HESI RN
HESI Maternity Test Bank
1. What maternal behavior is typically observed when a new mother first receives her infant?
- A. She eagerly reaches for the infant, undresses the infant, and examines the infant completely.
- B. Her arms and hands receive the infant and she then traces the infant's profile with her fingertips.
- C. Her arms and hands receive the infant and she then cuddles the infant to her own body.
- D. She eagerly reaches for the infant and then holds the infant close to her own body.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a new mother first receives her infant, a typical maternal behavior is to use her arms and hands to receive the infant and then trace the infant's profile with her fingertips. This action is a gentle way of bonding with the newborn and aids in recognizing the infant's features. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the common behavior of tracing the infant's profile, which is a significant part of the initial interaction between a mother and her newborn.
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. A client addicted to heroin and newly pregnant asks a nurse about ensuring her baby's health while on methadone. What should the nurse advise?
- A. Sign up for group therapy sessions.
- B. Discontinue the methadone right away.
- C. Start prenatal care as soon as possible.
- D. Describe genetic testing protocol.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Initiating prenatal care promptly is essential for monitoring the well-being of both the mother and the fetus, particularly in high-risk pregnancies involving substance use. Early prenatal care allows for timely interventions, education, and support to promote a healthier pregnancy and birth outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because while group therapy may be beneficial, initiating prenatal care is more crucial at this stage. Choice B is incorrect as abrupt discontinuation of methadone can be harmful and should be managed under medical supervision. Choice D is incorrect as genetic testing is not the immediate priority in this scenario.
4. When performing the daily head-to-toe assessment of a 1-day-old newborn, the nurse observes a yellow tint to the skin on the forehead, sternum, and abdomen. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Measure bilirubin levels using transcutaneous bilirubinometry.
- B. Evaluate cord blood Coombs test results.
- C. Review maternal medical records for blood type and Rh factor.
- D. Prepare the newborn for phototherapy.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The presence of a yellow tint on the skin of a newborn suggests jaundice. The initial step in managing jaundice in a newborn is to measure bilirubin levels, typically done using transcutaneous bilirubinometry. This measurement helps determine the severity of jaundice and guides appropriate treatment interventions. Evaluating cord blood Coombs test results or reviewing maternal medical records for blood type and Rh factor are not the immediate actions indicated when jaundice is suspected. Phototherapy may be considered after confirming elevated bilirubin levels and assessing the need for treatment.
5. A client is admitted to the postpartum unit and tells the nurse she had rheumatic fever as a child, which resulted in some 'heart damage'. The nurse knows that this client is at particular risk for developing heart failure during the immediate postpartum period. Based on the client's history, which nursing problem has the highest priority?
- A. Nausea and vomiting.
- B. Risk for infection.
- C. Sleep deprivation.
- D. Fluid volume excess.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Fluid volume excess is a priority concern in this client, as heart damage from rheumatic fever can impair the heart's ability to manage increased blood volume postpartum, leading to potential heart failure. Monitoring and managing fluid volume status are crucial to prevent complications in this high-risk client. Choices A, B, and C are not the highest priority in this situation. Nausea and vomiting, risk for infection, and sleep deprivation are important but do not pose an immediate threat to the client's physiologic stability compared to the risk of heart failure due to fluid volume excess.
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