2026 HESI
w 2 w 2 PEDS w 2 RN w 2 EXIT w 2 EXAM | Study
Edition
w 2
2026 HESI PEDIATRIC (PEDS) RN EXIT EXAM w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
Versions 1 & 2 — Redesigned Study Edition w2 w2 w2 w 2 w 2 w2 w2
Spring 2026 | Compiled with Correct Answers w2 w 2 w 2 w2 w2 w2
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE | V1 uses multiple-choice format with highlighted correct answer(s). V2 uses short-answer/fill-in
w2 w2 w2 w2 w 2 w 2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
format with the answer displayed directly. Questions marked with a note contain clarifications where answers are debated.
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
VERSION 1 — Multiple Choice (55 Questions)
w2 w 2 w 2 w2 w2 w2
The nurse is assessing a 9-year-old boy admitted with possible acute poststreptococcal
Q1
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
glomerulonephritis (APSGN). In obtaining his history, what information is most significant?
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
A ✔A sore throat last week
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B A history of hypertension
w2 w2 w2
C Diuresis during the night w2 w2 w2
D Back pain for a few days w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
ANSWER: A w2
The nurse is measuring the frontal occipital circumference (FOC) of a 3-month-old infant,
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
Q2 and notes that the FOC has increased 5 inches (12.7cm) since birth and the child's head
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
appears large in relation to body size. Which action is most important for the nurse to take
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
next?
A Plot the measurement on the infant's growth chart
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
B Observe the infant for sunset eyes w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
C Measure the infant's head-to-heel length w2 w2 w2 w2
D ✔Palpate the anterior fontanel for tension and bulging
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
ANSWER: D w2
A female infant recently admitted with vomiting and diarrhea now weighs 10 kg. Her weight at
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Q3 a previous well-baby visit was 11 kg. What is the percentage of body weight loss for this
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
infant?
w2
A 4%
B ✔9% w2
C 10%
D 5%
ANSWER: B w2
,2026 HESI
w 2 w 2 PEDS w 2 RN w 2 EXIT w 2 EXAM | Study
Edition
w 2 e1 | w2 w 2 w 2 For Study Purposes Only
w2 w2 w2
A male high school student with Type 1 diabetes tests his blood glucose level before playing
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
Q4 a game of soccer, and he obtains a reading of 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). Based on this
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
reading, which action should the nurse take?
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
A ✔Tell him to eat a sandwich and fruit before beginning the game
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
B Check his urine for ketones w2 w2 w2 w2
C Give him permission to go ahead and play soccer
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
D Call the healthcare provider
w2 w2 w2
ANSWER: A
w2
A 7-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever. In
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
Q5 obtaining a health history from the child's mother, the recent occurrence of which illness is
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
most significant?
w2 w2
A ✔Sore throat
w2 w2
B Chickenpox
C Mumps
D Influenza
ANSWER: A
w2
A mother brings her 2-month-old son to the clinic for a well-baby exam. During the
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
Q6 assessment the nurse finds that the right testicle is not descended into the scrotum but the
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
left is palpable. Which action should the nurse take?
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
A Prepare to obtain a catheterized urine specimen for culture
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
B Address possible concerns about the child's future fertility
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
C ✔Ask if the right testis has been seen in the scrotum before
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
D Schedule an IV pyelogram to validate presence of testicle
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
ANSWER: C
w2
The nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which response requires further evaluation by
Q7
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the nurse?
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A Has doubled birth weight
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B Turns head to locate sound w2 w2 w2 w2
C Plays peek-a-boo w2
D ✔Demonstrates startle reflex
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ANSWER: D
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A 4-year-old girl returns to the pediatrician's office for a postoperative visit following
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
Q8 hospitalization for minor surgery. When observing the child in the waiting area, which
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
behavior should the nurse consider normal for this age child?
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A Ignores other children in the play areaw2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
B Draws picture of self with facial features
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C ✔Talks to an imaginary friend
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Page w2 2 w 2 | w 2 For Study Purposes w2 w2
Only
w2
, 2026 HESI
w 2 w 2 PEDS w 2 RN w 2 EXIT w 2 EXAM | Study
Edition
w 2
D Sits quietly in her mother's lap
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ANSWER: teC
w2
A preschool-aged child experiencing respiratory distress is brought to the emergency
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2te te
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2 te
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2 w
2 te w
2te w
2te w
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department by the parents. The child is anxious, has a temperature of 102.8°F (39.3°C),
te te te tw2e te tw2e tw2e te tw2e te te te te te
Q9
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2
and is drooling from the mouth while leaning forward when sitting. Which action should
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the nurse prepare the child for next?
