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Pediatric HESI 2026 Correct and Verified Answers Graded A
Question: What is precocious puberty in girls?
Correct Answer: Breast development and growth spurt occurring at ages 6-7, often followed by menarche.
Question: What is the hallmark of puberty in females?
Correct Answer: Menarche, which is typically around ages 10-15, usually around 12.
Question: What communication strategies should be used with children?
Correct Answer: Allow time for comfort, avoid sudden movements, use transition objects, and speak in a quiet, confident voice.
Question: What are some appropriate toys for a 1-year-old?
Correct Answer: Push-pull toys, colored blocks, large balls, and teething toys.
Question: What developmental stage occurs between 12-18 years according to Erikson's theory?Correct Answer: Identity vs. Role Confusion; virtue: fidelity.Question: What is the virtue associated with the 7-11 year stage in Erikson's theory?Correct Answer: Industry vs. Inferiority; virtue: competence.
Question: What vaccines are given at 12-18 months?
Correct Answer: DTaP, Hib, PCV15, MMR, Varicella, and Flu.
Question: What developmental stage occurs between 1-3 years according to Erikson's theory?Correct Answer: Autonomy vs. Doubt/Shame; virtue: will.Question: What is the virtue associated with the 0-1 year stage in Erikson's theory?Correct Answer: Trust vs. Mistrust; virtue: hope.
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Question: What vaccines are administered at 2 months of age?
Correct Answer: Hep B, DTaP, Polio (IPV), PCV13, and Hib.
Question: What are common nutritional needs for toddlers?
Correct Answer: Iron, calcium, and vitamin D; encourage balanced meals and limit grazing habits.
Question: What are the signs of ADHD in children?
Correct Answer: Inattentive type: lacks attention to detail, difficulty staying focused.
Hyperactive/impulsive type: fidgets, cannot stay seated, interrupts often.
Question: What is the first line treatment for hearing impairment in infants?
Correct Answer: Behavioral therapy.
Question: What are the signs of hearing impairment in infants?
Correct Answer: Lack of startle reflex, absence of babbling by 7 months, and lack of response to verbal cues.
Question: What is pediculosis capitis?
Correct Answer: Head lice infestation, identified by the presence of white eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts.
Question: What is the recommended treatment for head lice?
Correct Answer: Use of permethrin lotion/shampoo (NIX) and washing all linens in hot water.Question: What should be done to manage a child's environment if they have ADHD?Correct Answer: Modify the environment and provide proper classroom assignments.
Question: What is the importance of family-centered care in pediatrics?
Correct Answer: Recognizing the family as a constant in the child's life and providing unbiased care to all family members.
Question: What should be monitored when treating ADHD with stimulants?
Correct Answer: Monitor sleeping patterns and weight.
Question: What is the significance of confidentiality when communicating with
adolescents?
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Correct Answer: It is crucial to explain legal implications to both parents and the teen.
Question: What age range is considered normal for the onset of puberty in boys?
Correct Answer: Typically between ages 9-14.
Question: What are some age-appropriate toys for 2-3 year olds?
Correct Answer: Picture books, sandbox, and finger paints.
Question: What is acute epiglottitis and its common cause?
Correct Answer: Acute epiglottitis is a serious obstructive inflammatory process typically caused by H. influenzae, most common in children around 2.5 years old.
Question: What are the clinical manifestations of acute epiglottitis?
Correct Answer: Abrupt onset with rapid progression to respiratory failure, sore throat, fever (103+), tripod position, froglike sound on inspiration, and 'thumb sign' on X-ray.
Question: What is the therapeutic management for acute epiglottitis?
Correct Answer: Reduce anxiety, intubation, position comfortably, droplet precautions, IV antibiotics, and Hib vaccine education.
Question: What is laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB) and its common symptoms?
Correct Answer: LTB, also known as croup, is characterized by inflammation of the mucosa lining the larynx and trachea, causing narrowing of the airway. Symptoms include history of upper respiratory infection, runny nose, tachypnea, inspiratory stridor, barking cough, retractions, low-grade fever, and steeple sign on X-ray.Question: What is the therapeutic management for laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB)?Correct Answer: Administer racemic epinephrine if stridor is present, provide cool mist, Heliox, continuous observation, intubation/BVM at bedside, and maintain nutrition and hydration.
Question: What are the signs and symptoms of respiratory distress?
Correct Answer: Signs include tachypnea, irritability, tachycardia, retractions, nasal flaring, wheezing, stridor, increased work of breathing (WOB), and normal blood gas levels.
Question: What is otitis media and its common presentation?
Correct Answer: Otitis media is an ear infection characterized by pulling at the ear, fever, pus, pain, and not eating.
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Question: What is the treatment for otitis media?
Correct Answer: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed, and complications can include hearing loss and perforation of the eardrum.
Question: What is pertussis and its primary cause?
Correct Answer: Pertussis, or whooping cough, is an acute respiratory tract infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, primarily affecting children under 1 who haven't been immunized.
Question: What are the clinical manifestations of pertussis?
Correct Answer: Symptoms include whooping cough, low-grade fever, coughing (common at night), and vomiting.
Question: What is the medical treatment for pertussis?
Correct Answer: Immunization is the best preventative care, and antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin are used for treatment.
Question: What is asthma and its pathophysiology?
Correct Answer: Asthma is characterized by bronchospasm due to constriction of
bronchial smooth muscle, inflammation and edema of mucus membranes, and accumulation of thick secretions in the airways.
Question: What are the diagnostic evaluations for asthma?
Correct Answer: Evaluations include physical assessment, ABG, pulse oximetry,
spirometry, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) testing.
Question: What are the clinical manifestations of asthma?
Correct Answer: Symptoms include wheezing (severe cases may show no wheezing),
coughing (worse at night), nasal flaring, restlessness, apprehension, cyanosis, and barrel chest.
Question: What are the management goals for asthma?
Correct Answer: Goals include maintaining normal activity levels, pulmonary function, hydration, minimizing physical and psychological stress, and preventing exacerbations.
Question: What nursing management strategies are important for asthma?
Correct Answer: Maintain airway, administer medications (bronchodilators and anti- inflammatories), and monitor patient closely.
