Pediatrics HESI Practice Exam | Questions & Verified Answers
The nurse is giving preoperative instructions to a 14-year D. I understand that I will be in a body cast and I will show you how you taught me
old female client who is scheduled for surgery to correct a to turn.
spinal curvature. Which statement by the client best
demonstrates that learning has taken place?
To take the vital signs of a 4-month old child, which order A. Respiratory rate, heart rate, then rectal temperature
will give the most accurate results?
During routine screening at a school clinic, an otoscope B. Ask the child if he/she has had a cold, runny nose, or any ear pain lately.
examination of a child's ear reveals a tympanic membrane
that is pearly gray, slightly bulging, and not movable. What
action should the nurse take next?
Which restraint should be used for a toddler after a cleft C. elbow restraints
palate repair?
What preoperative nursing intervention should be included D. observe for projectile vomiting.
in the plan of care for an infant with pyloric stenosis?
A six-month-old returns from surgery with elbow restraints B. remove restraints one at a time and provide range of motion exercises
in place. What nursing care should be included when
caring for any restrained child?
A 2-year old child with Down syndrome is brought to the A. congenital heart disease
clinic for his regular physical examination. The nurse
knows which problem is frequently associated with Down
syndrome?
When assessing a child with asthma, the nurse should A. inspiration
expect intercostal retractions during
When planning the care for a child who has had a cleft lip D. stresses the suture line
repair, the nurse knows that crying should be minimized
because it
A full-term infant is admitted to the newborn nursery. After A. choking, coughing, and cyanosis
careful assessment, the nurse suspects that the infant may
have an esophageal atresia. Which symptoms is this
newborn likely to have exhibited?
Which behavior would the nurse expect a two-year-old C. display possessiveness of toys
child to exhibit?
the mother of a preschool-aged client asks the nurse if it is B. do not give if the child has chickenpox, the flu, or any other viral illness.
all right to administer Pepto Bismal to her son when he
'has a tummy ache." After reminding the mother to check
the label of all OTC drugs for the presence of aspirin,
which instruction should the nurse include when replying to
this mother's question?
The nurse observes a 4-year old boy in a daycare setting. C. demonstrates aggressiveness by boasting when telling a story
Which behavior should the nurse consider normal for this
client?
Grade A+ | Updated
, Pediatrics HESI Practice Exam | Questions & Verified Answers
A burned child is brought to the emergency room. In A. head and neck
estimating the percentage of the body burned, the nurse
uses a modified "Rule of Nines." Which part of a child's
body is calculated as a larger percentage of total body
surface than an adult?
The nurse receives a lab report stating a child with asthma A. pass the information on in the report
has a theophylline level of 15 mcg/dl. What action will the
nurse take?
A 12-month old boy is admitted with a respiratory infection C. have a bulb syringe readily available to remove secretions
and possible pneumonia. He is placed in a mist tent with
oxygen. Which nursing intervention has the greatest
priority for this infant?
All of the following interventions can be used to evaluate B. assessing fontanels
the effectiveness of nursing and medical interventions
used to treat diarrhea. Which intervention is least useful in
the nurse's evaluation of a 20-month-old child.
A 5-month-old is admitted to the hospital with vomiting and B. serum BUN and creatinine levels
diarrhea. The pediatrician prescribed dextrose 5% and
0.25% normal saline with 2 mEq KCI/100 mL to be infused
at 25mL/hr. Prior to initiating the infusion, the nurse should
obtain which assessment finding?
The nurse is assigning care for a 4-year old child with otitis B. a tympanic measurement of temperature will provide the most accurate reading
media and is concerned about the child's increasing
temperature over the past 24 hours. When planning care
for this child, it is important for the nurse to consider that:
The nurse is assessing an 8-month old child who has a D. clubbed fingers
medical diagnosis of Tetrology of Fallot. Which symptom is
this client most likely to exhibit?
As part of the physical assessment of children, the nurse A. A 5-month old with failure to thrive that has a closed anterior fontanel
observes and palpates the fontanels. Which child's
fontanel finding should be reported to the healthcare
provider?
A preschool-age child who is hospitalized for hypospadias C. concern for body integrity
repair is most strongly influenced by which behavior?
