HESI LPN
HESI Maternal Newborn
1. Why is a client with gestational diabetes being scheduled for an amniocentesis when the fetus has an estimated weight of eight pounds (3629 grams) at 36 weeks gestation? What information is the amniocentesis seeking to obtain?
- A. Presence of a neural tube defect.
- B. Chromosomal abnormalities.
- C. Gender of the fetus.
- D. Fetal lung maturity.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: An amniocentesis in this scenario is most likely being performed to assess fetal lung maturity. This is necessary when considering early delivery due to macrosomia (large fetal size), which is a common concern in gestational diabetes. Evaluating fetal lung maturity is crucial to determine if the fetus's lungs are developed enough to support breathing independently outside the womb. The presence of a neural tube defect and chromosomal abnormalities are not typically assessed through amniocentesis in this situation, and determining the gender of the fetus is not the primary purpose of the procedure here.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube after thoracic surgery. What is the most important assessment related to the chest tube?
- A. Ensure continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
- B. Measure the amount of drainage every shift
- C. Keep the drainage system at the level of the chest
- D. Assess for subcutaneous emphysema around the insertion site
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most important assessment related to a chest tube after thoracic surgery is to assess for subcutaneous emphysema around the insertion site. Subcutaneous emphysema can indicate air leakage from the pleural space, which can lead to serious complications such as a pneumothorax. Ensuring continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber is not the most critical assessment as it is a normal finding in a chest drainage system. While measuring the amount of drainage is important to monitor the client's condition, it is not as crucial as assessing for subcutaneous emphysema. Keeping the drainage system at the level of the chest helps maintain proper function but is not the most critical assessment in this scenario.
3. A nurse on a rehabilitation unit is transferring a client from a bed to a chair. To avoid a back injury, which of the following techniques should the nurse use?
- A. Bend at the knees while maintaining a wide stance and a straight back, with the client’s hands on the nurse’s shoulders, and the nurse’s hands under the client’s axillae
- B. Use a mechanical lift
- C. Twist at the waist while holding the client
- D. Ask for assistance from another staff member
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct technique for transferring a client from a bed to a chair to avoid back injuries is to bend at the knees while maintaining a wide stance and a straight back. This position ensures that the nurse uses leg muscles rather than the back muscles for lifting, reducing the risk of injury. Placing the client’s hands on the nurse’s shoulders and the nurse’s hands under the client’s axillae provides additional support and stability during the transfer. Using a mechanical lift may be appropriate for certain situations but is not necessary for a simple bed-to-chair transfer. Twisting at the waist while holding the client can lead to back strain or injury. Asking for assistance from another staff member is a good practice, but proper body mechanics should still be followed to ensure safe client handling.
4. A nurse is inserting an IV catheter for a client that results in a blood spill on her gloved hand. The client has no documented bloodstream infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Carefully remove the gloves and follow with hand hygiene
- B. Continue with the procedure and clean hands later
- C. Remove the gloves, wash hands, and start over
- D. Use hand sanitizer and continue the procedure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to carefully remove the gloves and follow with hand hygiene. This is important to prevent potential contamination and maintain infection control practices. Option B is incorrect because cleaning hands later may lead to the spread of potential contaminants. Option C is unnecessary as starting over is not required if proper hand hygiene is performed. Option D is not sufficient in ensuring proper hygiene after a blood spill, as hand sanitizer may not effectively remove all contaminants.
5. Which healthcare-associated infection poses the greatest risk for patients?
- A. Pneumonia
- B. Catheter-related infections
- C. Intravenous line infections
- D. C. difficile
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Catheter-related infections pose the greatest risk for patients in healthcare settings. Catheters are invasive devices that can introduce pathogens directly into the bloodstream, leading to severe infections. Pneumonia, intravenous line infections, and C. difficile infections are serious concerns as well, but catheter-related infections are particularly risky due to the direct access they provide for pathogens to enter the body.