Peds HESI Exam 2025\2026 Study Guide A+
Material 100%
After repeating the vital signs for a newborn who is 4 hours old, the practical nurse (PN)
obtains an axillary temperature of 97.2 F and places the newborn under a radiant heat
warmer. Which additional finding should the PN observe in the newborn? -
answersTremors of the hands during crying.
Which information should the practical nurse (PN) provide the parents about the
purpose of instilling erythromycin (llotycin) ophthalmic ointment in the newborn's eyes. -
answersProphylactic treatment for gonorrheal and chlamydia infection.
What is the most important action by the practical nurse (PN) in preventing neonatal
infection? - answersHand washing.
a client who took iron supplements during pregnancy delivers and infant by cesarean
section. On the second postpartum day, the client reports having a constipated stool
that is greenish-black in color. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) implement?
- answersRecord color and consistency of the stool.
A client is 5 weeks pregnant call the clinic to report that her home pregnancy test is
positive. She asks what she should be concerned about during the weeks before her
first visit. Which signs and symptoms should the practical nurse (PN) tell the client to
report immediately to the healthcare provider? (select all that apply) - answersA.
Vaginal bleeding
D. Membrane rupture
E. Severe headaches
A 3-day-old newborn who weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces at birth is breast feeding and
now weighs 6 pound and 15 ounces. Which action should the practical nurse take? -
answersDocument the weight loss
Which medication is prescribed for the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum? -
answersErythromycin (iilotycin)
A multiparous client's membranes rupture after 8 hours of labor. which action should the
practical nurse implement at this time? - answersAssess the fetal heart rate (FHR) and
pattern.
The practical nurse (PN) palpates fundal height at the umbilicus of a multiparous client
who has just given birth to an 8-pound boy when dark red blood comes from the client's
vagina. What action is most important for the PN to implement? - answersContinue to
massage the fundus until firm.
,Which client should the practical nurse (PN) closely monitor for severe after pains? -
answersA multigravida who is breastfeeding.
The practical nurse (PN) is assessing a client 2 hours after a vaginal delivery of a 7-
pound 3-ounce newborn and determines the client's bladder is distended. Which
additional finding should the PN report to the charge nurse? - answersExcessive
bleeding on the perineal pad.
The practical nurse (PN) places a newborn who is 4 hours old with an axillary
temperature of 97.2 F under the radiant heat warmer. Which rationale supports the PN's
action? - answersThe newborn's thin layer of subcutaneous fat provides poor insulation.
Which strategy should the practical nurse (PN) implement to prevent a puerperal
infection for a client during the first postpartum week? - answersImplement strict
medical and aseptic technique.
Which client is a candidate for the administration of human immune globulin (RhoGam)
after delivery? - answersThe Rh-negative mother who delivers a Rh-positive baby.
Which physiological cause(s) for constipation during pregnancy should the practical
nurse (PN) explain to a client in the first trimester? (Select all that apply.) - answersA.
Displacement of the colon.
E. Decrease in peristalsis.
A 14-week gestational client, who weighed 125 pounds before pregnancy, comes into
the health clinic for a prenatal appointment. The client's weight today is 129 pounds.
What action should the practical nurse (PN) implement? - answersDocument the finding
in the medical record.
The practical nurse (PN) is reviewing the informational packets with a client who is at
risk for preeclampsia. Which information is most important for the PN reinforce with the
client? - answersNotify the clinic if any vision changes are experienced.
A primigravida at 33-weeks gestation is admitted after being involved in a motor vehicle
collision (MVC). The client has no complaints of abdominal pain and no evidence of
vaginal bleeding. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) anticipate implementing
for the client? - answersObtain a biophysical profile.
A primigravida client asks the practical nurse (PN). "How will i know that I will be going
into labor soon?" Which sign should the PN provide that is a common sign? -
answersBurst of energy.