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w
2 te
w
2 w
2 te te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w2
A ✔ Obtain bedside trays for intubation or tracheotomy by the healthcare provider
te te te
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2 te
w
2 te
w
2 w
2 te te
w
2 te te te
w2 te
w
2
B Begin prescribed intravenous antibiotic administration
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C Provide a nebulizer treatment with bronchodilators w 2 w 2 w 2 w 2 w 2
D Schedule the child for a stat magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck
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ANSWER: teA
w2
The nurse is caring for a preschool-aged child with a congenital heart defect who is
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2 tw2e tw2e tw2e
admitted with intermittent low-grade fever, fatigue, and weight loss. Further physical
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w
2 te
w
2 w
2te w
2te te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w
2
Q10 assessment findings include a new murmur, splinter hemorrhages under the nails, and
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painless red lesions on the palms of the hands. Which diagnostic procedure should the
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2 te
w
2 te
w
2 tw2e tw2e te
w
2 tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e w
2te tw2e tw2e
nurse prepare the parents to expect the healthcare provider to prescribe?
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w
2 tw2e w
2te te
w2 w
2te te
w
2 te
w
2 w
2 te te
w
2 te
w
2
A ✔ Echocardiogram te
B Electrocardiogram
C Chest radiography w 2
D Computerized tomography (CT) scan w 2 w 2 w 2
ANSWER:teA t
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2
A 6-year-old male with a body mass index (BMI) in the 95th percentile arrives at the clinic
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2 te
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2 te
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2 te
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2 te
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2 te
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2 te
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2after a referral from the school nurse. His laboratory findings include hemoglobin A1c of
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2 te
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2 w2 te te
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Q11 5.5%, blood pressure (BP) in the 50th percentile, height in the 75th percentile, and an
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LDL cholesterol of 90 mg/dL. Which lifestyle modification should the nurse discuss with
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2 te
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2 te
w
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2the parents?
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A ✔ Recommend increasing daily fruits and vegetables and daily exercise
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2 te te
w
2 te
2
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w
2 te
B Return in one month for another evaluation of serum lipids and blood pressure
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C Instruct the parents to weigh the child weekly and measure his BP daily
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D See a healthcare provider to further assess for diabetes and hypertension
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ANSWER: teA
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When administering indomethacin to a premature infant who has patent ductus arteriosus,
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Q12
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the nurse should anticipate which outcome?
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2 w
2 te te
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w
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w
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A Decreased urinary output w 2 w 2
B ✔ Decreased cardiac murmur
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C Increased number of red blood cells w 2 w 2 w 2 w 2 w 2
D Increased respiratory effort w2 w2
ANSWER: teB
w2
Page 3 w 2 w 2 w 2 | For w 2 Study
Purposes
w 2 w 2 Only
w 2 w 2 PEDS w 2 RN w 2 EXIT w 2 EXAM | Study
Edition
w 2
2026 HESI PEDIATRIC (PEDS) RN EXIT EXAM w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
Versions 1 & 2 — Redesigned Study Edition w2 w2 w2 w 2 w 2 w2 w2
Spring 2026 | Compiled with Correct Answers w2 w 2 w 2 w2 w2 w2
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE | V1 uses multiple-choice format with highlighted correct answer(s). V2 uses short-answer/fill-in
w2 w2 w2 w2 w 2 w 2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
format with the answer displayed directly. Questions marked with a note contain clarifications where answers are debated.
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
VERSION 1 — Multiple Choice (55 Questions)
w2 w 2 w 2 w2 w2 w2
The nurse is assessing a 9-year-old boy admitted with possible acute poststreptococcal
Q1
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
glomerulonephritis (APSGN). In obtaining his history, what information is most significant?
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
A ✔A sore throat last week
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
B A history of hypertension
w2 w2 w2
C Diuresis during the night w2 w2 w2
D Back pain for a few days w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
ANSWER: A w2
The nurse is measuring the frontal occipital circumference (FOC) of a 3-month-old infant,
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
Q2 and notes that the FOC has increased 5 inches (12.7cm) since birth and the child's head
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
appears large in relation to body size. Which action is most important for the nurse to take
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
next?
A Plot the measurement on the infant's growth chart
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
B Observe the infant for sunset eyes w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
C Measure the infant's head-to-heel length w2 w2 w2 w2
D ✔Palpate the anterior fontanel for tension and bulging
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
ANSWER: D w2
A female infant recently admitted with vomiting and diarrhea now weighs 10 kg. Her weight at
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
Q3 a previous well-baby visit was 11 kg. What is the percentage of body weight loss for this
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
infant?
w2
A 4%
B ✔9% w2
C 10%
D 5%
ANSWER: B w2
,2026 HESI
w 2 w 2 PEDS w 2 RN w 2 EXIT w 2 EXAM | Study
Edition
w 2 e1 | w2 w 2 w 2 For Study Purposes Only
w2 w2 w2
A male high school student with Type 1 diabetes tests his blood glucose level before playing
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
Q4 a game of soccer, and he obtains a reading of 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). Based on this
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
reading, which action should the nurse take?
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
A ✔Tell him to eat a sandwich and fruit before beginning the game
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
B Check his urine for ketones w2 w2 w2 w2
C Give him permission to go ahead and play soccer
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
D Call the healthcare provider
w2 w2 w2
ANSWER: A
w2
A 7-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever. In
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
Q5 obtaining a health history from the child's mother, the recent occurrence of which illness is
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
most significant?
w2 w2
A ✔Sore throat
w2 w2
B Chickenpox
C Mumps
D Influenza
ANSWER: A
w2
A mother brings her 2-month-old son to the clinic for a well-baby exam. During the
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
Q6 assessment the nurse finds that the right testicle is not descended into the scrotum but the
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
left is palpable. Which action should the nurse take?
