HESI LPN
Maternity HESI Practice Questions
1. A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a term newborn who is 24 hours old. Which of the following results require intervention by the nurse?
- A. WBC count 10,000/mm3
- B. Platelets 180,000/mm3
- C. Hemoglobin 20g/dL
- D. Glucose 20 mg/dL
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A glucose level of 20 mg/dL is critically low for a newborn and requires immediate intervention. Hypoglycemia in a newborn can lead to serious complications such as neurologic deficits. The normal range for glucose levels in a newborn is typically 40-60 mg/dL. Choices A, B, and C represent normal or acceptable values for a term newborn and do not require immediate intervention. A WBC count of 10,000/mm3, platelets of 180,000/mm3, and hemoglobin of 20g/dL are all within normal ranges for a term newborn and do not raise immediate concerns.
2. A perinatal nurse is caring for a woman in the immediate postpartum period. Assessment reveals that the client is experiencing profuse bleeding. What is the most likely cause of this bleeding?
- A. Uterine atony.
- B. Uterine inversion.
- C. Vaginal hematoma.
- D. Vaginal laceration.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Uterine atony is significant hypotonia of the uterus and is the leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage. It results in the inability of the uterus to contract effectively after delivery, leading to excessive bleeding. Uterine inversion is a rare but serious complication that involves the turning inside out of the uterus, leading to hemorrhage, but it is not the most likely cause of profuse bleeding in this scenario. Vaginal hematoma may cause bleeding but is typically associated with pain as a primary symptom rather than profuse bleeding. Vaginal lacerations can cause bleeding, but in the presence of a firm, contracted uterine fundus, uterine atony is a more likely cause of ongoing profuse bleeding in the postpartum period.
3. The healthcare provider prescribes 10 units per liter of oxytocin via IV drip to augment a client's labor because she is experiencing a prolonged active phase. Which finding would cause the nurse to immediately discontinue the oxytocin?
- A. Contraction duration of 100 seconds.
- B. Four contractions in 10 minutes.
- C. Uterus is soft.
- D. Early deceleration of fetal heart rate.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A contraction duration of 100 seconds is too long and can indicate uterine hyperstimulation, which can lead to fetal distress and other complications. This prolonged contraction duration suggests that the uterus is not relaxing adequately between contractions, potentially compromising fetal oxygenation. Choice B, 'Four contractions in 10 minutes,' is a sign of tachysystole, which is concerning but not as immediately critical as the prolonged contraction duration. Choice C, 'Uterus is soft,' is not a reason to discontinue oxytocin; in fact, it is a normal finding. Choice D, 'Early deceleration of fetal heart rate,' while indicating fetal distress, is not a direct result of the oxytocin and may require intervention but not immediate discontinuation of the medication.
4. A 30-year-old primigravida delivers a nine-pound (4082 gram) infant vaginally after a 30-hour labor. What is the priority nursing action for this client?
- A. Assess the blood pressure for hypertension.
- B. Gently massage fundus every four hours.
- C. Observe for signs of uterine hemorrhage.
- D. Encourage direct contact with the infant.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: After a prolonged labor and delivery of a large infant, the client is at an increased risk for uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage, making observation for signs of bleeding a priority. Assessing the blood pressure for hypertension (Choice A) is not the priority in this situation as the immediate concern is postpartum hemorrhage. Gently massaging the fundus every four hours (Choice B) is a routine postpartum care activity but is not the priority in this scenario. Encouraging direct contact with the infant (Choice D) is important for bonding but does not address the immediate risk of uterine hemorrhage after delivery.
5. A prenatal educator is teaching a class about false labor. Which of the following information should the educator include?
- A. Contractions will become more intense with walking
- B. There will be dilation and effacement of the cervix
- C. There will be bloody show
- D. Contractions will become temporarily regular
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. False labor contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, are typically irregular and do not lead to cervical dilation or effacement. They are often described as sporadic and temporary, becoming temporarily regular. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because false labor contractions do not intensify with activity, do not cause cervical changes like dilation and effacement, and are not associated with the presence of a bloody show.
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