HESI LPN
HESI Focus on Maternity Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
Do neural tube defects cause an elevation in the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level in the mother's blood?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Yes, neural tube defects can cause an elevation in AFP levels in the mother's blood. AFP levels are often used as a screening marker during pregnancy to detect neural tube defects.
Choice B is incorrect because an elevation in AFP levels can indeed occur in the presence of neural tube defects.
Choice C is not the best option as it leaves room for uncertainty when the relationship between neural tube defects and AFP elevation is well-established.
Choice D is incorrect as neural tube defects are known to influence AFP levels in the maternal blood.
Question 2 of 5
A woman with gestational diabetes has had little or no experience reading and interpreting glucose levels. The client shows the nurse her readings for the past few days. Which reading signals the nurse that the client may require an adjustment of insulin or carbohydrates?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: 50 mg/dl after waking from a nap is too low. During hours of sleep, glucose levels should not be less than 60 mg/dl. Snacks before sleeping can be helpful. The premeal acceptable range is 60 to 99 mg/dl. The readings 1 hour after a meal should be less than 129 mg/dl. Two hours after eating, the readings should be less than 120 mg/dl.
Question 3 of 5
Females with Turner syndrome:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Turner syndrome is a chromosomal disorder in females characterized by short stature and underdeveloped ovaries, resulting in low estrogen production. This leads to symptoms such as delayed puberty and infertility.
Choice A is incorrect because the chromosomal abnormality in Turner syndrome does not affect the thymine-cytosine ratio.
Choice B is incorrect as females with Turner syndrome are typically shorter than average.
Choice D is incorrect as Turner syndrome does not increase the likelihood of giving birth to twins.
Question 4 of 5
A woman who is 38 weeks gestation is receiving magnesium sulfate for severe preeclampsia. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Absent patellar reflexes. Absent patellar reflexes can indicate magnesium toxicity, a serious condition that requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory depression or cardiac arrest. Dizziness while standing (choice
A) is common in pregnancy but does not specifically indicate magnesium toxicity. Sinus tachycardia (choice
B) can be a normal response to magnesium sulfate but does not indicate toxicity. Lower back pain (choice
C) is common in pregnancy and not specifically associated with magnesium toxicity.
Question 5 of 5
A newborn is scheduled to start phototherapy using a lamp. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During phototherapy using a lamp, it is crucial to protect the newborn's eyes from the light to prevent damage. Closing the newborn's eyes beneath the shield is essential for this purpose. Applying lotion to the skin (
Choice
A) is not recommended as it can intensify the effects of the phototherapy. Giving glucose water (
Choice
B) is unrelated to the phototherapy process and is not indicated. Dressing the newborn in clothing (
Choice
D) may hinder the effectiveness of the phototherapy by blocking the light exposure to the skin.