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 28-year-old client in active labor complains of cramps in her leg. What intervention should be implemented?
- A. Massage the calf and foot.
- B. Extend the leg and dorsiflex the foot.
- C. Lower the leg off the side of the bed.
- D. Elevate the leg above the heart.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During active labor, if a client complains of leg cramps, extending the leg and dorsiflexing the foot can help relieve the muscle cramps by stretching the affected muscles. This intervention promotes circulation and can alleviate discomfort associated with leg cramps.
3. Which intervention is most helpful in relieving postpartum uterine contractions or 'afterpains'?
- A. Lying prone with a pillow on the abdomen.
- B. Using a breast pump.
- C. Massaging the abdomen.
- D. Giving oxytocic medications.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Lying prone with a pillow on the abdomen is the most helpful intervention in relieving postpartum uterine contractions or 'afterpains.' This position provides counter-pressure and support to the uterus, helping to alleviate discomfort and promote uterine involution. Choice B, using a breast pump, is not effective in relieving afterpains as it focuses on milk expression. Massaging the abdomen (Choice C) may help with discomfort but does not provide the same level of support as lying prone with a pillow. Giving oxytocic medications (Choice D) is not typically the first-line intervention for afterpains unless there are specific medical indications.
4. During a woman's first prenatal visit, the nurse reviews her health care record, noting a history of chickenpox as a child and syphilis as a teenager. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?
- A. Obtain blood and urine for prenatal screens.
- B. Schedule prenatal visits to occur monthly.
- C. Explain common complications of pregnancy.
- D. Obtain baseline blood pressure and weight.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Obtaining blood and urine for prenatal screens is crucial in identifying any potential infections or conditions that may require monitoring throughout the pregnancy. Screening for infections such as syphilis is essential to ensure appropriate management and prevent adverse outcomes. This action helps in early detection and timely intervention, promoting the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus. The other options, while important during prenatal care, are not as critical as obtaining prenatal screens to assess for any existing infections that could impact the pregnancy.
5. 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.
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