HESI LPN
HESI Maternity 55 Questions
1. A newborn's head circumference is 12 inches (30.5 cm) and his chest measurement is 13 inches (33 cm). The nurse notes that this infant has no molding, and it was a breech presentation delivered by cesarean section. What action should the nurse take based on this data?
- A. No action needs to be taken, it is normal for an infant born by cesarean section to have a small head circumference.
- B. Notify the pediatrician immediately. These signs support the possibility of hydrocephalus.
- C. Call these findings to the attention of the pediatrician. The head/chest ratio is abnormal.
- D. Record the findings on the chart. They are within normal limits.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Head and chest circumference measurements are within normal limits for a newborn, especially for those delivered by cesarean section, so no immediate action is required beyond documentation.
2. Which of the following activities is an example of tertiary prevention?
- A. Health education
- B. Regular exercise
- C. Screening tests
- D. Physical therapy
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, physical therapy. Tertiary prevention focuses on rehabilitation and treatment to prevent complications from a disease or injury. Physical therapy falls under this category as it helps individuals recover and improve functionality after an illness or injury. Choices A, B, and C are not examples of tertiary prevention. Health education (choice A) is more aligned with primary prevention by promoting healthy behaviors to prevent disease onset. Regular exercise (choice B) can be categorized under both primary and secondary prevention as it aims to prevent disease development and detect conditions early. Screening tests (choice C) are part of secondary prevention as they aim to detect diseases at an early stage for prompt treatment.
3. During a nap, a 3-year-old hospitalized child wets the bed. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Ask the child to help with remaking the bed.
- B. Put clean sheets on the bed over a rubber sheet.
- C. Change the child’s clothes without discussing the incident.
- D. Explain that children should call the nurse when they need to go to the bathroom.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a 3-year-old hospitalized child wets the bed during a nap, the nurse should respond by changing the child's clothes without discussing the incident. This approach helps to maintain the child's dignity, avoid embarrassment, and reduce anxiety about bedwetting. Asking the child to help remake the bed (Choice A) may not be developmentally appropriate for a 3-year-old and could potentially lead to further distress. Putting clean sheets on the bed over a rubber sheet (Choice B) addresses the aftermath but does not directly address the child's needs and feelings. Explaining that children should call the nurse when they need to go to the bathroom (Choice D) may not be effective in this situation as the child may not have control over bedwetting during sleep.
4. When changing a client's colostomy pouch and noticing peristomal skin irritation, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Change the pouch as needed based on individual requirements.
- B. Apply the pouch only when the skin barrier is completely dry.
- C. Pat the peristomal skin dry after cleaning.
- D. Ensure the pouch is 0.32 cm (1/8 in) larger than the stoma.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When a nurse observes peristomal skin irritation while changing a client's colostomy pouch, it is crucial to ensure that the pouch is slightly larger (0.32 cm or 1/8 inch) than the stoma. This extra space helps prevent the pouch from rubbing against the stoma and causing further irritation. Option A is correct because colostomy pouches should be changed based on individual needs, not necessarily every 24 hours. Option B is incorrect because applying the pouch only when the skin barrier is completely dry ensures better adhesion. Option C is incorrect as patting the peristomal skin dry after cleaning is more gentle and less likely to cause irritation compared to rubbing.
5. A healthcare professional is planning to obtain the vital signs of a 2-year-old child who is experiencing diarrhea and who might have a right ear infection. Which of the following routes should the healthcare professional use to obtain the temperature?
- A. Temporal
- B. Oral
- C. Rectal
- D. Axillary
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a 2-year-old child with diarrhea and a possible ear infection, rectal temperature measurement is the most accurate reflection of core body temperature. This method provides the most reliable reading, especially in young children, as it closely reflects the core body temperature. Oral temperature may not be accurate due to the child's recent diarrhea, which can affect oral readings. Axillary temperature may not be as accurate as rectal temperature in this case. Temporal temperature measurement, although non-invasive, may not provide the most accurate core body temperature reading, especially in a child with a potential ear infection.