HESI LPN
HESI Focus on Maternity Exam
1. A woman who is 38 weeks gestation is receiving magnesium sulfate for severe preeclampsia. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Dizziness while standing
- B. Sinus tachycardia
- C. Lower back pain
- D. Absent patellar reflexes
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Absent patellar reflexes. Absent patellar reflexes can indicate magnesium toxicity, a serious condition that requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory depression or cardiac arrest. Dizziness while standing (choice A) is common in pregnancy but does not specifically indicate magnesium toxicity. Sinus tachycardia (choice B) can be a normal response to magnesium sulfate but does not indicate toxicity. Lower back pain (choice C) is common in pregnancy and not specifically associated with magnesium toxicity.
2. While performing a visual inspection of a 30-year-old woman in active labor, you can see the umbilical cord at the vaginal opening. After providing high concentration oxygen, you should next
- A. massage the uterus to facilitate delivery of the fetus
- B. relieve pressure from the cord with your gloved fingers
- C. place the mother on her left side and provide rapid transport
- D. elevate the mother's lower extremities and provide immediate transport
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the scenario described, when the umbilical cord is visible at the vaginal opening, the priority is to relieve pressure from the cord with gloved fingers. This action helps prevent cord compression and ensures continued oxygenation to the fetus, which is crucial for the baby's well-being. Massaging the uterus or elevating the mother's lower extremities is not the correct course of action in this situation and may potentially worsen the condition. Placing the mother on her left side and providing rapid transport is not the immediate step needed to address the visible umbilical cord; relieving pressure from the cord takes precedence to maintain fetal oxygen supply.
3. Diabetes has become a major health problem. How can healthcare professionals contribute to reducing the incidence of diabetes?
- A. Conducting extensive diabetes patient screenings
- B. Supporting the implementation of Republic Act 8191-National Diabetes Act
- C. Creating support groups for diabetes patients
- D. Raising community awareness about diabetes prevention
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Raising community awareness about diabetes prevention is an effective way to reduce the incidence of diabetes. By educating the public about healthy lifestyle choices, risk factors, and preventive measures, healthcare professionals can empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health. Choice A is not as proactive as raising awareness in the community. While screening is important, prevention through awareness can have a broader impact. Choice B is specific to a particular act and may not apply universally. Choice C, establishing support groups, is beneficial for those already affected by diabetes but may not directly reduce the incidence of the disease.
4. A nurse is developing an individualized plan of care for a patient. Which action is important for the nurse to take?
- A. Establish goals that are measurable and realistic.
- B. Set goals that are a little beyond the capabilities of the patient.
- C. Use the nurse's own judgment and not be swayed by family desires.
- D. Explain that without taking alignment risks, there can be no progress.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When developing an individualized plan of care for a patient, the nurse must set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). Choice A is correct as it emphasizes the importance of establishing goals that are measurable and realistic, ensuring they are attainable within a specific timeframe. Setting goals that are beyond the capabilities of the patient (Choice B) can lead to frustration and lack of progress. Using only the nurse's judgment and disregarding family desires (Choice C) may not consider important aspects of the patient's social support and preferences. Explaining that progress requires taking alignment risks (Choice D) is not a standard approach in nursing care planning and may confuse the patient or hinder trust in the nurse's decision-making.
5. A client has a new cast on the left arm, and the nurse is assessing the client. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
- A. Increased warmth in the affected arm
- B. Itching under the cast
- C. Pain with passive movement
- D. Drainage on the cast
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pain with passive movement. Pain with passive movement in a client with a new cast can indicate compartment syndrome, a serious condition where pressure builds up within the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels of the affected limb, potentially leading to tissue damage. Immediate reporting is crucial to prevent further complications. Increased warmth in the affected arm could be a normal inflammatory response to the injury and casting process. Itching under the cast is common and can be managed without immediate concern. Drainage on the cast may be expected initially after casting due to residual moisture from the setting process, but ongoing or excessive drainage should be monitored and reported if persistent.