HESI Peds & Maternity Exam Questions | 100% Correct
Answers with Detailed Rationales (2026/2027 Latest
Update )
Duration: 3 Hours
Total Marks: 100
Total Number of Questions: 100
Instructions:
1. This examination consists of THREE sections. Answer ALL questions.
2. Section A: Maternity Nursing (40 marks). Section B: Pediatric Nursing (40 marks).
Section C: Integrated Clinical Scenarios (20 marks).
3. All questions in Sections A and B are worth 1 mark each. Each question in
Section C is worth 1 mark.
4. Write your answers clearly in the spaces provided on the answer sheet.
5. No additional time will be granted. Manage your time accordingly.
6. Calculators are permitted for Section C only.
7. Read each question carefully before selecting your answer.
SECTION A: MATERNITY NURSING (40 Marks)
Question 1:
Fertilization of the ovum normally occurs in which anatomical structure?
A. The uterine fundus
B. The ampulla of the fallopian tube
C. The cervical os
D. The ovarian cortex
Correct Answer: B
Marks: 1
,Rationale:
Fertilization typically occurs in the ampulla, the widest portion of the fallopian tube,
where the sperm and ovum converge. This concept tests knowledge of normal
reproductive anatomy and conception physiology.
Question 2:
Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum during early
pregnancy?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
D. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Correct Answer: C
Marks: 1
Rationale:
hCG, secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast after implantation, rescues and maintains the
corpus luteum to ensure continued progesterone production until the placenta assumes
this function. This concept is fundamental to understanding early pregnancy physiology.
Question 3:
A pregnant client at 28 weeks gestation asks the nurse about normal fetal movement
patterns. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
A. "You should feel exactly 10 movements every hour."
B. "Most women notice 10 movements within 2 hours during periods of fetal activity."
C. "Fetal movement significantly decreases after 28 weeks."
D. "Any movement less than 20 times daily requires immediate evaluation."
Correct Answer: B
Marks: 1
,Rationale:
The "count to 10" method assesses fetal well-being by having the client track 10 distinct
movements, which typically occurs within 2 hours during active fetal periods. This
evaluates the client's understanding of fetal kick counts and self-monitoring.
Question 4:
During a routine prenatal visit at 32 weeks gestation, which client report requires
immediate nursing intervention and provider notification?
A. Mild ankle edema after 8 hours of standing
B. Irregular contractions occurring twice daily
C. Decreased fetal movement over the past 24 hours
D. Heartburn after eating spicy foods
Correct Answer: C
Marks: 1
Rationale:
A significant decrease in fetal movement may indicate fetal compromise or hypoxia and
warrants immediate further assessment, such as a non-stress test or biophysical
profile. This tests prioritization of potential fetal distress over normal pregnancy
discomforts.
Question 5:
A client in active labor has a cervix dilated from 5 cm to 8 cm over 3 hours. Which
additional finding best confirms progressive labor?
A. The presenting part remains at station -2
B. Contractions are irregular and mild
C. The cervix is effacing and the presenting part is descending
D. The client reports only mild discomfort
Correct Answer: C
, Marks: 1
Rationale:
True labor progression is defined by concurrent cervical effacement, dilation, and
descent of the fetal presenting part. This question assesses the nurse's ability to
evaluate the multifactorial components of the labor process.
Question 6:
A client with severe preeclampsia is receiving a magnesium sulfate infusion. Which
assessment is the nurse's highest priority?
A. Monitoring hourly urinary protein levels
B. Assessing deep tendon reflexes and respiratory rate
C. Measuring abdominal girth every 4 hours
D. Checking bilateral pedal pulses every 2 hours
Correct Answer: B
Marks: 1
Rationale:
Magnesium sulfate toxicity manifests as loss of deep tendon reflexes, respiratory
depression, and cardiac arrest; therefore, reflexes and respiratory rate are critical safety
assessments. This evaluates safe administration of high-alert medications in
obstetrics.
Question 7:
Which primitive reflex is elicited when the nurse strokes the lateral aspect of the sole of
a newborn's foot?
