HESI LPN
Maternity HESI Practice Questions
1. 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.
2. A primigravida is being monitored at the prenatal clinic for preeclampsia. Which finding is of greatest concern to the nurse?
- A. Blood pressure (BP) increased to 138/86 mm Hg.
- B. Weight gain of 0.5 kg during the past 2 weeks.
- C. Dipstick value of 3+ for protein in her urine.
- D. Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Proteinuria, indicated by a dipstick value of 3+ in the urine, is a significant concern in a patient being monitored for preeclampsia. Proteinuria is a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia, and a value of 3+ signifies a substantial amount of protein in the urine, warranting further evaluation. While an increase in blood pressure to 138/86 mm Hg is slightly elevated, it does not meet the diagnostic threshold for severe hypertension in preeclampsia. A weight gain of 0.5 kg over 2 weeks is within normal limits and not as concerning as significant rapid weight gain. Pitting pedal edema, though common in pregnancy, is not a specific indicator of preeclampsia and is considered a less concerning finding compared to significant proteinuria.
3. A client in labor requests nonpharmacological pain management. Which of the following nursing actions promotes client comfort?
- A. Assisting the client into a squatting position
- B. Having the client lie in a supine position
- C. Applying fundal pressure during contractions
- D. Encouraging the client to void every 6 hours
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Assisting the client into a squatting position promotes comfort during labor. This position can help relieve pain by utilizing gravity, allowing the pelvic outlet to widen, and potentially facilitating the progress of labor. Lying in a supine position (Choice B) can hinder labor progression and increase discomfort. Applying fundal pressure (Choice C) can be inappropriate and may cause harm as it is not routinely recommended during labor. Encouraging the client to void every 6 hours (Choice D) is important for bladder management but does not directly address pain relief during labor.
4. A newborn with a respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute at one minute after birth is demonstrating cyanosis of the hands and feet. What action should a nurse take?
- A. Assess bowel sounds.
- B. Continue to monitor.
- C. Assist with intubation.
- D. Rub the infant's back.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cyanosis of the hands and feet, known as acrocyanosis, is common in newborns shortly after birth and usually resolves on its own. It is not indicative of a need for immediate intervention. Therefore, the appropriate action is to continue monitoring the newborn's condition. Assessing bowel sounds (Choice A) is not relevant to the presenting issue of cyanosis and respiratory rate. Assisting with intubation (Choice C) is an invasive procedure that is not warranted based on the information provided. Rubbing the infant's back (Choice D) is not necessary for acrocyanosis and could potentially disturb the newborn.
5. What causes sickle-cell anemia?
- A. A chromosomal abnormality.
- B. A single segment found only on the Y chromosome.
- C. A recessive gene.
- D. A decrease in estrogen levels.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sickle-cell anemia is a genetic disorder caused by inheriting two copies of a recessive gene, one from each parent. The correct answer is C. Choice A is incorrect because sickle-cell anemia is not primarily caused by a chromosomal abnormality. Choice B is incorrect as the condition is not linked to a single segment found only on the Y chromosome. Choice D is unrelated as it mentions a decrease in estrogen levels, which is not a cause of sickle-cell anemia.
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