HESI RN Pediatrics (V2) — complete Exam verified with correct
solution plus rationales 2026/2027 instant pdf
1. The nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which developmental finding is expected?
A. Walking independently
B. Sitting with support and beginning to sit independently
C. Using two-word sentences
D. Riding a tricycle
Answer: B. Sitting with support and beginning to sit independently
Rationale: Around 6 months, infants develop increasing trunk control and commonly begin
sitting independently.
2. Which behavior is most characteristic of a toddler?
A. Developing a strong sense of industry
B. Seeking independence and frequently saying "no"
C. Developing abstract reasoning
D. Establishing intimate peer relationships
Answer: B. Seeking independence and frequently saying "no"
Rationale: Toddlers are developing autonomy and commonly assert independence through
behaviors such as saying "no."
3. The nurse is teaching parents about injury prevention for a toddler. Which intervention
is most important?
A. Provide a bicycle helmet only
B. Lock medications and cleaning products in a secure location
C. Encourage independent cooking
D. Allow access to household chemicals with supervision
Answer: B. Lock medications and cleaning products in a secure location
Rationale: Toddlers explore their environment and are at high risk for accidental poisoning.
4. A 7-year-old child is in which developmental stage according to Erikson?
,A. Trust vs. mistrust
B. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
C. Initiative vs. guilt
D. Industry vs. inferiority
Answer: D. Industry vs. inferiority
Rationale: School-age children are developing competence through school activities, skills, and
relationships.
5. Which activity is most appropriate for a hospitalized preschooler?
A. Competitive board game requiring advanced reading
B. Coloring with large crayons
C. Complex computer programming
D. Abstract philosophical discussion
Answer: B. Coloring with large crayons
Rationale: Preschoolers benefit from simple creative and imaginative activities that match their
developmental level.
6. Which approach should the nurse use when communicating with a preschooler?
A. Use complex medical terminology
B. Explain everything using abstract concepts
C. Use simple, concrete language
D. Speak only to the parents
Answer: C. Use simple, concrete language
Rationale: Preschool children understand concrete explanations better than abstract or highly
technical information.
7. A child is admitted with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which nursing action is the
priority?
A. Place the child on appropriate isolation precautions
B. Encourage visitors to remain at the bedside
C. Provide a high-fiber diet
D. Delay antibiotics until symptoms resolve
, Answer: A. Place the child on appropriate isolation precautions
Rationale: Suspected bacterial meningitis requires prompt infection-control measures along with
urgent medical evaluation and treatment.
8. Which assessment finding in a newborn requires immediate intervention?
A. Acrocyanosis shortly after birth
B. Heart rate of 140/min
C. Central cyanosis
D. Respiratory rate of 40/min
Answer: C. Central cyanosis
Rationale: Central cyanosis indicates inadequate oxygenation and requires immediate
assessment and intervention.
9. Which finding is most concerning in an infant with dehydration?
A. Frequent wet diapers
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Depressed anterior fontanel
D. Increased tears
Answer: C. Depressed anterior fontanel
Rationale: A depressed fontanel, decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes, and poor skin
turgor are signs of dehydration.
10. Which finding is expected in a child experiencing significant dehydration?
A. Weight gain
B. Decreased urine output
C. Bounding pulse
D. Peripheral edema
Answer: B. Decreased urine output
Rationale: Reduced circulating volume decreases renal perfusion and urine production.
Respiratory Disorders
solution plus rationales 2026/2027 instant pdf
1. The nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which developmental finding is expected?
A. Walking independently
B. Sitting with support and beginning to sit independently
C. Using two-word sentences
D. Riding a tricycle
Answer: B. Sitting with support and beginning to sit independently
Rationale: Around 6 months, infants develop increasing trunk control and commonly begin
sitting independently.
2. Which behavior is most characteristic of a toddler?
A. Developing a strong sense of industry
B. Seeking independence and frequently saying "no"
C. Developing abstract reasoning
D. Establishing intimate peer relationships
Answer: B. Seeking independence and frequently saying "no"
Rationale: Toddlers are developing autonomy and commonly assert independence through
behaviors such as saying "no."
3. The nurse is teaching parents about injury prevention for a toddler. Which intervention
is most important?
A. Provide a bicycle helmet only
B. Lock medications and cleaning products in a secure location
C. Encourage independent cooking
D. Allow access to household chemicals with supervision
Answer: B. Lock medications and cleaning products in a secure location
Rationale: Toddlers explore their environment and are at high risk for accidental poisoning.
4. A 7-year-old child is in which developmental stage according to Erikson?
,A. Trust vs. mistrust
B. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
C. Initiative vs. guilt
D. Industry vs. inferiority
Answer: D. Industry vs. inferiority
Rationale: School-age children are developing competence through school activities, skills, and
relationships.
5. Which activity is most appropriate for a hospitalized preschooler?
A. Competitive board game requiring advanced reading
B. Coloring with large crayons
C. Complex computer programming
D. Abstract philosophical discussion
Answer: B. Coloring with large crayons
Rationale: Preschoolers benefit from simple creative and imaginative activities that match their
developmental level.
6. Which approach should the nurse use when communicating with a preschooler?
A. Use complex medical terminology
B. Explain everything using abstract concepts
C. Use simple, concrete language
D. Speak only to the parents
Answer: C. Use simple, concrete language
Rationale: Preschool children understand concrete explanations better than abstract or highly
technical information.
7. A child is admitted with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which nursing action is the
priority?
A. Place the child on appropriate isolation precautions
B. Encourage visitors to remain at the bedside
C. Provide a high-fiber diet
D. Delay antibiotics until symptoms resolve
, Answer: A. Place the child on appropriate isolation precautions
Rationale: Suspected bacterial meningitis requires prompt infection-control measures along with
urgent medical evaluation and treatment.
8. Which assessment finding in a newborn requires immediate intervention?
A. Acrocyanosis shortly after birth
B. Heart rate of 140/min
C. Central cyanosis
D. Respiratory rate of 40/min
Answer: C. Central cyanosis
Rationale: Central cyanosis indicates inadequate oxygenation and requires immediate
assessment and intervention.
9. Which finding is most concerning in an infant with dehydration?
A. Frequent wet diapers
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Depressed anterior fontanel
D. Increased tears
Answer: C. Depressed anterior fontanel
Rationale: A depressed fontanel, decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes, and poor skin
turgor are signs of dehydration.
10. Which finding is expected in a child experiencing significant dehydration?
A. Weight gain
B. Decreased urine output
C. Bounding pulse
D. Peripheral edema
Answer: B. Decreased urine output
Rationale: Reduced circulating volume decreases renal perfusion and urine production.
Respiratory Disorders
