Pediatric HESI Practice Questions Related

Review Pediatric HESI Practice Questions related questions and content

A nurse is caring for an infant with a tentative diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). What is most important for the nurse to assess?

  • A. Quality of the cry
  • B. Signs of dehydration
  • C. Coughing up feedings
  • D. Characteristics of the stool
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Signs of dehydration. Infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) are at high risk of dehydration due to frequent vomiting. Assessing for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes, and sunken fontanelles, is crucial for early intervention and management. Choices A, C, and D are not the most critical assessments for HPS. The quality of the cry (choice A) may not provide as much relevant information in this case. Coughing up of feedings (choice C) may be a symptom but is not as crucial as assessing for dehydration. Characteristics of the stool (choice D) are important but assessing for signs of dehydration takes precedence due to the immediate risk it poses to the infant's health.