HESI RN Pediatric (PEDS) Actual Exam Version 2 –
2024/2025 | All Questions and Answers | Graded A+
Pediatric Nursing Practice Questions
Question 1: A 4-year-old child with asthma is admitted with wheezing and respiratory
distress. Which medication should the nurse administer first?
A. Montelukast orally.
B. Albuterol via nebulizer.
C. Prednisone orally.
D. Ipratropium via inhaler.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Albuterol, a short-acting beta-agonist, is the first-line treat-
ment for acute asthma exacerbations to relieve bronchospasm and improve
airflow. Option A is for long-term control, Option C is for inflammation
but not immediate relief, and Option D is an adjunct therapy.
Question 2: A 6-month-old infant is diagnosed with dehydration due to gastroenteritis.
Which assessment finding is most concerning?
A. Sunken fontanel.
B. Heart rate of 120 beats/min.
C. Urine output of 2 mL/kg/hour.
D. Skin turgor returns in 1 second.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A sunken fontanel is a critical sign of severe dehydration in
infants, indicating significant fluid loss. Option B is normal for an infant,
Option C is adequate, and Option D suggests mild dehydration.
Question 3: A 10-year-old child with type 1 diabetes mellitus reports feeling shaky and
sweaty. The blood glucose level is 50 mg/dL. What is the nurse’s priority
action?
A. Administer insulin as prescribed.
B. Provide 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates.
C. Encourage the child to rest quietly.
D. Check the blood glucose again in 30 minutes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A blood glucose of 50 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, requir-
ing immediate administration of 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates to
raise glucose levels. Option A worsens hypoglycemia, Option C delays
treatment, and Option D is not the priority.
Question 4: A 2-year-old child is admitted with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Initiate droplet precautions.
B. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
C. Perform a lumbar puncture.
D. Provide pain relief medication.
Correct Answer: A
1
, Rationale: Initiating droplet precautions prevents the spread of bacterial
meningitis, a priority for infection control. Option B follows precautions,
Option C is diagnostic, and Option D is secondary to safety.
Question 5: A 5-year-old child with cystic fibrosis is prescribed pancreatic enzymes.
When should the nurse instruct the parents to administer the enzymes?
A. At bedtime.
B. With each meal or snack.
C. Once daily in the morning.
D. Only with high-fat meals.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes should be given with each meal or snack
to aid digestion and nutrient absorption in cystic fibrosis. Options A, C,
and D do not align with standard administration guidelines.
Question 6: A 3-year-old child with a new diagnosis of leukemia is scheduled for chemother-
apy. The parent asks about side effects. Which response by the nurse is
most appropriate?
A. “Chemotherapy has no side effects in children.”
B. “Nausea and hair loss are common side effects.”
C. “Side effects only occur in older children.”
D. “Your child will only experience mild discomfort.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nausea and hair loss are common chemotherapy side effects,
and honest education prepares parents. Options A, C, and D provide in-
accurate or misleading information.
Question 7: A 7-year-old child with sickle cell anemia is admitted with a vaso-occlusive
crisis. Which intervention is the nurse’s priority?
A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min.
B. Provide intravenous hydration.
C. Apply warm compresses to painful areas.
D. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Intravenous hydration is the priority to reduce blood viscosity
and promote circulation in sickle cell crisis. Option A is used for hypoxia,
Option C is secondary, and Option D is not indicated without infection.
Question 8: An 8-month-old infant with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) is experienc-
ing poor weight gain. What is the nurse’s best recommendation?
A. Limit feeding to three times daily.
B. Offer high-calorie formula.
C. Encourage solid foods only.
D. Reduce fluid intake to prevent overload.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: High-calorie formula supports weight gain in infants with
VSD, who have increased metabolic demands. Option A restricts nutri-
tion, Option C is inappropriate for age, and Option D risks dehydration.
