a woman who is 38 weeks gestation is receiving magnesium sulfate for severe preeclampsia which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by t
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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?

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. What is the most critical action in caring for the newborn immediately after birth?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most critical action in caring for the newborn immediately after birth is keeping the airway clear. This is essential to ensure that the newborn can breathe effectively and prevent any respiratory distress. Fostering parent-newborn attachment, although important, is not the most critical action immediately after birth. Drying the newborn and wrapping the infant in a blanket is important for temperature regulation but is not as critical as maintaining a clear airway. Administering eye drops and vitamin K is typically done later and is not the most critical action immediately after birth.

3. What is the highest priority nursing intervention when admitting a pregnant woman who has experienced a bleeding episode in late pregnancy?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The highest priority nursing intervention when admitting a pregnant woman who has experienced a bleeding episode in late pregnancy is to assess the fetal heart rate (FHR) and maternal vital signs. This assessment is crucial in determining the extent of blood loss and its impact on both the mother and the fetus. Ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the fetus is the top priority in this situation. While obtaining hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is important, it can be done after the initial assessment. Placing clean disposable pads is necessary for managing any drainage but does not take precedence over assessing vital signs. Monitoring uterine contractions is important but is not the highest priority when compared to assessing the FHR and maternal vital signs.

4. _______ is a genetic disorder in which blood does not clot properly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hemophilia is a genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in blood clotting factors, leading to prolonged bleeding. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, not blood clotting. Lymphoma is a type of cancer originating in the lymphatic system and is not related to blood clotting abnormalities. Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder that affects a person's ability to move, think, and behave.

5. A healthcare professional is planning care for a full-term newborn who is receiving phototherapy. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional include in the plan of care?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a newborn is receiving phototherapy, it is important to avoid using lotions or ointments on their skin as these products can lead to skin irritation and burns under the phototherapy lights. Dressing the newborn in lightweight clothing helps ensure proper exposure to the phototherapy lights. Keeping the newborn supine during treatment helps maximize exposure to the light. However, the key consideration in this scenario is to prevent skin irritation and burns by avoiding lotions or ointments.

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