HESI RN
HESI Maternity Test Bank
1. The healthcare provider is assessing a 38-week gestation newborn infant immediately following a vaginal birth. Which assessment finding best indicates that the infant is transitioning well to extrauterine life?
- A. Positive Babinski reflex.
- B. Flexion of all four extremities.
- C. Heart rate of 220 beats/min.
- D. Cries vigorously when stimulated.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A vigorous cry upon stimulation indicates that the newborn has good respiratory effort and is transitioning well to life outside the womb. It shows that the infant's airways are clear, and they are able to establish effective breathing, a crucial aspect of transitioning successfully to extrauterine life. Choices A, B, and C are not the best indicators of successful transition to extrauterine life. The Babinski reflex and flexion of extremities are normal neonatal reflexes and do not specifically indicate successful transition. A heart rate of 220 beats/min is abnormally high for a newborn and could indicate distress rather than a smooth transition.
2. A new mother who is breastfeeding her 4-week-old infant and has type 1 diabetes reports that her insulin needs have decreased since the birth of her child. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Inform her that a decreased need for insulin occurs while breastfeeding.
- B. Counsel her to increase her caloric intake.
- C. Advise the client to breastfeed more frequently.
- D. Schedule an appointment for the client with the diabetic nurse educator.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. During breastfeeding, insulin needs often decrease due to the metabolic demands of milk production. Therefore, the nurse should inform the client that this decrease in insulin requirements is a normal response to breastfeeding. Choice B is incorrect as increasing caloric intake is not directly related to the decrease in insulin needs during breastfeeding. Choice C is incorrect as advising the client to breastfeed more frequently does not address the issue of decreased insulin needs. Choice D is incorrect as scheduling an appointment with the diabetic nurse educator is not necessary at this point since the decreased need for insulin is a common physiological response to breastfeeding.
3. The LPN/LVN identifies crepitus when examining the chest of a newborn who was delivered vaginally. Which further assessment should the nurse perform?
- A. Elicit a positive scarf sign on the affected side.
- B. Observe for an asymmetrical Moro (startle) reflex.
- C. Watch for swelling of fingers on the affected side.
- D. Note paralysis of the affected extremity and muscles.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Crepitus in a newborn's chest following vaginal delivery may indicate a clavicle fracture. Observing for an asymmetrical Moro reflex is essential because it can indicate potential nerve damage or fracture, which may be associated with the crepitus identified during the examination.
4. During a routine first-trimester prenatal exam, a pregnant client tells the nurse that she has noticed an increase in vaginal discharge that is white, thin, and watery. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Recommend explaining the normal physiological changes during pregnancy.
- B. Notify the healthcare provider of the complaint.
- C. Inform her that this is a normal physiological change.
- D. Prepare to provide education on vaginal health.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The increased vaginal discharge described by the pregnant client, which is white, thin, and watery, is a common physiological change during pregnancy. It is typically normal and attributed to hormonal fluctuations. The nurse should reassure the client that this type of discharge is expected during pregnancy and does not typically indicate an issue requiring medical intervention or treatment.
5. The healthcare provider is providing preconception counseling. Which supplement should the provider recommend to help prevent the occurrence of anencephaly?
- A. Folic Acid.
- B. Calcium.
- C. Iron.
- D. Vitamin D.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Folic acid supplementation before and during early pregnancy is crucial for reducing the risk of neural tube defects, including anencephaly. Anencephaly is a severe birth defect in which a baby is born without parts of the brain and skull. Folic acid plays a key role in neural tube development and can significantly lower the chances of such defects when taken prior to conception and in early pregnancy.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
HESI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All HESI courses Coverage
- 30 days access