HESI LPN
Maternity HESI Practice Questions
1. During the client’s initial prenatal visit, which of the following would indicate a need for further assessment?
- A. History of diabetes for 6 years.
- B. Exercises three times a week.
- C. Occasional use of over-the-counter pain relievers.
- D. Maternal age 30 years.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A history of diabetes for 6 years indicates a pre-existing medical condition that can significantly impact both the mother and the developing fetus during pregnancy. This necessitates further assessment and monitoring to manage potential complications. Regular exercise (Choice B) is generally beneficial during pregnancy and does not raise immediate concerns. Occasional use of over-the-counter pain relievers (Choice C) is common and does not necessarily indicate a need for further assessment during the initial visit. Maternal age of 30 years (Choice D) falls within the normal range for childbearing and is not a standalone factor requiring immediate further assessment.
2. A moderately depressed client who was hospitalized 2 days ago suddenly begins smiling and reporting that the crisis is over. The client says to a nurse, 'I'm finally cured.' The LPN/LVN interprets this behavior as a cue to modify the treatment plan by:
- A. Suggesting a reduction of medication
- B. Allowing increased 'in-room' activities
- C. Increasing the level of suicide precautions
- D. Allowing the client off-unit privileges as needed
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A sudden improvement in mood and declaring being cured can be warning signs of a decision to attempt suicide. Therefore, the appropriate action would be to increase the level of suicide precautions to ensure the safety of the client. This can involve closer monitoring and restriction of items that could be harmful. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the potential risk of suicide that may be present with the sudden change in behavior.
3. At a routine health assessment, a client tells the nurse that she is planning a pregnancy in the near future. She asks about preconception diet changes. Which of the statements made by the nurse is best?
- A. Include fibers in your daily diet.
- B. Increase green leafy vegetable intake.
- C. Drink a glass of milk with each meal.
- D. Eat at least 1 serving of fish weekly.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Increase green leafy vegetable intake." This is the best advice because green leafy vegetables are rich in folic acid, which is essential for fetal development and helps prevent neural tube defects. Choice A is not specific enough and does not address the importance of folic acid. Choice C, drinking milk with each meal, does not provide the necessary folic acid intake. Choice D, eating fish weekly, is not as crucial for preconception diet changes as increasing folic acid intake.
4. You are caring for a patient with multiple trauma. Of all of these injuries and conditions, which is the most serious?
- A. A deviated trachea
- B. Gross deformity of a lower extremity
- C. Hematuria
- D. Decreased bowel sounds
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A deviated trachea is the most serious condition among the choices provided. It can indicate a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent respiratory compromise. Choice B, a gross deformity of a lower extremity, while significant, is not as immediately life-threatening as a deviated trachea. Choice C, hematuria, may indicate kidney injury but is not as acutely life-threatening as a deviated trachea. Choice D, decreased bowel sounds, could indicate abdominal issues, but it is not as urgent or immediately life-threatening as a deviated trachea.
5. What is a cavity containing pus surrounded by inflamed tissue?
- A. Cellulitis.
- B. An abscess.
- C. Extravasation.
- D. An adhesion.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An abscess is defined as a cavity containing pus surrounded by inflamed tissue. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection causing redness and swelling, not a cavity. Extravasation is the leakage of fluid from a vessel into surrounding tissues, not a cavity. An adhesion is a band of scar-like tissue that binds two parts together, not a cavity containing pus and inflamed tissue.