A primigravida client who is at 39-weeks gestation arrives at the clinic and tells the
practical nurse (PN) she is having contractions every 5 minutes. The healthcare
provider determines she is dilated 3 cm and in early labor. What action should the
,practical nurse (PN) implement when the client groans with each contraction? -
answersDemonstrate simple relaxation measures.
A primiparous client asks the practical nurse (PN) how much her newborn baby should
sleep every day. What information should the PN provide? - answersA newborn sleeps
most of the day and gradually will have increasing periods of wakefulness.
The mother asks the practical nurse (PN) what her infant may need if the
phenylketonuria(PKU) test is positive. What type of treatment should the PN tell the
mother will be required? - answersLifelong dietary management.
The practical nurse (PN) is discussing aspects of newborn hygiene with the new parents
as they prepare for discharge. Which information should the PN provide? -
answersCreate a draft-free environment when bathing the baby.
A mother who is preparing for discharge begins asking the practical nurse (PN)
questions about bottle feeding her infant. What information should the PN reinforce? -
answersBurp the newborn periodically during the feeding.
An infant who weight 4550 grams is delivered using forceps-assisted vaginal delivery.
What action is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to implement? -
answersMonitor for signs of hypoglycemia.
A young adult female comes to the health clinic to confirm a positive home pregnancy
test. After determining the client's last menstrual period (LMP) as August 5, what
expected date of birth (EDB) should the practical nurse (PN) calculate? - answersMay
12
The practical nurse (PN) quickly moves the crib of a male newborn and notices that his
legs flex. arms fan out, and then return toward his midline. What action should the PN
implement? - answersDocument the newborn demonstrates a Moro reflex.
Which finding for a 2-week-old infant should the practical nurse (PN) report to the
healthcare provider? - answersYellowish tinge around the eyes.
Which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) provide a neonate during
hospitalization? - answersOffer the neonate a pacifier between feedings.
A father expresses concern that his 3-day-old infant looks "yellow." Which information
should the practical nurse (PN) provide? - answersPhysiologic jaundice occurs from a
normal reduction in red blood cells.
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 - answersAnswer: 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." -
answersAnswer: 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 - answersAnswer: 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).
Material 100%
After repeating the vital signs for a newborn who is 4 hours old, the practical nurse (PN)
obtains an axillary temperature of 97.2 F and places the newborn under a radiant heat
warmer. Which additional finding should the PN observe in the newborn? -
answersTremors of the hands during crying.
Which information should the practical nurse (PN) provide the parents about the
purpose of instilling erythromycin (llotycin) ophthalmic ointment in the newborn's eyes. -
answersProphylactic treatment for gonorrheal and chlamydia infection.
What is the most important action by the practical nurse (PN) in preventing neonatal
infection? - answersHand washing.
a client who took iron supplements during pregnancy delivers and infant by cesarean
section. On the second postpartum day, the client reports having a constipated stool
that is greenish-black in color. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) implement?
- answersRecord color and consistency of the stool.
A client is 5 weeks pregnant call the clinic to report that her home pregnancy test is
positive. She asks what she should be concerned about during the weeks before her
first visit. Which signs and symptoms should the practical nurse (PN) tell the client to
report immediately to the healthcare provider? (select all that apply) - answersA.
Vaginal bleeding
D. Membrane rupture
E. Severe headaches
A 3-day-old newborn who weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces at birth is breast feeding and
now weighs 6 pound and 15 ounces. Which action should the practical nurse take? -
answersDocument the weight loss
Which medication is prescribed for the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum? -
answersErythromycin (iilotycin)
A multiparous client's membranes rupture after 8 hours of labor. which action should the
practical nurse implement at this time? - answersAssess the fetal heart rate (FHR) and
pattern.
The practical nurse (PN) palpates fundal height at the umbilicus of a multiparous client
who has just given birth to an 8-pound boy when dark red blood comes from the client's
vagina. What action is most important for the PN to implement? - answersContinue to
massage the fundus until firm.
,Which client should the practical nurse (PN) closely monitor for severe after pains? -
answersA multigravida who is breastfeeding.
