HESI LPN
HESI Focus on Maternity Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
The healthcare provider is planning care for a client at 30 weeks gestation who is experiencing preterm labor. Which medication is most important in preventing this fetus from developing respiratory distress syndrome?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Betamethasone is a corticosteroid given to stimulate fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. Ampicillin (Choice A) is an antibiotic and does not prevent respiratory distress syndrome. Terbutaline (Choice C) is a tocolytic used to inhibit contractions and does not directly prevent respiratory distress syndrome. Butorphanol tartrate (Choice D) is an opioid analgesic and does not have a role in preventing respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.
Question 2 of 5
What nursing action should the nurse implement for a 3-hour-old male infant who presents with cyanotic hands and feet, an axillary temperature of 96.5°F (35.8°C), a respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute, and a heart rate of 165 beats per minute?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct nursing action is to gradually warm the infant under a radiant heat source. The infant is presenting with signs of cold stress, indicated by cyanotic extremities and a low body temperature. Gradual warming is crucial to stabilize the infant's temperature and prevent further complications. Administering oxygen, notifying the pediatrician, or performing a heel-stick are not the priority actions in this scenario and may not address the immediate need to raise the infant's body temperature.
Question 3 of 5
A client who delivered a healthy newborn an hour ago asked the nurse when she can go home. Which information is most important for the nurse to provide the client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most critical information for the nurse to provide the client is ensuring that there is no significant vaginal bleeding before discharge. This is vital to prevent complications such as postpartum hemorrhage. Options A, B, and C are important aspects of postpartum care, but assessing and managing vaginal bleeding takes precedence due to its potential seriousness.
Question 4 of 5
The healthcare provider is preparing to administer phytonadione (vitamin K) to a newborn. Which statement made by the parents indicates understanding why the healthcare provider is administering this medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because phytonadione (vitamin K) is administered to newborns to prevent hemorrhagic disease due to their low levels of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. Choice A is incorrect as vitamin K administration is not related to improving dietary intake. Choice B is incorrect as vitamin K doesn't stimulate the immune system. Choice C is incorrect as vitamin K is not given to help an immature liver, but rather to prevent hemorrhagic disorders.
Question 5 of 5
The mother of a breastfeeding 24-hour old infant is very concerned about the techniques involved in breastfeeding. She calls the nurse with each feeding to seek reassurance that she is doing it right. She tells the nurse, "Now my daughter is not getting enough to eat." Which response would be best for the nurse to make?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "If your baby's urine is straw-colored, she's getting enough milk." This response is the best because it reassures the mother about her breastfeeding technique by providing a tangible indicator of adequate milk intake. This information empowers the mother to monitor her baby's hydration status and feeding effectiveness. Option A is incorrect because feeding hourly without assessing the baby's actual needs may lead to overfeeding and disrupt the establishment of a proper feeding routine. Option B is incorrect because the feeling of fullness in the breasts is not a reliable indicator of sufficient milk transfer. Option C is incorrect as it suggests unnecessary formula supplementation without assessing the actual breastfeeding situation. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to empower mothers with accurate information and practical tips to build their confidence in breastfeeding. By providing evidence-based reassurance like the color of the baby's urine as an indicator of milk intake, nurses can support mothers in their breastfeeding journey and promote successful breastfeeding outcomes.