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. During a primary survey of a child with partial thickness burns over the upper body areas, what action should the nurse take first?
- A. Inspect the child's skin color.
- B. Assess for a patent airway.
- C. Observe for symmetric breathing.
- D. Palpate the child's pulse.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When managing a child with partial thickness burns over the upper body areas, the priority action during the primary survey is to assess for a patent airway. This step is crucial as burns in this region can lead to airway compromise, potentially causing rapid deterioration in the child's condition. Checking for a patent airway ensures that the child can breathe adequately, which is essential for oxygenation and ventilation. Inspecting the child's skin color (Choice A) is an important assessment but should follow ensuring a patent airway. Observing for symmetric breathing (Choice C) is relevant, but the immediate focus should be on securing the airway. Palpating the child's pulse (Choice D) is also a vital assessment, but in this scenario, the priority is to assess and maintain a clear airway to support respiratory function and oxygen delivery.
3. A client who is receiving general anesthesia begins to demonstrate symptoms of malignant hyperthermia. Which intervention should the perioperative nurse prepare to implement first?
- A. Ensure patency of an indwelling catheter and measure hourly intake and output.
- B. Prepare for cessation of the anesthesia and the surgical procedure.
- C. Obtain specimens of ABGs and serum electrolytes.
- D. Initiate cooling measures using iced normal saline by nasogastric lavage.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prepare for cessation of the anesthesia and the surgical procedure. Malignant hyperthermia is a severe reaction to certain medications used during general anesthesia. The immediate intervention to manage malignant hyperthermia is to stop the triggering agents, which include anesthesia and surgery. Ensuring patency of an indwelling catheter and measuring intake and output, obtaining specimens of ABGs and serum electrolytes, and initiating cooling measures are important interventions but should follow the immediate action of stopping the anesthesia and surgery to address the life-threatening condition of malignant hyperthermia.
4. In the immediate postoperative period for a cleft lip repair in a 2-month-old infant, which nursing approach should be the priority?
- A. Remove protective arm devices one at a time for short periods with supervision
- B. Initiate oral feedings when alert
- C. Introduce the parents to the suture line cleansing protocol
- D. Position the infant on the back after feedings throughout the day
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct nursing approach in the immediate postoperative period for a cleft lip repair in an infant is to remove protective arm devices one at a time for short periods with supervision. This approach helps prevent injury to the surgical site while ensuring the infant's comfort and safety. Choice B is incorrect as initiating oral feedings immediately after surgery may not be appropriate and could compromise the surgical site. Choice C is incorrect as introducing parents to the suture line cleansing protocol is important but not the immediate priority. Choice D is incorrect as positioning the infant on the back after feedings is not specific to the immediate postoperative period for a cleft lip repair.
5. What action should the nurse implement in caring for a client following an electroencephalogram (EEG)?
- A. Monitor the client's vital signs every 4 hours
- B. Assess the client's lower extremities for sensation
- C. Instruct the client to maintain bed rest
- D. Wash any paste from the client's hair and scalp
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct action the nurse should implement after an EEG is to wash any paste from the client's hair and scalp. This is crucial to prevent irritation and infection at the EEG site. Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours is not specifically indicated after an EEG. Assessing the client's lower extremities for sensation is unrelated to caring for a client post-EEG. While rest may be recommended after the procedure, there is no standard requirement for a specific duration of bed rest.