HESI LPN
HESI Maternity 55 Questions
1. A multiparous woman has been in labor for 8 hours. Her membranes have just ruptured. What is the nurse’s highest priority in this situation?
- A. Prepare the woman for imminent birth.
- B. Notify the woman’s primary healthcare provider.
- C. Document the characteristics of the fluid.
- D. Assess the fetal heart rate (FHR) and pattern.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the fetal heart rate (FHR) and pattern (Choice D). When a multiparous woman's membranes rupture after 8 hours of labor, the nurse's priority is to assess the fetal well-being. Rupture of membranes can lead to potential complications such as umbilical cord prolapse. Monitoring the fetal heart rate and pattern immediately after the rupture of membranes is crucial to ensure the fetus is not in distress. This assessment helps in determining the need for immediate interventions to safeguard the fetus. Documenting the characteristics of the fluid (Choice C) may be necessary but is of lower priority compared to assessing fetal well-being. While preparing the woman for imminent birth (Choice A) is important, assessing the fetal heart rate takes precedence to ensure the fetus is not compromised. Notifying the woman's primary healthcare provider (Choice B) is also important but not the highest priority at this moment.
2. A client postoperative expresses pain during dressing changes. What should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Administer pain medication 45 minutes before changing the client’s dressing.
- B. Change the dressing less frequently.
- C. Apply a topical anesthetic before removing the dressing.
- D. Use a non-adherent dressing to reduce pain.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering pain medication before changing the dressing is the priority action as it will help alleviate the client's pain and improve comfort. Choice B, changing the dressing less frequently, may hinder proper wound care and healing. Applying a topical anesthetic (choice C) might offer some relief but systemic pain medication is more effective. Using a non-adherent dressing (choice D) can reduce pain during dressing changes, but addressing immediate pain with medication is the most appropriate intervention in this case.
3. Which statement by the client will assist the healthcare provider in determining whether she is in true labor as opposed to false labor?
- A. I passed some thick, pink mucus when I urinated this morning.
- B. My bag of waters just broke.
- C. The contractions in my uterus are getting stronger and closer together.
- D. My baby dropped, and I have to urinate more frequently now.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Regular, strong contractions with the presence of cervical change indicate that the woman is experiencing true labor. Choice A indicates the passing of the mucus plug, which is a sign of early labor but not definitive for true labor. Choice B, the breaking of the bag of waters, is a sign of labor but does not confirm whether it is true or false labor. Choice D, the baby dropping and increased urination frequency, suggests lightening, a sign that labor may be approaching, but it does not confirm true labor.
4. To assess pedal pulses, which arterial sites should the nurse palpate? (Select all that apply)
- A. Posterior tibial artery
- B. Radial artery
- C. External iliac artery
- D. Dorsalis pedis artery
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Dorsalis pedis artery. When assessing pedal pulses, the nurse should palpate the dorsalis pedis artery and the posterior tibial artery. The radial artery is located in the wrist and is not a site for assessing pedal pulses. The external iliac artery is not a correct site for assessing pedal pulses in the lower extremities, making it the correct answer.
5. The process by which an individual gains knowledge and skills to improve their health and well-being is known as:
- A. Health literacy
- B. Health education
- C. Health promotion
- D. Health behavior
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Health education. Health education is the process through which individuals acquire knowledge and skills to enhance their health and well-being. Health literacy (choice A) refers to the ability to understand and use health information, but it is not the same as the process of gaining knowledge and skills. Health promotion (choice C) involves advocating for health and implementing interventions to improve health outcomes, rather than the individual learning process. Health behavior (choice D) pertains to the actions individuals take regarding their health, not specifically the process of gaining knowledge and skills.