An infant is born with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and C. prevent the return of oxygenated blood to the lungs.
surgery is planned to correct the defect. The nurse
recognizes that surgical correction is designed to achieve
which outcome?
A three-month old boy weighing 10 lbs, 15 oz has an C. 600 cal/day
axillary temperature of 98.9 degrees F. The nurse
determines the daily caloric need for this child is 10 lbs, 15 oz = 10.9 lbs. Convert lbs to kg by dividing pounds by 2.2 (10.9/2.2) =
approximately: 4.954 kg rounded to 5 kg. an infant requires 108 cal/kg/day (108 x 5 = 540 cal/day).
However this infant requires 10% more calories because he has one degree
temperature elevation. 10% of 540 is 54 and 54 + 540 = 594. This infant will require
approximately 600 calories/day. Remember that a temperature elevation
necessitates consumption of more calories.
The nurse is preparing a health teaching program for B. store all toxic agents and medicines in locked cabinets.
parents of toddlers and preschoolers and plans to include
information about prevention of accidental poisonings. It is
most important for the nurse to include which instructions?
Grade A+ | Updated
, Pediatrics HESI Practice Exam | Questions & Verified Answers
A 6-month old infant with congestive heart failure (CHF) is A. apical heart rate of 60.
receiving digoxin elixer. Which observation by the nurse
warrants immediate intervention?
At 8am, the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) informs B. administer PRN prescription of nifedipine (Procardia) sublingually.
the charge nurse that a female adolescent client with acute
glomerulonephritis has a blood pressure of 210/110. The
4am BP reading was 170/88. The client reports to the UAP
that she is upset because her boyfriend did not visit last
night. What action should the nurse take?
A premature newborn girl, born 24 hours ago, is diagnosed B. the oxygen hood is holding the baby's oxygen level just at the point which is
with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and placed under an needed. You may stroke and talk to her.
oxygen hood at 35%. The parents visit the nursery and ask
to hold her. Which response should the nurse provide to
the parents?
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a 3-year old who C. give the child a ride on a gurney to visit the cardiac catheterization lab and meet
is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. To assist in a nurse who works there.
decreasing anxiety for the child on the day of the
procedure, which intervention is best for the nurse to
implement?
When taking the health history of a child, the nurse knows D. cessation of growth in a child that had been normal.
that which finding is an early indication of hypothyroidism
in children?
The nurse is teaching a 12-year old male adolescent and A. polyuria and polydipsia
his family about taking injections of growth hormone for
idiopathic hypopituitarism. Which adverse symptoms,
commonly associated with growth hormone therapy should
the nurse plan to describe to the child and his family?
The nurse is caring for a 12-year old with Syndrome of B. changes in LOC
Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH). This child
should be carefully assessed for which complication?
A four-year old girl continues to interrupt her mother during A. children need to retain a sense of initiative without impinging on the rights and
a routine clinic visit. the mother appears irritated with the privileges of others.
child and asks the nurse, "Is this normal behavior for a
child this age?" The nurse's response should be based on
which information?
a 14-year old female client tells the nurse that she is C. Wash the hair and skin frequently with soap and hot water
concerned about the acne she has recently developed.
Which recommendation should the nurse provide?
The mother of a 2-year old boy consults the nurse about D. walk away from him and ignore the behavior
her son's increased tempter tantrums. The mother states,
"Yesterday he threw a fit in the grocery store, and I did not
know what to do. I was embarrassed. What can I do if this
occurs again?" Which recommendation is best for the
nurse to provide this mother?
During discharge teaching of a child with juvenile B. eye exam
rheumatoid arthritis, the nurse should stress to the parents
the importance of obtaining which diagnostic testing?
A hospitalized 16-year old male refuses all visits from his C. arrange for an internet connection in the client's room for email communication
classmates because he is concerned about his distorted
appearance. To increase the client's social interaction,
what intervention is best for the nurse to initiate?
Grade A+ | Updated
, Pediatrics HESI Practice Exam | Questions & Verified Answers
The nurse is assessing a 2-year old. What behavior C. is capable of making a three word sentence
indicates that the child's language development is within
normal limits?
When evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to A. record weight daily
improve the nutritional status of an infant with gastro-
esophageal reflux, which intervention is most important for
the nurse to implement?
Which menu selection by a child with celiac disease A. oven-baked potato chips and cola.
indicates to the nurse that the child understands necessary
dietary considerations?
The parents of a 3-week old infant report that the child A. description of vomiting episodes in the past 24 hours
eats well but vomits after each feeding. what information is
most important for the nurse to obtain?
A 3-month old infant develops oral thrush. Which A. Nystantin (Mycostatin)
pharmacologic agent should the nurse plan to administer
for treatment of this disorder?
Which class of antiinfective drugs is contraindicated for B. tetracyclines
use in children under 8 years of age?
A female teenager is taking oral tetracycline HCL A. Use sunscreen when lying by the pool.
(Achromycin V) for acne vulgaris. What is the most
important instruction for the nurse to include in this client's
teaching plan?
The mother of a 6-month old asks the nurse when her B. 12-15 months
baby will get the first measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
vaccine. Based on the recommended childhood
immunization schedule published by the Centers for
Disease Control, which response is accurate?
Preoperative nursing care for a child with Wilm's tumor D. Put a sign on the bed reading, "DO NOT PALPATE ABDOMEN."
should include which intervention?
A 4-year old boy was admitted to the emergency room with A. call the healthcare provider immediately if his nail beds appear blue.
a fractured right ulna and a short arm cast was applied.
When preparing the parents to take the child home, which
discharge instruction has the highest priority?
An 18-month old is admitted to the hospital with possible D. ribbon-like and brown
Hirschsprung's disease. When obtaining a nursing history,
the nurse asks about bowel habits. What describes the
disease?
The nurse must prevent a 2-year old with severe eczema C. place elbow restraints on the child's arms
on the face, neck and scalp from scratching the affected
areas. Which nursing intervention is most effective in
preventing further excoriation due to the pruritis?
The nurse assigning care for a 5-year old with otitis media B. tympanic and oral temperatures are equally accurate
is concerned about the child's increasing temperature over
the past 24 hours. Which statement is accurate and should
be considered when planning care for the remainder of the
shift?
Grade A+ | Updated
The nurse is giving preoperative instructions to a 14-year D. I understand that I will be in a body cast and I will show you how you taught me
old female client who is scheduled for surgery to correct a to turn.
spinal curvature. Which statement by the client best
demonstrates that learning has taken place?
To take the vital signs of a 4-month old child, which order A. Respiratory rate, heart rate, then rectal temperature
will give the most accurate results?
During routine screening at a school clinic, an otoscope B. Ask the child if he/she has had a cold, runny nose, or any ear pain lately.
examination of a child's ear reveals a tympanic membrane
that is pearly gray, slightly bulging, and not movable. What
action should the nurse take next?
Which restraint should be used for a toddler after a cleft C. elbow restraints
palate repair?
What preoperative nursing intervention should be included D. observe for projectile vomiting.
in the plan of care for an infant with pyloric stenosis?
A six-month-old returns from surgery with elbow restraints B. remove restraints one at a time and provide range of motion exercises
in place. What nursing care should be included when
caring for any restrained child?
A 2-year old child with Down syndrome is brought to the A. congenital heart disease
clinic for his regular physical examination. The nurse
knows which problem is frequently associated with Down
syndrome?
When assessing a child with asthma, the nurse should A. inspiration
expect intercostal retractions during
When planning the care for a child who has had a cleft lip D. stresses the suture line
repair, the nurse knows that crying should be minimized
because it
A full-term infant is admitted to the newborn nursery. After A. choking, coughing, and cyanosis
careful assessment, the nurse suspects that the infant may
have an esophageal atresia. Which symptoms is this
newborn likely to have exhibited?
Which behavior would the nurse expect a two-year-old C. display possessiveness of toys
child to exhibit?
the mother of a preschool-aged client asks the nurse if it is B. do not give if the child has chickenpox, the flu, or any other viral illness.
all right to administer Pepto Bismal to her son when he
'has a tummy ache." After reminding the mother to check
the label of all OTC drugs for the presence of aspirin,
which instruction should the nurse include when replying to
this mother's question?
