HESI RN
HESI Maternity Test Bank
1. What is the most important assessment for the healthcare provider to conduct before the administration of epidural anesthesia to a client at 40 weeks' gestation?
- A. Maternal blood pressure.
- B. Level of pain sensation.
- C. Station of presenting part.
- D. Variability of fetal heart rate.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Assessing maternal blood pressure is crucial before administering epidural anesthesia because it can cause hypotension, affecting both the mother and the fetus. Hypotension can lead to decreased placental perfusion, potentially compromising the fetal oxygen supply. Monitoring and maintaining maternal blood pressure within a safe range are essential to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus during the administration of epidural anesthesia. The other options, such as assessing the level of pain sensation, station of presenting part, and variability of fetal heart rate, are important in obstetric care but are not as critical as monitoring maternal blood pressure to prevent complications related to epidural anesthesia administration.
2. 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.
3. During a routine prenatal health assessment for a client in her third trimester, the client reports that she had fluid leakage on her way to the appointment. Which technique should the nurse implement to evaluate the leakage?
- A. Insert a straight urinary catheter to drain the bladder.
- B. Scan the bladder for urinary retention.
- C. Palpate the suprapubic area for fetal head position.
- D. Test the fluid with a nitrazine strip.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Testing the fluid with a nitrazine strip is the appropriate technique to differentiate between amniotic fluid and urine. This test helps in determining if the fluid leakage is amniotic fluid, which is crucial for guiding further management and ensuring appropriate care for the client during the third trimester of pregnancy. Inserting a straight urinary catheter to drain the bladder (Choice A) is unnecessary and invasive in this scenario as the concern is fluid leakage, not urinary retention. Scanning the bladder for urinary retention (Choice B) is also not indicated since the client reported fluid leakage, not retention. Palpating the suprapubic area for fetal head position (Choice C) is unrelated to assessing fluid leakage and not the appropriate technique in this situation.
4. How can a nurse make a blind 8-year-old girl admitted to the hospital more comfortable?
- A. Bring familiar toys from home, such as a bear or doll.
- B. Explain the surroundings to the child.
- C. Allow the child to explore the room.
- D. Provide audio books and music.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to bring familiar toys from home, such as a bear or doll. This action provides comfort and a sense of security for the child, as it allows her to have familiar objects around her in an unfamiliar environment, which can help reduce anxiety and stress during her hospital stay.
5. An infant delivered vaginally by an HIV-positive mother is admitted to the newborn nursery. What intervention should the healthcare provider perform first?
- A. Bathe the infant with an antimicrobial soap.
- B. Measure the head and chest circumference.
- C. Obtain the infant's footprints.
- D. Administer vitamin K (AquaMEPHYTON).
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The initial intervention should be to bathe the infant with an antimicrobial soap to reduce the risk of HIV transmission from maternal fluids. This immediate action helps minimize potential exposure to the virus and promotes infection control practices in the care of infants born to HIV-positive mothers. Choice B, measuring head and chest circumference, is important for assessing growth and development but not the priority in this scenario. Choice C, obtaining footprints, is a routine procedure but not a priority over infection control measures. Choice D, administering vitamin K, is important for clotting factors but does not address the immediate risk of HIV transmission.
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