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
A Prepare to obtain a catheterized urine specimen for culture
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
B Address possible concerns about the child's future fertility
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
C ✔Ask if the right testis has been seen in the scrotum before
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
D Schedule an IV pyelogram to validate presence of testicle
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
ANSWER: C
w2
The nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which response requires further evaluation by
Q7
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
the nurse?
w2 w2
A Has doubled birth weight
w2 w2 w2
B Turns head to locate sound w2 w2 w2 w2
C Plays peek-a-boo w2
D ✔Demonstrates startle reflex
w2 w2 w2
ANSWER: D
w2
A 4-year-old girl returns to the pediatrician's office for a postoperative visit following
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
Q8 hospitalization for minor surgery. When observing the child in the waiting area, which
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
behavior should the nurse consider normal for this age child?
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
A Ignores other children in the play areaw2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
B Draws picture of self with facial features
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
C ✔Talks to an imaginary friend
w2 w2 w2 w2 w2
Page w2 2 w 2 | w 2 For Study Purposes w2 w2
Only
w2
, 2026 HESI
w 2 w 2 PEDS w 2 RN w 2 EXIT w 2 EXAM | Study
Edition
w 2
D Sits quietly in her mother's lap
w 2 w 2 w 2 w 2 w 2
ANSWER: teC
w2
A preschool-aged child experiencing respiratory distress is brought to the emergency
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w
2 te
w
2 w
2te te
w
2 te
w
2 w
2 te w
2te w
2te w
2 te w
2te
department by the parents. The child is anxious, has a temperature of 102.8°F (39.3°C),
te te te tw2e te tw2e tw2e te tw2e te te te te te
Q9
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2 w
2 w
2 w
2 w
2 w
2 w
2 w
2 w
2
and is drooling from the mouth while leaning forward when sitting. Which action should
w2 te tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e
the nurse prepare the child for next?
w2 te te
w
2 te
w
2 w
2 te te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w2
A ✔ Obtain bedside trays for intubation or tracheotomy by the healthcare provider
te te te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w
2 w
2 te te
w
2 te te te
w2 te
w
2
B Begin prescribed intravenous antibiotic administration
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C Provide a nebulizer treatment with bronchodilators w 2 w 2 w 2 w 2 w 2
D Schedule the child for a stat magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck
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ANSWER: teA
w2
The nurse is caring for a preschool-aged child with a congenital heart defect who is
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w
2 tw2e tw2e tw2e
admitted with intermittent low-grade fever, fatigue, and weight loss. Further physical
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w
2 te
w
2 w
2te w
2te te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w
2
Q10 assessment findings include a new murmur, splinter hemorrhages under the nails, and
w2 te tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e
painless red lesions on the palms of the hands. Which diagnostic procedure should the
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w
2 te
w
2 te
w
2 tw2e tw2e te
w
2 tw2e tw2e tw2e tw2e w
2te tw2e tw2e
nurse prepare the parents to expect the healthcare provider to prescribe?
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2 tw2e w
2te te
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2te te
w
2 te
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2 w
2 te te
w
2 te
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2
A ✔ Echocardiogram te
B Electrocardiogram
C Chest radiography w 2
D Computerized tomography (CT) scan w 2 w 2 w 2
ANSWER:teA t
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2
A 6-year-old male with a body mass index (BMI) in the 95th percentile arrives at the clinic
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2 te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w
2 te
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2 te
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2 te
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2 w
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2after a referral from the school nurse. His laboratory findings include hemoglobin A1c of
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2 te
w
2 w2 te te
w2 te
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Q11 5.5%, blood pressure (BP) in the 50th percentile, height in the 75th percentile, and an
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LDL cholesterol of 90 mg/dL. Which lifestyle modification should the nurse discuss with
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w
2 te
w
2 w
2te te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w
2 te
w
2 te
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2 te
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2 te
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2the parents?
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A ✔ Recommend increasing daily fruits and vegetables and daily exercise
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2
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2 te te
w
2 te
2
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w
2 te
B Return in one month for another evaluation of serum lipids and blood pressure
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C Instruct the parents to weigh the child weekly and measure his BP daily
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D See a healthcare provider to further assess for diabetes and hypertension
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ANSWER: teA
w2
When administering indomethacin to a premature infant who has patent ductus arteriosus,
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Q12
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2 w2
the nurse should anticipate which outcome?
te
w2 te
w
2 w
2 te te
w2 te
w
2 te
w
2
A Decreased urinary output w 2 w 2
B ✔ Decreased cardiac murmur
te te
w2 w2te
C Increased number of red blood cells w 2 w 2 w 2 w 2 w 2
D Increased respiratory effort w2 w2
ANSWER: teB
w2
Page 3 w 2 w 2 w 2 | For w 2 Study
Purposes
w 2 w 2 Only