The nurse observes a 4-year old boy in a daycare setting. C. demonstrates aggressiveness by boasting when telling a story
Which behavior should the nurse consider normal for this
client?
Grade A+ | Updated
, Pediatrics HESI Practice Exam | Questions & Verified Answers
A burned child is brought to the emergency room. In A. head and neck
estimating the percentage of the body burned, the nurse
uses a modified "Rule of Nines." Which part of a child's
body is calculated as a larger percentage of total body
surface than an adult?
The nurse receives a lab report stating a child with asthma A. pass the information on in the report
has a theophylline level of 15 mcg/dl. What action will the
nurse take?
A 12-month old boy is admitted with a respiratory infection C. have a bulb syringe readily available to remove secretions
and possible pneumonia. He is placed in a mist tent with
oxygen. Which nursing intervention has the greatest
priority for this infant?
All of the following interventions can be used to evaluate B. assessing fontanels
the effectiveness of nursing and medical interventions
used to treat diarrhea. Which intervention is least useful in
the nurse's evaluation of a 20-month-old child.
A 5-month-old is admitted to the hospital with vomiting and B. serum BUN and creatinine levels
diarrhea. The pediatrician prescribed dextrose 5% and
0.25% normal saline with 2 mEq KCI/100 mL to be infused
at 25mL/hr. Prior to initiating the infusion, the nurse should
obtain which assessment finding?
The nurse is assigning care for a 4-year old child with otitis B. a tympanic measurement of temperature will provide the most accurate reading
media and is concerned about the child's increasing
temperature over the past 24 hours. When planning care
for this child, it is important for the nurse to consider that:
The nurse is assessing an 8-month old child who has a D. clubbed fingers
medical diagnosis of Tetrology of Fallot. Which symptom is
this client most likely to exhibit?
As part of the physical assessment of children, the nurse A. A 5-month old with failure to thrive that has a closed anterior fontanel
observes and palpates the fontanels. Which child's
fontanel finding should be reported to the healthcare
provider?
A preschool-age child who is hospitalized for hypospadias C. concern for body integrity
repair is most strongly influenced by which behavior?
An infant is born with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and C. prevent the return of oxygenated blood to the lungs.
surgery is planned to correct the defect. The nurse
recognizes that surgical correction is designed to achieve
which outcome?
A three-month old boy weighing 10 lbs, 15 oz has an C. 600 cal/day
axillary temperature of 98.9 degrees F. The nurse
determines the daily caloric need for this child is 10 lbs, 15 oz = 10.9 lbs. Convert lbs to kg by dividing pounds by 2.2 (10.9/2.2) =
approximately: 4.954 kg rounded to 5 kg. an infant requires 108 cal/kg/day (108 x 5 = 540 cal/day).
However this infant requires 10% more calories because he has one degree
temperature elevation. 10% of 540 is 54 and 54 + 540 = 594. This infant will require
approximately 600 calories/day. Remember that a temperature elevation
necessitates consumption of more calories.
The nurse is preparing a health teaching program for B. store all toxic agents and medicines in locked cabinets.
parents of toddlers and preschoolers and plans to include
information about prevention of accidental poisonings. It is
most important for the nurse to include which instructions?
Grade A+ | Updated
, Pediatrics HESI Practice Exam | Questions & Verified Answers
A 6-month old infant with congestive heart failure (CHF) is A. apical heart rate of 60.
receiving digoxin elixer. Which observation by the nurse
warrants immediate intervention?
At 8am, the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) informs B. administer PRN prescription of nifedipine (Procardia) sublingually.
the charge nurse that a female adolescent client with acute
glomerulonephritis has a blood pressure of 210/110. The
4am BP reading was 170/88. The client reports to the UAP
that she is upset because her boyfriend did not visit last
night. What action should the nurse take?
A premature newborn girl, born 24 hours ago, is diagnosed B. the oxygen hood is holding the baby's oxygen level just at the point which is
with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and placed under an needed. You may stroke and talk to her.
oxygen hood at 35%. The parents visit the nursery and ask
to hold her. Which response should the nurse provide to
the parents?
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a 3-year old who C. give the child a ride on a gurney to visit the cardiac catheterization lab and meet
is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. To assist in a nurse who works there.
decreasing anxiety for the child on the day of the
procedure, which intervention is best for the nurse to
implement?