The practical nurse (PN) is assessing a client 2 hours after a vaginal delivery of a 7-
pound 3-ounce newborn and determines the client's bladder is distended. Which
additional finding should the PN report to the charge nurse? - answersExcessive
bleeding on the perineal pad.
The practical nurse (PN) places a newborn who is 4 hours old with an axillary
temperature of 97.2 F under the radiant heat warmer. Which rationale supports the PN's
action? - answersThe newborn's thin layer of subcutaneous fat provides poor insulation.
Which strategy should the practical nurse (PN) implement to prevent a puerperal
infection for a client during the first postpartum week? - answersImplement strict
medical and aseptic technique.
Which client is a candidate for the administration of human immune globulin (RhoGam)
after delivery? - answersThe Rh-negative mother who delivers a Rh-positive baby.
Which physiological cause(s) for constipation during pregnancy should the practical
nurse (PN) explain to a client in the first trimester? (Select all that apply.) - answersA.
Displacement of the colon.
E. Decrease in peristalsis.
A 14-week gestational client, who weighed 125 pounds before pregnancy, comes into
the health clinic for a prenatal appointment. The client's weight today is 129 pounds.
What action should the practical nurse (PN) implement? - answersDocument the finding
in the medical record.
The practical nurse (PN) is reviewing the informational packets with a client who is at
risk for preeclampsia. Which information is most important for the PN reinforce with the
client? - answersNotify the clinic if any vision changes are experienced.
A primigravida at 33-weeks gestation is admitted after being involved in a motor vehicle
collision (MVC). The client has no complaints of abdominal pain and no evidence of
vaginal bleeding. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) anticipate implementing
for the client? - answersObtain a biophysical profile.
A primigravida client asks the practical nurse (PN). "How will i know that I will be going
into labor soon?" Which sign should the PN provide that is a common sign? -
answersBurst of energy.
A primigravida client who is at 39-weeks gestation arrives at the clinic and tells the
practical nurse (PN) she is having contractions every 5 minutes. The healthcare
provider determines she is dilated 3 cm and in early labor. What action should the
,practical nurse (PN) implement when the client groans with each contraction? -
answersDemonstrate simple relaxation measures.
A primiparous client asks the practical nurse (PN) how much her newborn baby should
sleep every day. What information should the PN provide? - answersA newborn sleeps
most of the day and gradually will have increasing periods of wakefulness.
The mother asks the practical nurse (PN) what her infant may need if the
phenylketonuria(PKU) test is positive. What type of treatment should the PN tell the
mother will be required? - answersLifelong dietary management.
The practical nurse (PN) is discussing aspects of newborn hygiene with the new parents
as they prepare for discharge. Which information should the PN provide? -
answersCreate a draft-free environment when bathing the baby.
A mother who is preparing for discharge begins asking the practical nurse (PN)
questions about bottle feeding her infant. What information should the PN reinforce? -
answersBurp the newborn periodically during the feeding.
An infant who weight 4550 grams is delivered using forceps-assisted vaginal delivery.
What action is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to implement? -
answersMonitor for signs of hypoglycemia.
A young adult female comes to the health clinic to confirm a positive home pregnancy
test. After determining the client's last menstrual period (LMP) as August 5, what
expected date of birth (EDB) should the practical nurse (PN) calculate? - answersMay
12
The practical nurse (PN) quickly moves the crib of a male newborn and notices that his
legs flex. arms fan out, and then return toward his midline. What action should the PN
implement? - answersDocument the newborn demonstrates a Moro reflex.
Which finding for a 2-week-old infant should the practical nurse (PN) report to the
healthcare provider? - answersYellowish tinge around the eyes.
Which intervention should the practical nurse (PN) provide a neonate during
hospitalization? - answersOffer the neonate a pacifier between feedings.
A father expresses concern that his 3-day-old infant looks "yellow." Which information
should the practical nurse (PN) provide? - answersPhysiologic jaundice occurs from a
normal reduction in red blood cells.
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 - answersAnswer: 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." -
answersAnswer: 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 - answersAnswer: 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).
