HESI LPN
Maternity HESI Practice Questions
1. A client is experiencing sore nipples from breastfeeding. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Place a snug dressing on the client’s nipple when not breastfeeding
- B. Ensure the newborn’s mouth is wide open before latching to the breast
- C. Encourage the client to limit the newborn’s feeding to 10 minutes on each breast
- D. Instruct the client to begin the feeding with the nipple that is most tender
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Ensuring the newborn's mouth is wide open before latching is crucial for achieving a proper latch, which can help reduce nipple soreness. Placing a snug dressing on the nipple when not breastfeeding (choice A) can lead to further irritation and hinder healing. Encouraging the client to limit the newborn’s feeding to 10 minutes on each breast (choice C) may not be adequate for effective feeding as infants should feed until they are satisfied. Instructing the client to begin feeding with the most tender nipple (choice D) can worsen the soreness as it may not allow the baby to feed effectively.
2. Which procedure is used to detect neural tube defects such as spina bifida and certain chromosomal abnormalities?
- A. Artificial insemination
- B. Amniocentesis
- C. Endometriosis
- D. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) assay
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is the Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) assay. This blood test measures the level of AFP in a pregnant woman's blood, aiding in the detection of neural tube defects and certain chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Choice A, artificial insemination, is a method used to facilitate fertilization and is not related to detecting fetal abnormalities. Choice B, amniocentesis, involves collecting amniotic fluid for genetic testing, not directly measuring AFP levels. Choice C, endometriosis, is a medical condition involving abnormal tissue growth and is not a procedure for detecting fetal abnormalities. Therefore, the Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) assay is the most appropriate option for detecting neural tube defects such as spina bifida and certain chromosomal abnormalities.
3. A healthcare provider is assessing a newborn upon admission to the nursery. Which of the following should the provider expect?
- A. Bulging Fontanels
- B. Nasal Flaring
- C. Length from head to heel of 40 cm (15.7 in)
- D. Chest circumference 2 cm (0.8 in) smaller than the head circumference
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Upon admission to the nursery, a healthcare provider should expect the newborn's chest circumference to be slightly smaller than the head circumference. This is a normal finding in newborns due to their physiological development. Bulging fontanels (Choice A) can indicate increased intracranial pressure, which is abnormal. Nasal flaring (Choice B) is a sign of respiratory distress and is also an abnormal finding. While a length from head to heel of 40 cm (15.7 in) (Choice C) falls within the normal range for newborns, it is not a specific expectation upon admission to the nursery. Therefore, the correct expectation for a newborn upon admission is for the chest circumference to be slightly smaller than the head circumference.
4. Is color blindness a sex-linked abnormality?
- A. TRUE
- B. FALSE
- C. Sometimes
- D. Always
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: TRUE. Color blindness is indeed a sex-linked abnormality as it is often associated with genes on the X chromosome. Since males have only one X chromosome, they are more likely to inherit color blindness if the gene is present. This makes color blindness more common in males. Choice B (FALSE) is incorrect because color blindness is linked to the X chromosome. Choices C (Sometimes) and D (Always) are incorrect as color blindness is consistently tied to the X chromosome.
5. A newborn is being assessed by a nurse who was born post-term. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Nails extending over tips of fingers
- B. Large deposits of subcutaneous fat
- C. Pale, translucent skin
- D. Thin covering of fine hair on shoulders and back
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Post-term newborns often have longer nails that extend over the tips of their fingers due to the extended gestation period. This occurs because the baby continues to grow in utero past the typical 40 weeks of gestation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as large deposits of subcutaneous fat, pale translucent skin, and a thin covering of fine hair on shoulders and back are not typically associated with post-term newborns. Longer nails are a common finding in post-term newborns due to the prolonged time spent in the womb, allowing for more nail growth compared to infants born at term.
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