pressure in thirty minutes. - ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
Administer PRN prescription of nifedipine (Procardia) sublingually.
B B B B B B
, Sublingual Procardia (B) lowers blood pressure very quickly, and this should be done first. (A) may also
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
be done, but oral diuretics do not work as rapidly as the sublingual antihypertensive. When notifying t
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
he healthcare provider, the first thing he/she will want to know is if the PRN antihypertensive has bee
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
n administered (C). (D) does not consider the seriousness of this finding. The nurse should stay with th
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
e client until the blood pressure is reduced.
B B B B B B B
The nurse is assessing an 8-month-
B B B B B
old child who has a medical diagnosis of Tetrology of Fallot. Which symptom is this client most likely to
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
exhibit?
B
B Bradycardia.
B Machinery murmur. B
B Weak pedal pulses. B B
B Clubbed fingers. - ANSWER-Clubbed fingers.
B B B B B
Tetrology of Fallot, a cyanotic heart defect, causes clubbing of fingers and toes (D) due to tissue hypoxi
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
a. Tachycardia, not (A), is a manifestation of congenital heart disease. (B) is a classic sign of ventricular
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
septal defect. (C) is characteristic of coarctation of the aorta.
B B B B B B B B B
Surgery is being delayed for an infant with undescended testes. In collaboration with the healthcare pr
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ovider and the family, which prescription should the nurse anticipate?
B B B B B B B B B
A trial of adrenocorticotrophic hormone injections.
B B B B B
Frequent stimulation of the cremasteric reflex.
B B B B B
A trial of human chorionic gonadotrophic hormone.
B B B B B B B
Frequent warm baths to gently dilate the scrotal area. - ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B B
A trial of human chorionic gonadotrophic hormone.
B B B B B B B
A trial of HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophic hormone) (C) may aid in testicular descent, but does n
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ot replace surgical repair for true undescended testes. Undescended testes (cryptorchidism) may be f
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ound in the inguinal canal due to exaggerated cremasteric reflex. (A) is not indicated. Stimulation of th
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
e cremasteric reflex causes the testes to ascend rather than descend in the scrotum (B). (D) may relax
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
the cremasteric muscle, but may not cause the testes to descend.
B B B B B B B B B B
A preschool-
B
age child who is hospitalized for hypospadias repair is most strongly influenced by which behavior?
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
B Ability to communicate verbally.
B B B
