HESI RN
HESI Maternity Test Bank
1. The healthcare provider prescribes magnesium sulfate 6 grams intravenously (IV) to be infused over 20 minutes for a client with preterm labor. The IV bag contains magnesium sulfate 20 grams in dextrose 5% in water 500 mL. How many mL/hour should the nurse set the infusion pump?
- A. 150 mL/hour
- B. 250 mL/hour
- C. 50 mL/hour
- D. 275 mL/hour
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To calculate the infusion rate, first, determine the total volume to be infused (6 grams of magnesium sulfate) over a specific time frame (20 minutes). Then, calculate the concentration of magnesium sulfate in the IV bag to determine the mL/hour rate. The IV bag contains 20 grams of magnesium sulfate in 500 mL of solution, which means there are 4 grams of magnesium sulfate per 100 mL. Since 6 grams are required, the nurse should set the pump to deliver 150 mL/hour to infuse the prescribed dose over 20 minutes. Choice B, 250 mL/hour, is incorrect because it miscalculates the amount of magnesium sulfate infused per hour. Choice C, 50 mL/hour, is incorrect as it is too slow to deliver the required dose in the specified time frame. Choice D, 275 mL/hour, is incorrect as it overestimates the infusion rate and would deliver the dose too quickly.
2. 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.
3. At 40-weeks gestation, a client presents to the obstetrical floor with spontaneous rupture of amniotic membranes at home, in active labor, and feeling the urge to push. What information should the nurse prioritize obtaining?
- A. Color and consistency of fluid.
- B. Estimated amount of fluid.
- C. Any odor noted at the rupture of membranes.
- D. Time of membrane rupture.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Assessing the color and consistency of amniotic fluid is crucial as it can indicate the presence of meconium, which suggests potential fetal distress. This information guides the need for further assessments and interventions to ensure the well-being of the mother and fetus. Estimating the amount of fluid is not as critical as determining the color and consistency to identify fetal distress. While noting any odor is important, it is secondary to assessing the fluid itself. Knowing the time of membrane rupture is helpful but not as crucial as evaluating the characteristics of the amniotic fluid.
4. The client is admitted in active labor with a cervix that is 3 cm dilated, 50% effaced, and the presenting part at 0 station. An hour later, the client expresses the need to go to the bathroom. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Palpate the client’s bladder.
- B. Check the pH of the vaginal fluid.
- C. Review the fetal heart rate pattern.
- D. Determine cervical dilation.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should prioritize determining cervical dilation as it helps in assessing the progress of labor and ensures it is safe for the client to move. Changes in cervical dilation may indicate the advancement of labor, warranting appropriate interventions or restrictions on movement to prevent complications. While checking the client's bladder may be important to ensure it's not distended, determining cervical dilation takes precedence in this scenario. Checking the pH of the vaginal fluid is not relevant in this situation, and reviewing the fetal heart rate pattern, although important, is not the first action to take when the client expresses the need to go to the bathroom.
5. A young girl with a fractured radius has a cast applied. As the cast is drying, it is elevated above the level of her heart. Which assessment finding should the healthcare provider be reported to immediately?
- A. Itching sensation under the cast.
- B. Swelling of fingers with brisk capillary refill.
- C. Numbness and inability to move fingers.
- D. Visible bruising above the cast.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Numbness and inability to move fingers are concerning findings that suggest potential nerve damage or compartment syndrome due to increased pressure within the cast. This requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider to prevent further complications or permanent damage.
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