HESI LPN
Maternity HESI Practice Questions
1. A healthcare provider is assessing a newborn immediately following a vaginal birth. For which of the following findings should the provider intervene?
- A. Molding
- B. Vernix Caseosa
- C. Acrocyanosis
- D. Sternal retractions
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Sternal retractions in a newborn indicate respiratory distress and require immediate intervention. This finding suggests the newborn is having difficulty breathing and needs prompt attention to ensure adequate oxygenation. Molding, the overlapping of fetal skull bones during birth, is a normal and expected process that does not require intervention. Vernix Caseosa, the protective white substance on the skin, and Acrocyanosis, the bluish discoloration of extremities, are both common and benign findings in newborns that do not necessitate immediate action. Therefore, the healthcare provider should focus on addressing sternal retractions to manage the respiratory distress effectively.
2. 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.
3. What is the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)?
- A. single spiral
- B. double helix
- C. sphere
- D. cube
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: double helix. DNA is structured as a double helix, resembling a twisted ladder made up of two strands of nucleotides. Choice A, single spiral, is incorrect as DNA is not a single spiral structure. Choice C, sphere, is incorrect as DNA does not form a spherical shape. Choice D, cube, is incorrect as DNA does not have a cubic structure. Understanding the double helix structure of DNA is essential as it allows for the storage and transmission of genetic information in living organisms.
4. Examination reveals that the laboring client's cervix is dilated to 2 centimeters, 70% effaced with the presenting part at -2 station. The client tells the nurse, 'I need my epidural now, this hurts.' The nurse's response to the client is based on which information?
- A. The client will need to be catheterized before the epidural can be administered.
- B. Administering an epidural at this point would slow down the labor process.
- C. The client should be dilated to at least 8 centimeters before receiving an epidural.
- D. The baby needs to be at a zero station before an epidural can be administered.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering an epidural too early in labor, especially at 2 cm dilation, can slow down the progress of labor. It is usually recommended to wait until labor is more established. Choice A is incorrect because catheterization is not a prerequisite for epidural administration. Choice C is incorrect as waiting until 8 cm dilation is not a standard requirement for epidural administration. Choice D is incorrect because the baby's station being at zero is not a strict criterion for epidural administration.
5. A 38-week primigravida is admitted to labor and delivery after a non-reactive result on a non-stress test (NST). The nurse begins a contraction stress test (CST) with an oxytocin infusion. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. A pattern of fetal late decelerations.
- B. Fetal heart rate accelerations with fetal movement.
- C. Absence of uterine contractions within 20 minutes.
- D. Spontaneous rupture of membranes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A pattern of fetal late decelerations. Late decelerations during a contraction stress test are concerning as they indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, which can pose a risk to fetal well-being. Reporting this finding to the healthcare provider is crucial for prompt intervention. Choice B, fetal heart rate accelerations with fetal movement, is a reassuring sign of fetal well-being and does not raise immediate concerns. Choice C, absence of uterine contractions within 20 minutes, may require further assessment but is not as critical as late decelerations. Choice D, spontaneous rupture of membranes, is important but not the most immediate concern during a contraction stress test.
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