HESI LPN
Maternity HESI Practice Questions
1. A primigravida at 36 weeks gestation who is RH-negative experienced abdominal trauma in a motor vehicle collision. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Fetal heart rate at 162 beats per minute
- B. Mild contractions every 10 minutes
- C. Trace of protein in the urine
- D. Positive fetal hemoglobin testing
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Positive fetal hemoglobin testing' (D). Positive fetal hemoglobin testing (Kleihauer-Betke test) indicates fetal-maternal hemorrhage, which is critical in an RH-negative mother due to the risk of isoimmunization. This condition can lead to sensitization of the mother's immune system against fetal blood cells, potentially causing hemolytic disease of the newborn in subsequent pregnancies. Reporting this finding promptly is crucial for appropriate management and interventions. Choices A, B, and C are not as critical in this scenario. While monitoring fetal heart rate and contractions is important, the detection of fetal-maternal hemorrhage takes precedence due to the serious implications it poses for the current and future pregnancies of an RH-negative mother.
2. Rico is a man who has enlarged breasts and suffers from mild mental retardation. He has a problem learning languages, and his body produces less of the male sex hormone testosterone than normal males. Rico is most likely suffering from:
- A. Klinefelter syndrome.
- B. Tay-Sachs disease.
- C. Turner syndrome.
- D. Down syndrome.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Rico's symptoms align with Klinefelter syndrome, which is characterized by an extra X chromosome in males (XXY). Enlarged breasts (gynecomastia), mild mental retardation, learning difficulties, and reduced testosterone production are common features of Klinefelter syndrome. Choice B, Tay-Sachs disease, is a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and is not associated with the symptoms described. Choice C, Turner syndrome, occurs in females with a missing or partially missing X chromosome and does not fit Rico's profile. Choice D, Down syndrome, is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 and typically does not present with the symptoms mentioned for Rico.
3. When reviewing the electronic medical record of a postpartum client, which of the following factors places the client at risk for infection?
- A. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid
- B. Placenta previa
- C. Midline episiotomy
- D. Gestational hypertension
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Midline episiotomy. An episiotomy is a surgical incision made during childbirth to enlarge the vaginal opening. This procedure increases the risk of infection in the postpartum period due to the incision site being a potential entry point for pathogens. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (choice A) is a risk factor for fetal distress but does not directly increase the mother's risk of infection. Placenta previa (choice B) is a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, leading to potential bleeding issues but not necessarily an increased risk of infection. Gestational hypertension (choice D) is a hypertensive disorder that affects some pregnant women but is not directly associated with an increased risk of infection in the postpartum period.
4. Which of the following statements is true of sickle-cell anemia?
- A. It is typically managed with treatments such as pain relief medications.
- B. It is caused by a mutation in the beta-globin gene.
- C. It leads to the obstruction of small blood vessels and decreased oxygen delivery.
- D. It is more prevalent in individuals of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Sickle-cell anemia results from a mutation in the beta-globin gene, causing red blood cells to become sickle-shaped. These misshapen cells can obstruct small blood vessels, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because sickle-cell anemia is typically managed with treatments such as pain relief medications, hydration, and in severe cases, blood transfusions. It is caused by a specific mutation in the beta-globin gene, not by the inability to metabolize phenylalanine. Additionally, sickle-cell anemia is more prevalent in individuals of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent, not exclusive to any specific gender.
5. The _____ is the inner layer of the embryo from which the lungs and digestive system develop.
- A. neural tube
- B. mesoderm
- C. endoderm
- D. umbilical cord
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The endoderm is the correct answer. It is the innermost layer of the embryo that gives rise to organs such as the lungs, digestive system, liver, and pancreas. The neural tube (Choice A) forms the brain and spinal cord, not the lungs or digestive system. Mesoderm (Choice B) develops into structures like muscles, bones, and circulatory system, not the lungs or digestive system. The umbilical cord (Choice D) serves as a connection between the embryo and the placenta, providing nutrients and oxygen, but it is not the layer from which lungs and digestive system develop.
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