HESI LPN
HESI Focus on Maternity Exam
1. 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.
2. The healthcare provider is planning care for a client at 30 weeks gestation who is experiencing preterm labor. Which medication is most important in preventing this fetus from developing respiratory distress syndrome?
- A. Ampicillin 1 gram IV push every 8 hours
- B. Betamethasone 12 mg deep IM
- C. Terbutaline 0.25 mg subcutaneously every 15 minutes for 3 doses
- D. Butorphanol tartrate 1 mg IV push every 2 hours as needed
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Betamethasone is a corticosteroid given to stimulate fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. Ampicillin (Choice A) is an antibiotic and does not prevent respiratory distress syndrome. Terbutaline (Choice C) is a tocolytic used to inhibit contractions and does not directly prevent respiratory distress syndrome. Butorphanol tartrate (Choice D) is an opioid analgesic and does not have a role in preventing respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.
3. A newborn assessment reveals spina bifida occulta. Which maternal factor should the nurse identify as having the greatest impact on the development of this newborn complication?
- A. Tobacco use.
- B. Folic acid deficiency.
- C. Short interval between pregnancies.
- D. Preeclampsia.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy is strongly associated with neural tube defects like spina bifida occulta. Adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of such complications. Tobacco use (Choice A) is linked to other adverse outcomes but not specifically spina bifida occulta. Short intervals between pregnancies (Choice C) can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight but are not directly linked to spina bifida occulta. Preeclampsia (Choice D) is a hypertensive disorder that poses risks to both the mother and baby but is not the primary factor contributing to spina bifida occulta development.
4. A perinatal nurse is caring for a woman in the immediate postpartum period. Assessment reveals that the client is experiencing profuse bleeding. What is the most likely cause of this bleeding?
- A. Uterine atony.
- B. Uterine inversion.
- C. Vaginal hematoma.
- D. Vaginal laceration.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Uterine atony is significant hypotonia of the uterus and is the leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage. It results in the inability of the uterus to contract effectively after delivery, leading to excessive bleeding. Uterine inversion is a rare but serious complication that involves the turning inside out of the uterus, leading to hemorrhage, but it is not the most likely cause of profuse bleeding in this scenario. Vaginal hematoma may cause bleeding but is typically associated with pain as a primary symptom rather than profuse bleeding. Vaginal lacerations can cause bleeding, but in the presence of a firm, contracted uterine fundus, uterine atony is a more likely cause of ongoing profuse bleeding in the postpartum period.
5. Does the probability of having a child with Down’s syndrome increase with the age of the parents?
- A. TRUE
- B. FALSE
- C. Sometimes
- D. Never
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: TRUE. Advanced parental age, particularly maternal age, is associated with an increased risk of Down's syndrome in offspring. As parents get older, the likelihood of having a child with Down's syndrome increases. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the risk of Down's syndrome is known to rise with parental age, especially maternal age, due to the increased likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities during egg formation.
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