HESI RN
HESI RN Maternity Exam 7n Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client's maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein level is elevated at 17 weeks. What condition should the nurse identify as the likely cause of this increase?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein at 17 weeks is most commonly associated with neural tube defects. Multiple gestation may also increase levels but is less likely, while Down syndrome and fetal hypoxia typically do not cause this elevation.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who is 40-weeks gestation in active labor and has received epidural anesthesia. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to conduct following the administration of epidural anesthesia?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Epidural anesthesia can cause hypotension, affecting maternal and fetal well-being. Monitoring maternal blood pressure is critical to detect and manage this risk promptly.
Question 3 of 5
A client who experienced a severe postpartum hemorrhage following the vaginal birth of twins is transferred to the postpartum unit. The nurse knows that assessment for which complication is the highest priority for this client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Severe postpartum hemorrhage increases the risk of DIC, a life-threatening clotting disorder. Psychosis, afterpains, and placenta accreta are less immediate concerns in this context.
Question 4 of 5
A patient in active labor is prescribed oxytocin 12 milliunits/min intravenously (IV). The IV bag contains 5 units of oxytocin in 500 mL of lactated Ringer's solution. How many mL/hour should the nurse set the infusion pump to? (Enter numerical value only)
Correct Answer: 0.72
Rationale: The concentration is 5 units/500 mL = 0.01 units/mL. Convert 12 milliunits/min to 0.72 units/hour (12/1000 * 60). Infusion rate is 0.72/0.01 = 72 mL/hour.
Question 5 of 5
A patient was received one hour after delivering a 9 lb 1 oz (4.1 kg) female baby. Her vital signs are as follows: Temperature 100.4° F (38° C) orally, Heart rate 86 beats/minute, Respiratory rate 16 breaths/minute, Blood pressure 102/12 mm Hg, Pain 4 on a 0 to 10 pain scale. She was assisted to the bathroom where she voided 150 mL of clear yellow urine. Lochia rubra is moderate with small clots, no foul odor noted. The fundus is firm at the umbilicus. The episiotomy edges are well approximated, with no redness, edema, drainage, or ecchymosis. There is no pain, redness, or swelling in the calves. A 1,000 mL bag of lactated Ringer's solution containing 10 units of oxytocin is infusing via an 18-gauge peripheral IV in the left forearm at 125 mL per hour, with 500 mL remaining in the bag. The IV is patent, without redness or swelling, and can be discontinued when this bag's infusion is complete.
Correct Answer: -
Rationale: No specific action is required as all findings are within normal postpartum parameters. Vital signs, lochia, fundus, episiotomy, and IV status are stable, indicating routine monitoring is sufficient.