When taking the health history of a child, the nurse knows D. cessation of growth in a child that had been normal.
that which finding is an early indication of hypothyroidism
in children?
The nurse is teaching a 12-year old male adolescent and A. polyuria and polydipsia
his family about taking injections of growth hormone for
idiopathic hypopituitarism. Which adverse symptoms,
commonly associated with growth hormone therapy should
the nurse plan to describe to the child and his family?
The nurse is caring for a 12-year old with Syndrome of B. changes in LOC
Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH). This child
should be carefully assessed for which complication?
A four-year old girl continues to interrupt her mother during A. children need to retain a sense of initiative without impinging on the rights and
a routine clinic visit. the mother appears irritated with the privileges of others.
child and asks the nurse, "Is this normal behavior for a
child this age?" The nurse's response should be based on
which information?
a 14-year old female client tells the nurse that she is C. Wash the hair and skin frequently with soap and hot water
concerned about the acne she has recently developed.
Which recommendation should the nurse provide?
The mother of a 2-year old boy consults the nurse about D. walk away from him and ignore the behavior
her son's increased tempter tantrums. The mother states,
"Yesterday he threw a fit in the grocery store, and I did not
know what to do. I was embarrassed. What can I do if this
occurs again?" Which recommendation is best for the
nurse to provide this mother?
During discharge teaching of a child with juvenile B. eye exam
rheumatoid arthritis, the nurse should stress to the parents
the importance of obtaining which diagnostic testing?
A hospitalized 16-year old male refuses all visits from his C. arrange for an internet connection in the client's room for email communication
classmates because he is concerned about his distorted
appearance. To increase the client's social interaction,
what intervention is best for the nurse to initiate?
Grade A+ | Updated
, Pediatrics HESI Practice Exam | Questions & Verified Answers
The nurse is assessing a 2-year old. What behavior C. is capable of making a three word sentence
indicates that the child's language development is within
normal limits?
When evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to A. record weight daily
improve the nutritional status of an infant with gastro-
esophageal reflux, which intervention is most important for
the nurse to implement?
Which menu selection by a child with celiac disease A. oven-baked potato chips and cola.
indicates to the nurse that the child understands necessary
dietary considerations?
The parents of a 3-week old infant report that the child A. description of vomiting episodes in the past 24 hours
eats well but vomits after each feeding. what information is
most important for the nurse to obtain?
A 3-month old infant develops oral thrush. Which A. Nystantin (Mycostatin)
pharmacologic agent should the nurse plan to administer
for treatment of this disorder?
Which class of antiinfective drugs is contraindicated for B. tetracyclines
use in children under 8 years of age?
A female teenager is taking oral tetracycline HCL A. Use sunscreen when lying by the pool.
(Achromycin V) for acne vulgaris. What is the most
important instruction for the nurse to include in this client's
teaching plan?
The mother of a 6-month old asks the nurse when her B. 12-15 months
baby will get the first measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
vaccine. Based on the recommended childhood
immunization schedule published by the Centers for
Disease Control, which response is accurate?
Preoperative nursing care for a child with Wilm's tumor D. Put a sign on the bed reading, "DO NOT PALPATE ABDOMEN."
should include which intervention?
A 4-year old boy was admitted to the emergency room with A. call the healthcare provider immediately if his nail beds appear blue.
a fractured right ulna and a short arm cast was applied.
When preparing the parents to take the child home, which
discharge instruction has the highest priority?
An 18-month old is admitted to the hospital with possible D. ribbon-like and brown
Hirschsprung's disease. When obtaining a nursing history,
the nurse asks about bowel habits. What describes the
disease?
The nurse must prevent a 2-year old with severe eczema C. place elbow restraints on the child's arms
on the face, neck and scalp from scratching the affected
areas. Which nursing intervention is most effective in
preventing further excoriation due to the pruritis?
The nurse assigning care for a 5-year old with otitis media B. tympanic and oral temperatures are equally accurate
is concerned about the child's increasing temperature over
the past 24 hours. Which statement is accurate and should
be considered when planning care for the remainder of the
shift?
Grade A+ | Updated
