are environmental agents that can harm the embryo or fetus

HESI LPN

Maternity HESI Practice Questions

1. _____ are environmental agents that can harm the embryo or fetus.

A. Mutations
B. Autosomes
C. Teratogens
D. Androgens

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Teratogens are environmental agents, such as drugs, chemicals, or infections, that can cause harm to a developing embryo or fetus. Mutations (Choice A) refer to changes in the DNA sequence and are not environmental agents. Autosomes (Choice B) are chromosomes that are not involved in determining an individual's sex and are not environmental agents that harm the embryo or fetus. Androgens (Choice D) are a group of hormones that are more related to male sexual development and function, not environmental agents that harm the embryo or fetus.

2. A nurse on an antepartum unit is reviewing the medical records for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

A. A client who has diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 5.8%
B. A client who has preeclampsia and a creatinine level of 1.1 mg/dL
C. A client who has hyperemesis gravidarum and a sodium level of 110 mEq/L
D. A client who has placenta previa and a hematocrit of 36%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A sodium level of 110 mEq/L is critically low and can indicate severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, requiring immediate intervention.

3. When does the fetus typically begin to turn and respond to external stimulation during pregnancy?

A. During the second or third week
B. After the first trimester
C. Sometimes
D. Never

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The fetus typically begins to respond to external stimulation much later in pregnancy, usually after the first trimester. During the second or third week of pregnancy, the fetus is still in the early stages of development and is not yet capable of turning or responding to external stimuli. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the timeline of fetal development when it comes to responding to external stimulation.

4. Which of the following statements is true of Down’s syndrome?

A. Down’s syndrome is usually caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 in an individual.
B. The symptoms of Down’s syndrome are similar to those of sickle-cell anemia.
C. Down’s syndrome is caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) during conception.
D. The probability of having a child with Down’s syndrome increases with the age of the parents.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The likelihood of having a child with Down’s syndrome increases as the age of the parents increases, particularly the mother's age. Choice A is incorrect because Down’s syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, not a defect in the sex chromosomes. Choice B is incorrect as the symptoms of Down’s syndrome and sickle-cell anemia are different. Choice C is also incorrect as Down’s syndrome is not caused by a sexually transmitted infection during conception.

5. According to a study in 2014 by Skakkebaek et al., who among the following is most likely to have gynecomastia?

A. Jennifer, a dancer, who has Down syndrome
B. Frank, a teacher, who is diagnosed with XYY syndrome
C. Peter, a fashion designer, who has Klinefelter syndrome
D. Ria, a gym instructor, who is diagnosed with Turner syndrome

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Individuals with Klinefelter syndrome have an extra X chromosome (XXY) and typically have reduced testosterone levels, which can lead to gynecomastia (enlarged breasts). This condition is not usually associated with Down syndrome (choice A), XYY syndrome (choice B), or Turner syndrome (choice D), making them less likely to have gynecomastia.