HESI LPN
HESI Focus on Maternity Exam
1. Humans begin life as a single cell that divides repeatedly. This cell is known as a(n):
- A. zygote.
- B. gonadotrope.
- C. embryo.
- D. chromaffin.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A zygote is the correct answer. It is the initial cell formed when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell, marking the beginning of human development. Choice B, gonadotrope, is incorrect as it refers to a type of hormone-secreting cell in the pituitary gland. Choice C, embryo, is incorrect as it is the stage of development after the zygote has implanted into the uterine wall and undergone initial cell divisions. Choice D, chromaffin, is incorrect as it refers to cells found in the adrenal medulla that produce and store catecholamines.
2. A woman with gestational diabetes has had little or no experience reading and interpreting glucose levels. The client shows the nurse her readings for the past few days. Which reading signals the nurse that the client may require an adjustment of insulin or carbohydrates?
- A. 75 mg/dl before lunch. This is low; better eat now.
- B. 115 mg/dl 1 hour after lunch. This is a little high; maybe eat a little less next time.
- C. 115 mg/dl 2 hours after lunch. This is too high; it is time for insulin.
- D. 50 mg/dl just after waking up from a nap. This is too low; maybe eat a snack before going to sleep.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: 50 mg/dl after waking from a nap is too low. During hours of sleep, glucose levels should not be less than 60 mg/dl. Snacks before sleeping can be helpful. The premeal acceptable range is 60 to 99 mg/dl. The readings 1 hour after a meal should be less than 129 mg/dl. Two hours after eating, the readings should be less than 120 mg/dl.
3. Which synthetic hormone is used to prevent miscarriages and can cause masculinization of the fetus?
- A. Testosterone
- B. Estrogen
- C. Progestin
- D. Oxytocin
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Progestin is the synthetic hormone used to prevent miscarriages. While it is beneficial in maintaining pregnancy, in some cases, it can lead to masculinization of the fetus. Testosterone (Choice A) and estrogen (Choice B) are not typically used to prevent miscarriages and do not cause masculinization of the fetus in this context. Oxytocin (Choice D) is a hormone involved in labor and breastfeeding, but it is not used to prevent miscarriages nor does it cause masculinization of the fetus.
4. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who is 14 weeks of gestation. At which of the following locations should the healthcare professional place the Doppler device when assessing the fetal heart rate?
- A. Midline 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) above the symphysis pubis
- B. Left Upper Abdomen
- C. Two fingerbreadths above the umbilicus
- D. Lateral at the Xiphoid Process
Correct answer: A
Rationale: At 14 weeks of gestation, the uterus is still relatively low in the abdomen. Placing the Doppler midline 2 to 3 cm above the symphysis pubis is appropriate for assessing the fetal heart rate. This location allows for better detection of the fetal heart tones as the uterus is at a lower position during this stage of pregnancy. Placing the Doppler on the left upper abdomen would not be ideal at 14 weeks gestation as the uterus is not yet at that level. Placing it two fingerbreadths above the umbilicus or lateral at the xiphoid process would also not be accurate for locating the fetal heart rate at this stage of gestation.
5. A newborn is scheduled to start phototherapy using a lamp. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Apply a thin layer of lotion to the newborn's skin every 8 hours.
- B. Give the newborn 1 oz of glucose water every 4 hours.
- C. Ensure the newborn's eyes are closed beneath the shield.
- D. Dress the newborn in a thin layer of clothing during therapy.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During phototherapy using a lamp, it is crucial to protect the newborn's eyes from the light to prevent damage. Closing the newborn's eyes beneath the shield is essential for this purpose. Applying lotion to the skin (Choice A) is not recommended as it can intensify the effects of the phototherapy. Giving glucose water (Choice B) is unrelated to the phototherapy process and is not indicated. Dressing the newborn in clothing (Choice D) may hinder the effectiveness of the phototherapy by blocking the light exposure to the skin.
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