HESI LPN
Maternity HESI Test Bank
1. Following a traumatic delivery, an infant receives an initial Apgar score of 3. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Page the pediatrician STAT
- B. Continue resuscitative efforts
- C. Repeat the Apgar assessment in 5 minutes
- D. Inform the parents of the infant's condition
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a situation where an infant receives a low Apgar score of 3 following a traumatic delivery, the most crucial intervention for the nurse to implement is to continue resuscitative efforts. A low Apgar score indicates that the newborn is in distress and requires immediate medical attention to support breathing, heart rate, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. Continuing resuscitative efforts is essential to provide life-saving interventions promptly. Paging the pediatrician may cause a delay in crucial interventions, repeating the Apgar assessment in 5 minutes is not appropriate as immediate action is needed to stabilize the infant, and informing parents should not take precedence over providing immediate medical care to the newborn.
2. To use proper body mechanics while making an occupied bed for a client on bed rest, the nurse should:
- A. Place the bed in a high horizontal position
- B. Use a low bed position
- C. Bend at the waist
- D. Keep the bed flat and at a comfortable working height
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When making an occupied bed for a client on bed rest, the nurse should place the bed in a high horizontal position to promote better body mechanics. This positioning helps reduce strain on the nurse's back and promotes proper alignment while working. Using a low bed position can lead to awkward bending and increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Bending at the waist is discouraged as it can strain the back. Keeping the bed flat and at a comfortable working height may not provide the optimal ergonomic setup needed to prevent injury.
3. What should be included in the teaching plan for parents of an infant diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU)?
- A. Mental retardation occurs if PKU is untreated.
- B. Testing for PKU is done immediately after birth.
- C. Treatment for PKU includes lifelong dietary management.
- D. PKU is transmitted by an autosomal recessive gene.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Mental retardation occurs if PKU is untreated.' Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder that, if left untreated with dietary management, can lead to severe mental retardation due to the accumulation of phenylalanine. It is crucial for parents to understand the potential consequences of untreated PKU to emphasize the importance of early and consistent treatment. Choice B is incorrect because testing for PKU is typically done through newborn screening shortly after birth, not immediately. Choice C is incorrect as treatment for PKU primarily involves strict dietary management that restricts phenylalanine intake, not lifelong medications. Choice D is incorrect as PKU is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that both parents must pass on a mutated gene for the disorder to manifest.
4. A parent receives a note from the school that a student in class has head lice. The parent calls the school nurse to ask how to check for head lice. What instructions should the nurse provide?
- A. Ask the child where it itches.
- B. Check to see if your dog has ear mites.
- C. Look along the scalp line for white dots.
- D. Observe between the fingers for red lines.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to look along the scalp line for white dots (nits) when checking for head lice. White dots/nits are the eggs of head lice and are commonly found attached to the hair shaft near the scalp. This method helps identify if head lice are present. Choice A is incorrect as itching alone may not be a definitive sign of head lice; it could be due to other reasons. Choice B is irrelevant as ear mites in dogs are not related to head lice infestation in humans. Choice D is also incorrect as observing between the fingers for red lines is not a method for checking head lice.
5. A client who is confused and pulling at the tubing of her IV is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take before requesting a prescription for restraints from the provider?
- A. Place the client in a room away from the nurses’ station.
- B. Limit the client’s visitors.
- C. Give the client washcloths to fold.
- D. Close the door of the client’s room.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Providing the client with washcloths to fold is a non-restrictive intervention that can help distract and engage the client, potentially reducing the need for restraints. This action promotes a therapeutic and calming environment for the confused client. Placing the client in a room away from the nurses’ station (Choice A) may not address the underlying issue of confusion and agitation. Limiting the client’s visitors (Choice B) may not directly assist in managing the client's behavior. Closing the door of the client’s room (Choice D) does not actively engage the client in a therapeutic intervention to address the behavior.