A. Moro reflex
B. Babinski reflex
C. Rooting reflex
D. Tonic neck reflex
Answers with Detailed Rationales (2026/2027 Latest
Update )
Duration: 3 Hours
Total Marks: 100
Total Number of Questions: 100
Instructions:
1. This examination consists of THREE sections. Answer ALL questions.
2. Section A: Maternity Nursing (40 marks). Section B: Pediatric Nursing (40 marks).
Section C: Integrated Clinical Scenarios (20 marks).
3. All questions in Sections A and B are worth 1 mark each. Each question in
Section C is worth 1 mark.
4. Write your answers clearly in the spaces provided on the answer sheet.
5. No additional time will be granted. Manage your time accordingly.
6. Calculators are permitted for Section C only.
7. Read each question carefully before selecting your answer.
SECTION A: MATERNITY NURSING (40 Marks)
Question 1:
Fertilization of the ovum normally occurs in which anatomical structure?
A. The uterine fundus
B. The ampulla of the fallopian tube
C. The cervical os
D. The ovarian cortex
Correct Answer: B
Marks: 1
,Rationale:
Fertilization typically occurs in the ampulla, the widest portion of the fallopian tube,
where the sperm and ovum converge. This concept tests knowledge of normal
reproductive anatomy and conception physiology.
Question 2:
Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum during early
pregnancy?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
D. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Correct Answer: C
Marks: 1
Rationale:
hCG, secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast after implantation, rescues and maintains the
corpus luteum to ensure continued progesterone production until the placenta assumes
this function. This concept is fundamental to understanding early pregnancy physiology.
Question 3:
A pregnant client at 28 weeks gestation asks the nurse about normal fetal movement
patterns. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
A. "You should feel exactly 10 movements every hour."
B. "Most women notice 10 movements within 2 hours during periods of fetal activity."
C. "Fetal movement significantly decreases after 28 weeks."
D. "Any movement less than 20 times daily requires immediate evaluation."
Correct Answer: B
Marks: 1
,Rationale:
The "count to 10" method assesses fetal well-being by having the client track 10 distinct
movements, which typically occurs within 2 hours during active fetal periods. This
evaluates the client's understanding of fetal kick counts and self-monitoring.
Question 4:
During a routine prenatal visit at 32 weeks gestation, which client report requires
immediate nursing intervention and provider notification?
A. Mild ankle edema after 8 hours of standing
B. Irregular contractions occurring twice daily
C. Decreased fetal movement over the past 24 hours
D. Heartburn after eating spicy foods
Correct Answer: C
Marks: 1
Rationale:
A significant decrease in fetal movement may indicate fetal compromise or hypoxia and
warrants immediate further assessment, such as a non-stress test or biophysical
profile. This tests prioritization of potential fetal distress over normal pregnancy
discomforts.
Question 5:
A client in active labor has a cervix dilated from 5 cm to 8 cm over 3 hours. Which
additional finding best confirms progressive labor?
A. The presenting part remains at station -2
B. Contractions are irregular and mild
C. The cervix is effacing and the presenting part is descending
D. The client reports only mild discomfort
Correct Answer: C
, Marks: 1
Rationale:
True labor progression is defined by concurrent cervical effacement, dilation, and
descent of the fetal presenting part. This question assesses the nurse's ability to
evaluate the multifactorial components of the labor process.
Question 6:
A client with severe preeclampsia is receiving a magnesium sulfate infusion. Which
assessment is the nurse's highest priority?
A. Monitoring hourly urinary protein levels
B. Assessing deep tendon reflexes and respiratory rate
C. Measuring abdominal girth every 4 hours
D. Checking bilateral pedal pulses every 2 hours
Correct Answer: B
Marks: 1
Rationale:
Magnesium sulfate toxicity manifests as loss of deep tendon reflexes, respiratory
depression, and cardiac arrest; therefore, reflexes and respiratory rate are critical safety
assessments. This evaluates safe administration of high-alert medications in
obstetrics.
Question 7:
Which primitive reflex is elicited when the nurse strokes the lateral aspect of the sole of
a newborn's foot?
A. Moro reflex
B. Babinski reflex
C. Rooting reflex
D. Tonic neck reflex
