HESI RN
HESI Maternity Test Bank
1. A young girl with a fractured radius has a cast applied. As the cast is drying, it is elevated above the level of her heart. Which assessment finding should the healthcare provider be reported to immediately?
- A. Itching sensation under the cast.
- B. Swelling of fingers with brisk capillary refill.
- C. Numbness and inability to move fingers.
- D. Visible bruising above the cast.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Numbness and inability to move fingers are concerning findings that suggest potential nerve damage or compartment syndrome due to increased pressure within the cast. This requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider to prevent further complications or permanent damage.
2. At what point is a fetus considered viable?
- A. 26 weeks
- B. 28 weeks
- C. 37 weeks
- D. 12 weeks
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A fetus is considered viable after 37 weeks of gestation. At this stage, the fetus has a higher chance of surviving outside the womb with medical support. Choice A (26 weeks), Choice B (28 weeks), and Choice D (12 weeks) are incorrect because a fetus is not typically considered viable at those earlier gestational ages.
3. Which two items react during cellular respiration?
- A. Glucose and water
- B. Carbon dioxide and water
- C. Carbon dioxide and oxygen
- D. Glucose and oxygen
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Glucose and oxygen. During cellular respiration, glucose and oxygen react in the presence of enzymes to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP. Choice A (Glucose and water) is incorrect because water is a product of cellular respiration, not a reactant. Choice B (Carbon dioxide and water) is incorrect as carbon dioxide is produced during cellular respiration, not a reactant. Choice C (Carbon dioxide and oxygen) is incorrect because oxygen is a reactant in cellular respiration, not a product.
4. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What should the nurse include in the teaching plan about this medication?
- A. Take the medication with a full meal
- B. Take the medication on an empty stomach
- C. Take the medication at bedtime
- D. Take the medication as needed for symptoms
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Take the medication on an empty stomach.' Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption and effectiveness. The medication is typically taken in the morning before breakfast. Choice A is incorrect because taking levothyroxine with a full meal can decrease its absorption. Choice C is incorrect because bedtime dosing may lead to insomnia. Choice D is incorrect because levothyroxine is a daily medication for hypothyroidism, not to be taken as needed for symptoms.
5. At 0600 while admitting a woman for a scheduled repeat cesarean section (C-Section), the client tells the nurse that she drank a cup of coffee at 0400 because she wanted to avoid getting a headache. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Ensure preoperative lab results are available
- B. Start prescribed IV with lactated Ringer's
- C. Inform the anesthesia care provider
- D. Contact the client's obstetrician
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to inform the anesthesia care provider. The patient's ingestion of coffee violates the NPO (nothing by mouth) guidelines before surgery, which increases the risk of aspiration during anesthesia. Informing the anesthesia care provider promptly allows for appropriate assessment and decision-making regarding the patient's anesthesia plan. Ensuring preoperative lab results, starting an IV, or contacting the obstetrician can be important steps but addressing the NPO violation and its implications on anesthesia safety take precedence.