HESI RN PEDIATRICS EXAM
PRACTICE Questions and Answers
Question 1
The nurse is assessing a 9-year-old boy who has been
admitted to the hospital with possible acute
poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN). In
obtaining his history, what information is MOST
significant?
A. A sore throat last week
B. History of hypertension
C. Diuresis during the night
D. Back pain for a few days
Correct Answer: A. A sore throat last week
Rationale: APSGN typically develops 1 to 3 weeks following a
Group A β -hemolytic streptococcal infection (such as
pharyngitis/sore throat or impetigo).
Question 2
The nurse is measuring the frontal occipital circumference
(FOC) of a 3-month-old infant and notes that the FOC has
,increased 5 inches (12.7 cm) since birth and the child's
head appears large in relation to body size. Which action
is MOST important for the nurse to take next?
A. Plot the measurement on the infant's growth chart.
B. Observe the infant for sunset eyes.
C. Measure the infant's head-to-heel length.
D. Palpate the anterior fontanel for tension and
bulging.
Correct Answer: D. Palpate the anterior fontanel for
tension and bulging.
Rationale: A rapid increase in head circumference suggests
hydrocephalus or increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Palpating
the anterior fontanel for bulging or tension provides immediate
clinical evidence of elevated ICP.
Question 3
A female infant recently admitted with vomiting and
diarrhea now weighs 10 kg. Her weight at a previous well-
baby visit was 11 kg. What is the percentage of body
weight loss for this infant?
A. 4%
B. 9%
C. 10%
, D. 5%
Calculations &
Correct Answer:
1. Calculate weight loss:
Original Weight−Current Weight =11 kg−10 kg=1 kg
2. Calculate percentage loss:
( 111 kgkg ) ×100=9.09 % ≈ 9 %
Rationale: A weight loss of 9% indicates moderate-to-severe
dehydration in an infant.
Question 4
A male high school student with Type 1 diabetes tests his
blood glucose level before playing a game of soccer and
obtains a reading of 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). Based on the
reading, which action should the nurse take?
A. Tell him to eat a sandwich and fruit before
beginning the game.
B. Check his urine for ketones.
C. Give him permission to go ahead and play soccer.
D. Call the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer: A. Tell him to eat a sandwich and fruit
before beginning the game.
, Rationale: Exercise increases insulin sensitivity and glucose
uptake by skeletal muscle. Although 180 mg/dL is slightly elevated,
physical activity will lower his blood glucose. Consuming a
complex carbohydrate and protein snack before playing prevents
exercise-induced hypoglycemia.
Question 5
A 7-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a
diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever. In obtaining a health
history from the child's mother, the recent occurrence of
which illness is MOST significant?
A. Sore throat
B. Chickenpox
C. Mumps
D. Influenza
Correct Answer: A. Sore throat
Rationale: Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune inflammatory
reaction that occurs 2 to 4 weeks following an untreated or
inadequately treated Group A β -hemolytic streptococcal
pharyngitis (sore throat).
Question 6
A mother brings her 2-month-old son to the clinic for a
well-baby exam. During the assessment, the nurse finds
PRACTICE Questions and Answers
Question 1
The nurse is assessing a 9-year-old boy who has been
admitted to the hospital with possible acute
poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN). In
obtaining his history, what information is MOST
significant?
A. A sore throat last week
B. History of hypertension
C. Diuresis during the night
D. Back pain for a few days
Correct Answer: A. A sore throat last week
Rationale: APSGN typically develops 1 to 3 weeks following a
Group A β -hemolytic streptococcal infection (such as
pharyngitis/sore throat or impetigo).
Question 2
The nurse is measuring the frontal occipital circumference
(FOC) of a 3-month-old infant and notes that the FOC has
,increased 5 inches (12.7 cm) since birth and the child's
head appears large in relation to body size. Which action
is MOST important for the nurse to take next?
A. Plot the measurement on the infant's growth chart.
B. Observe the infant for sunset eyes.
C. Measure the infant's head-to-heel length.
D. Palpate the anterior fontanel for tension and
bulging.
Correct Answer: D. Palpate the anterior fontanel for
tension and bulging.
Rationale: A rapid increase in head circumference suggests
hydrocephalus or increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Palpating
the anterior fontanel for bulging or tension provides immediate
clinical evidence of elevated ICP.
Question 3
A female infant recently admitted with vomiting and
diarrhea now weighs 10 kg. Her weight at a previous well-
baby visit was 11 kg. What is the percentage of body
weight loss for this infant?
A. 4%
B. 9%
C. 10%
, D. 5%
Calculations &
Correct Answer:
1. Calculate weight loss:
Original Weight−Current Weight =11 kg−10 kg=1 kg
2. Calculate percentage loss:
( 111 kgkg ) ×100=9.09 % ≈ 9 %
Rationale: A weight loss of 9% indicates moderate-to-severe
dehydration in an infant.
Question 4
A male high school student with Type 1 diabetes tests his
blood glucose level before playing a game of soccer and
obtains a reading of 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). Based on the
reading, which action should the nurse take?
A. Tell him to eat a sandwich and fruit before
beginning the game.
B. Check his urine for ketones.
C. Give him permission to go ahead and play soccer.
D. Call the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer: A. Tell him to eat a sandwich and fruit
before beginning the game.
, Rationale: Exercise increases insulin sensitivity and glucose
uptake by skeletal muscle. Although 180 mg/dL is slightly elevated,
physical activity will lower his blood glucose. Consuming a
complex carbohydrate and protein snack before playing prevents
exercise-induced hypoglycemia.
Question 5
A 7-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a
diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever. In obtaining a health
history from the child's mother, the recent occurrence of
which illness is MOST significant?
A. Sore throat
B. Chickenpox
C. Mumps
D. Influenza
Correct Answer: A. Sore throat
Rationale: Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune inflammatory
reaction that occurs 2 to 4 weeks following an untreated or
inadequately treated Group A β -hemolytic streptococcal
pharyngitis (sore throat).
Question 6
A mother brings her 2-month-old son to the clinic for a
well-baby exam. During the assessment, the nurse finds
