HESI LPN
Maternity HESI Practice Questions
1. A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receives artificial surfactant. How does the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?
- A. “Surfactant improves the ability of your baby’s lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.”
- B. “The drug keeps your baby from requiring too much sedation.”
- C. “Surfactant is used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea.”
- D. “Your baby needs this medication to fight a possible respiratory tract infection.”
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Artificial surfactant can be administered as an adjunct to oxygen and ventilation therapy for premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). It helps improve respiratory compliance by aiding in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide until the infant can produce enough surfactant naturally. The correct explanation to the parents would be that surfactant therapy enhances the baby’s lung function by facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Choice B is incorrect because surfactant therapy does not affect sedation needs. Choice C is inaccurate as surfactant is not used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea. Choice D is incorrect as surfactant is not administered to fight respiratory tract infections; it specifically targets improving lung function in RDS.
2. Which field of biology studies heredity?
- A. Etiology.
- B. Ecology.
- C. Genetics.
- D. Eugenics.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Genetics is the branch of biology that focuses on the study of heredity and variation in organisms. Etiology (choice A) deals with the causes of diseases, not heredity. Ecology (choice B) is concerned with the relationships between organisms and their environment, not specifically heredity. Eugenics (choice D) is a controversial field that involves improving the genetic quality of the human population through selective breeding, which is different from the study of heredity itself.
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. _____ is a life-threatening disease, characterized by high blood pressure that may afflict women late in the second or early in the third trimester.
- A. Rubella
- B. Syphilis
- C. Preeclampsia
- D. Phenylketonuria
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure that typically occurs in the second half of pregnancy. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the baby. Rubella (choice A) is a viral infection that can harm the developing fetus but is not directly related to high blood pressure in pregnancy. Syphilis (choice B) is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect pregnancy but does not specifically cause high blood pressure. Phenylketonuria (choice D) is a genetic disorder that affects metabolism and is not associated with high blood pressure in pregnancy.
5. According to a study conducted in 2013 by Fellman, what affects the chances of having twins?
- A. Increase when a woman conceives at a younger age.
- B. Increase with parental age.
- C. Decrease with the frequency of intercourse before conception.
- D. Decrease with the use of fertility drugs.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. According to the study by Fellman in 2013, the chances of having twins actually increase with parental age. Choice A is incorrect as the study does not specify a younger age for conceiving to increase the chances of twins. Choice C is incorrect as the frequency of intercourse before conception is not a highlighted factor in the study. Choice D is also incorrect as the study does not discuss the impact of fertility drugs on the likelihood of having twins.
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