HESI RN
HESI Maternity Test Bank
1. A woman who delivered a 9-pound baby via cesarean section under spinal anesthesia is recovering in the post-anesthesia care unit. Her fundus is firm at the umbilicus, and a continuous trickle of bright red blood with no clots is observed by the nurse. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Assess her blood pressure.
- B. Apply an ice pack to the perineum.
- C. Allow the infant to breastfeed.
- D. Massage the fundus vigorously.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this situation, continuous bleeding despite a firm fundus suggests a possible laceration. The appropriate action for the nurse to take is to assess the woman's blood pressure. This helps determine the severity of blood loss and guides further interventions, such as identifying the need for additional assessments or interventions to control bleeding. Applying an ice pack to the perineum (choice B) would not address the ongoing bleeding issue. Allowing the infant to breastfeed (choice C) may not be safe if there is significant bleeding. Massaging the fundus vigorously (choice D) is contraindicated when there is continuous bleeding as it can worsen the bleeding or cause further harm.
2. What maternal behavior is typically observed when a new mother first receives her infant?
- A. She eagerly reaches for the infant, undresses the infant, and examines the infant completely.
- B. Her arms and hands receive the infant and she then traces the infant's profile with her fingertips.
- C. Her arms and hands receive the infant and she then cuddles the infant to her own body.
- D. She eagerly reaches for the infant and then holds the infant close to her own body.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a new mother first receives her infant, a typical maternal behavior is to use her arms and hands to receive the infant and then trace the infant's profile with her fingertips. This action is a gentle way of bonding with the newborn and aids in recognizing the infant's features. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the common behavior of tracing the infant's profile, which is a significant part of the initial interaction between a mother and her newborn.
3. In caring for a 4-year-old boy recently diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which characteristic of the disease is most important for the nurse to focus on during the initial teaching?
- A. Lower legs become progressively weaker, causing a waddling, unsteady gait.
- B. Growth and development have been abnormal since birth.
- C. Muscular strength can be regained with physical exercise and therapy.
- D. Respiratory dysfunction and aspiration are prime concerns at this stage of the disease.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a key characteristic is the progressive weakness in the lower legs, leading to a waddling, unsteady gait. The nurse should focus on teaching about this aspect as it helps in understanding the disease's progression and managing the symptoms effectively.
4. At 20 weeks gestation, a client is scheduled for an ultrasound. In preparing the client for the procedure, the nurse should explain that the primary reason for conducting this diagnostic study is to obtain which information?
- A. Sex and size of the fetus.
- B. Chromosomal abnormalities.
- C. Fetal growth and gestational age.
- D. Lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The primary reason for an ultrasound at 20 weeks gestation is to assess fetal growth, gestational age, and anatomical development. This evaluation helps ensure the fetus is developing appropriately and can detect any potential issues that may require intervention. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because at 20 weeks, the primary focus of the ultrasound is not to determine the sex of the fetus, detect chromosomal abnormalities, or assess the lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio. While these factors may be evaluated in pregnancy, they are not the primary reasons for an ultrasound at 20 weeks gestation.
5. A neonate with congenital adrenal hypoplasia (CAH) presents with ambiguous genitalia. What is the primary nursing consideration when supporting the parents of a child with this anomaly?
- A. Discuss the need for cortisol and aldosterone replacement therapy after discharge
- B. Support the parents in their decision regarding the sex assignment of their child
- C. Offer information about ultrasonography and genotyping to determine sex assignment
- D. Explain that corrective surgical procedures consistent with sex assignment can be delayed
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Supporting the parents in their decision regarding the sex assignment of their child is crucial as it respects the parental role in making this important decision and helps provide emotional support during a challenging time. The primary focus should be on helping the parents navigate the complexities and implications of determining the sex assignment for their child with ambiguous genitalia.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
HESI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access