HESI RN
HESI Maternity Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client at 32-weeks gestation comes to the prenatal clinic with complaints of pedal edema, dyspnea, fatigue, and a moist cough. Which question is most important for the LPN/LVN to ask this client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer to this question is D) Do you have a history of rheumatic fever? This is the most important question for the LPN/LVN to ask the client because the symptoms described - pedal edema, dyspnea, fatigue, and a moist cough - are indicative of cardiac issues, specifically heart failure. Rheumatic fever is a known risk factor for the development of rheumatic heart disease, which can lead to heart failure during pregnancy. Option A) Which symptom did you experience first? While understanding the progression of symptoms can provide some insight, it is not as crucial as identifying a potential underlying cardiac condition. Option B) Are you eating large amounts of salty foods? While dietary habits can contribute to edema and other symptoms, in this case, the symptoms presented are more likely related to a cardiac issue rather than dietary choices. Option C) Have you visited a foreign country recently? This question is not relevant to the symptoms described and does not address the immediate concern of cardiac involvement. In an educational context, it is essential for healthcare providers to be able to recognize and assess symptoms that may indicate serious conditions during pregnancy. Understanding the significance of a client's medical history and risk factors is crucial in providing appropriate care and interventions to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Question 2 of 5
A 4-week-old premature infant has been receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen) for the last three weeks. Which assessment finding indicates to the healthcare provider that the drug is effective?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Epoetin alfa stimulates erythropoiesis, leading to an increase in red blood cell production and improving oxygen-carrying capacity. As the oxygenation status improves, there is a reduction in heart rate. Therefore, changes in apical heart rate from the 180s to the 140s indicate that the drug is effective.
Question 3 of 5
A client with no prenatal care arrives at the labor unit screaming, 'The baby is coming!' The nurse performs a vaginal examination that reveals the cervix is 3 centimeters dilated and 75% effaced. What additional information is most important for the LPN/LVN to obtain?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Obtaining the date of the last normal menstrual period is crucial in estimating the gestational age of the fetus. This information helps in determining the progression of labor and the management of delivery. It also assists healthcare providers in assessing the overall health of the mother and the fetus.
Question 4 of 5
An infant delivered vaginally by an HIV-positive mother is admitted to the newborn nursery. What intervention should the healthcare provider perform first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The initial intervention should be to bathe the infant with an antimicrobial soap to reduce the risk of HIV transmission from maternal fluids. This immediate action helps minimize potential exposure to the virus and promotes infection control practices in the care of infants born to HIV-positive mothers.
Question 5 of 5
When can a woman who thinks she may be pregnant use a home pregnancy test to diagnose pregnancy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Home pregnancy tests detect hCG, a hormone produced during pregnancy, and are most accurate after the first missed period when hCG levels are higher. Testing too early may result in a false negative. Waiting until after the first missed period increases the reliability of the test results.