HESI Focus on Maternity Exam

HESI LPN

HESI Focus on Maternity Exam

1. Which of the following conditions is considered a multifactorial problem?

A. Cystic fibrosis
B. Down syndrome
C. Diabetes mellitus
D. XYY syndrome

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Diabetes mellitus' because it is a multifactorial disease, influenced by both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Cystic fibrosis (choice A) is primarily a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. Down syndrome (choice B) is due to an extra copy of chromosome 21. XYY syndrome (choice D) is a genetic condition where males have an extra Y chromosome. These conditions are not considered multifactorial as their origins are primarily genetic.

2. Chromosomes contain thousands of segments called:

A. nuclei.
B. nodes.
C. capillaries.
D. genes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Chromosomes are structures composed of DNA and genes. Genes are the functional segments within chromosomes that encode specific traits and characteristics. The other choices ('nuclei,' 'nodes,' 'capillaries') do not accurately describe the segments found within chromosomes and are unrelated to their structure or function.

3. A new parent is receiving discharge teaching about car seat safety from a nurse. Which statement by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. “I should position my baby’s car seat at a 45-degree angle in the car.”
B. “I should place the car seat rear-facing until my baby is 12 months old.”
C. “I should place the harness snugly in a slot above my baby’s shoulders.”
D. “I should position the retainer clip at the top of my baby’s abdomen.”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Positioning the car seat at a 45-degree angle is crucial to prevent the baby's head from falling forward, which can obstruct the airway. Choice B is incorrect because the recommendation is to keep the car seat rear-facing until the baby reaches the height or weight limit set by the car seat manufacturer, typically beyond 12 months. Choice C is incorrect as the harness should be snugly placed at or below the baby's shoulders, not above. Choice D is incorrect as the retainer clip should be positioned at armpit level to secure the harness straps properly.

4. A client is receiving an epidural block with an opioid analgesic. The nurse should monitor for which of the following findings as an adverse effect of the medication?

A. Hypotension
B. Polyuria
C. Bilateral crackles
D. Hyperglycemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bilateral crackles. Bilateral crackles indicate respiratory complications, which can occur as an adverse effect of an epidural block with opioid analgesics. Hypotension (Choice A) is a common side effect of epidural opioids but is not typically monitored via crackles. Polyuria (Choice B) is excessive urination and is not directly associated with epidural blocks. Hyperglycemia (Choice D) is high blood sugar levels and is not a typical adverse effect of epidural opioids.

5. What is the highest priority nursing intervention when admitting a pregnant woman who has experienced a bleeding episode in late pregnancy?

A. Assessing FHR and maternal vital signs.
B. Performing a venipuncture for hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
C. Placing clean disposable pads to collect any drainage.
D. Monitoring uterine contractions.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The highest priority nursing intervention when admitting a pregnant woman who has experienced a bleeding episode in late pregnancy is to assess the fetal heart rate (FHR) and maternal vital signs. This assessment is crucial in determining the extent of blood loss and its impact on both the mother and the fetus. Ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the fetus is the top priority in this situation. While obtaining hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is important, it can be done after the initial assessment. Placing clean disposable pads is necessary for managing any drainage but does not take precedence over assessing vital signs. Monitoring uterine contractions is important but is not the highest priority when compared to assessing the FHR and maternal vital signs.