Question 9: A 12-year-old child with epilepsy is prescribed valproic acid. Which labo-
2
2024/2025 | All Questions and Answers | Graded A+
Pediatric Nursing Practice Questions
Question 1: A 4-year-old child with asthma is admitted with wheezing and respiratory
distress. Which medication should the nurse administer first?
A. Montelukast orally.
B. Albuterol via nebulizer.
C. Prednisone orally.
D. Ipratropium via inhaler.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Albuterol, a short-acting beta-agonist, is the first-line treat-
ment for acute asthma exacerbations to relieve bronchospasm and improve
airflow. Option A is for long-term control, Option C is for inflammation
but not immediate relief, and Option D is an adjunct therapy.
Question 2: A 6-month-old infant is diagnosed with dehydration due to gastroenteritis.
Which assessment finding is most concerning?
A. Sunken fontanel.
B. Heart rate of 120 beats/min.
C. Urine output of 2 mL/kg/hour.
D. Skin turgor returns in 1 second.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A sunken fontanel is a critical sign of severe dehydration in
infants, indicating significant fluid loss. Option B is normal for an infant,
Option C is adequate, and Option D suggests mild dehydration.
Question 3: A 10-year-old child with type 1 diabetes mellitus reports feeling shaky and
sweaty. The blood glucose level is 50 mg/dL. What is the nurse’s priority
action?
A. Administer insulin as prescribed.
B. Provide 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates.
C. Encourage the child to rest quietly.
D. Check the blood glucose again in 30 minutes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A blood glucose of 50 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, requir-
ing immediate administration of 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates to
raise glucose levels. Option A worsens hypoglycemia, Option C delays
treatment, and Option D is not the priority.
Question 4: A 2-year-old child is admitted with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Initiate droplet precautions.
B. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
C. Perform a lumbar puncture.
D. Provide pain relief medication.
Correct Answer: A
1
, Rationale: Initiating droplet precautions prevents the spread of bacterial
meningitis, a priority for infection control. Option B follows precautions,
Option C is diagnostic, and Option D is secondary to safety.
Question 5: A 5-year-old child with cystic fibrosis is prescribed pancreatic enzymes.
When should the nurse instruct the parents to administer the enzymes?
A. At bedtime.
B. With each meal or snack.
C. Once daily in the morning.
D. Only with high-fat meals.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes should be given with each meal or snack
to aid digestion and nutrient absorption in cystic fibrosis. Options A, C,
and D do not align with standard administration guidelines.
Question 6: A 3-year-old child with a new diagnosis of leukemia is scheduled for chemother-
apy. The parent asks about side effects. Which response by the nurse is
most appropriate?
A. “Chemotherapy has no side effects in children.”
B. “Nausea and hair loss are common side effects.”
C. “Side effects only occur in older children.”
D. “Your child will only experience mild discomfort.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nausea and hair loss are common chemotherapy side effects,
and honest education prepares parents. Options A, C, and D provide in-
accurate or misleading information.
Question 7: A 7-year-old child with sickle cell anemia is admitted with a vaso-occlusive
crisis. Which intervention is the nurse’s priority?
A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min.
B. Provide intravenous hydration.
C. Apply warm compresses to painful areas.
D. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Intravenous hydration is the priority to reduce blood viscosity
and promote circulation in sickle cell crisis. Option A is used for hypoxia,
Option C is secondary, and Option D is not indicated without infection.
Question 8: An 8-month-old infant with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) is experienc-
ing poor weight gain. What is the nurse’s best recommendation?
A. Limit feeding to three times daily.
B. Offer high-calorie formula.
C. Encourage solid foods only.
D. Reduce fluid intake to prevent overload.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: High-calorie formula supports weight gain in infants with
VSD, who have increased metabolic demands. Option A restricts nutri-
tion, Option C is inappropriate for age, and Option D risks dehydration.
Question 9: A 12-year-old child with epilepsy is prescribed valproic acid. Which labo-
2
