HESI RN
HESI Maternity Test Bank
1. An infant with tetralogy of Fallot becomes acutely cyanotic and hyperneic. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Place the infant in a knee-chest position.
- B. Administer morphine sulfate.
- C. Start intravenous fluids.
- D. Provide 100% oxygen by face mask.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a tetralogy of Fallot situation, placing the infant in a knee-chest position is the initial priority to help increase systemic vascular resistance, which reduces the right-to-left shunt and improves oxygenation. This position can assist in optimizing oxygen levels before considering other interventions. Administering morphine sulfate (choice B) is not the first-line treatment for tetralogy of Fallot crisis. Starting intravenous fluids (choice C) may be necessary but is not the priority in this situation. Providing 100% oxygen by face mask (choice D) may not fully address the underlying issue of decreased systemic vascular resistance that leads to cyanosis in tetralogy of Fallot.
2. An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reports to the charge nurse that a client who delivered a 7-pound infant 12 hours ago is reporting a severe headache. The client’s blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg, respiratory rate is 18 breaths/min, heart rate is 74 beats/min, and temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). What action should the charge nurse implement first?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider of the assessment findings.
- B. Administer analgesics as prescribed.
- C. Increase the client’s fluid intake.
- D. Monitor the client’s vital signs every hour.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A severe headache post-delivery could indicate a serious condition such as preeclampsia or a spinal headache, which requires immediate medical attention. Notifying the healthcare provider of the assessment findings allows for prompt evaluation and appropriate management of the client's condition.
3. What is the most important assessment for the healthcare provider to conduct before the administration of epidural anesthesia to a client at 40 weeks' gestation?
- A. Maternal blood pressure.
- B. Level of pain sensation.
- C. Station of presenting part.
- D. Variability of fetal heart rate.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Assessing maternal blood pressure is crucial before administering epidural anesthesia because it can cause hypotension, affecting both the mother and the fetus. Hypotension can lead to decreased placental perfusion, potentially compromising the fetal oxygen supply. Monitoring and maintaining maternal blood pressure within a safe range are essential to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus during the administration of epidural anesthesia. The other options, such as assessing the level of pain sensation, station of presenting part, and variability of fetal heart rate, are important in obstetric care but are not as critical as monitoring maternal blood pressure to prevent complications related to epidural anesthesia administration.
4. The client is 24 weeks gestation and reports increased thirst and urination. Which diagnostic test result should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Hemoglobin A1C.
- B. Postprandial blood glucose test.
- C. Oral glucose tolerance test.
- D. Fasting blood glucose.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: An abnormal oral glucose tolerance test result is indicative of gestational diabetes. This test is crucial in diagnosing gestational diabetes as it evaluates how well the body processes glucose after a sugary drink. Reporting abnormal results promptly allows for timely intervention and management to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. The other options are not the primary tests used to diagnose gestational diabetes. Hemoglobin A1C is not recommended for diagnosing gestational diabetes as it reflects long-term glucose control. Postprandial blood glucose and fasting blood glucose tests are not as sensitive as the oral glucose tolerance test for diagnosing gestational diabetes.
5. When teaching a gravid client how to perform kick (fetal movement) counts, which instruction should the nurse include?
- A. If 10 kicks are not felt within one hour, drink orange juice and count for another hour.
- B. Count the movements once daily, for one hour, before breakfast.
- C. Avoid caffeinated drinks for 24 hours before conducting the kick test.
- D. Exercise for 15 minutes before starting the counting to help increase fetal movement.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When teaching a gravid client about kick (fetal movement) counts, the nurse should instruct them that if 10 kicks are not felt within one hour, they should drink orange juice and continue counting for another hour. This instruction is crucial as a drop in fetal movements could indicate potential issues with fetal well-being, and taking action such as rechecking after food intake is recommended to monitor the situation closely.
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