HESI MATERNITY NURSING EXAM PREP
2026/2027 PRACTICE QUESTIONS
WITH DETAILED RATIONALES &
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
Q1
An expectant father tells the nurse he fears that his wife is "losing her mind." He
states that she is constantly rubbing her abdomen and talking to the baby and that
she actually reprimands the baby when it moves too much. Which recommendation
should the nurse make to this expectant father?
A.Suggest that his wife seek professional counseling to deal with her symptoms.
B.Explain that his wife is exhibiting ambivalence about the pregnancy.
C. Ask him to report similar abnormal behaviors at the next prenatal visit.
D.Reassure him that normal maternal-fetal bonding is occurring.
D) Reassure him that normal maternal-fetal bonding is occurring.
RATIONALE:
These behaviors are positive signs of maternal-fetal bonding and do not reflect
ambivalence. No intervention is needed. Quickening, the first perception of fetal
movement, occurs at 17 to 20 weeks of gestation and begins a new phase of
prenatal bonding during the second trimester. Options A and C are not necessary
because the behaviors displayed are normal.
Q2
,The nurse is preparing a laboring client for an amniotomy. Immediately after the
procedure is completed, it is most important for the nurse to obtain which
information?
A.Maternal blood pressure
B.Maternal temperature
C.Fetal heart rate (FHR)
D.White blood cell count (WBC)
C. Fetal heart rate (FHR)
RATIONALE:
The FHR should be assessed before and after the procedure to detect changes that
may indicate the presence of cord compression or prolapse. An amniotomy
(artificial rupture of membranes [AROM]) is used to stimulate labor when the
condition of the cervix is favorable. The fluid should be assessed for color, odor,
and consistency. Option A should be assessed every 15 to 20 minutes during labor
but is not specific for AROM. Option B is monitored hourly after the membranes
are ruptured to detect the development of amnionitis. Option D should be
determined for all clients in labor.
Q3
A nurse receives a shift change report for a newborn who is 12 hours post-vaginal
delivery. In developing a plan of care, the nurse should give the highest priority to
which finding?
,A.Cyanosis of the hands and feet
B.Skin color that is slightly jaundiced
C.Tiny white papules on the nose or chin
D.Red patches on the cheeks and trunk
B. Skin color that is slightly jaundiced
RATIONALE:
Jaundice, a yellow skin coloration, is caused by elevated levels of bilirubin, which
should be further evaluated in a newborn <24 hours old. Acrocyanosis (blue color
of the hands and feet) is a common finding in newborns; it occurs because the
capillary system is immature. Milia are small white papules present on the nose
and chin that are caused by sebaceous gland blockage and disappear in a few
weeks. Small red patches on the cheeks and trunk are called erythema toxicum
neonatorum, a common finding in newborns.
Q4
A breastfeeding postpartum client is diagnosed with mastitis, and antibiotic therapy
is prescribed. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this client?
A.Breastfeed the infant, ensuring that both breasts are completely emptied.
B.Feed expressed breast milk to avoid the pain of the infant latching onto the
infected breast.
C.Breastfeed on the unaffected breast only until the mastitis subsides.
, D.Dilute expressed breast milk with sterile water to reduce the antibiotic effect on
the infant.
A.Breastfeed the infant, ensuring that both breasts are completely emptied.
RATIONALE
:Mastitis, caused by plugged milk ducts, is related to breast engorgement, and
breastfeeding during mastitis facilitates the complete emptying of engorged
breasts, eliminating the pressure on the inflamed breast tissue. Option B is less
painful but does not facilitate complete emptying of the breast tissue. Option C will
not relieve the engorgement on the affected side. Option D will not decrease
antibiotic effects on the infant.
Q5
A 38-week primigravida who works as a secretary and sits at a computer 8 hours
each day tells the nurse that her feet have begun to swell. Which instruction will
aid in the prevention of pooling of blood in the lower extremities?
A.Wear support stockings.
B.Reduce salt in the diet.
C.Move about every hour.
D.Avoid constrictive clothing.
C.Move about every hour.
RATIONALE:
2026/2027 PRACTICE QUESTIONS
WITH DETAILED RATIONALES &
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
Q1
An expectant father tells the nurse he fears that his wife is "losing her mind." He
states that she is constantly rubbing her abdomen and talking to the baby and that
she actually reprimands the baby when it moves too much. Which recommendation
should the nurse make to this expectant father?
A.Suggest that his wife seek professional counseling to deal with her symptoms.
B.Explain that his wife is exhibiting ambivalence about the pregnancy.
C. Ask him to report similar abnormal behaviors at the next prenatal visit.
D.Reassure him that normal maternal-fetal bonding is occurring.
D) Reassure him that normal maternal-fetal bonding is occurring.
RATIONALE:
These behaviors are positive signs of maternal-fetal bonding and do not reflect
ambivalence. No intervention is needed. Quickening, the first perception of fetal
movement, occurs at 17 to 20 weeks of gestation and begins a new phase of
prenatal bonding during the second trimester. Options A and C are not necessary
because the behaviors displayed are normal.
Q2
,The nurse is preparing a laboring client for an amniotomy. Immediately after the
procedure is completed, it is most important for the nurse to obtain which
information?
A.Maternal blood pressure
B.Maternal temperature
C.Fetal heart rate (FHR)
D.White blood cell count (WBC)
C. Fetal heart rate (FHR)
RATIONALE:
The FHR should be assessed before and after the procedure to detect changes that
may indicate the presence of cord compression or prolapse. An amniotomy
(artificial rupture of membranes [AROM]) is used to stimulate labor when the
condition of the cervix is favorable. The fluid should be assessed for color, odor,
and consistency. Option A should be assessed every 15 to 20 minutes during labor
but is not specific for AROM. Option B is monitored hourly after the membranes
are ruptured to detect the development of amnionitis. Option D should be
determined for all clients in labor.
Q3
A nurse receives a shift change report for a newborn who is 12 hours post-vaginal
delivery. In developing a plan of care, the nurse should give the highest priority to
which finding?
,A.Cyanosis of the hands and feet
B.Skin color that is slightly jaundiced
C.Tiny white papules on the nose or chin
D.Red patches on the cheeks and trunk
B. Skin color that is slightly jaundiced
RATIONALE:
Jaundice, a yellow skin coloration, is caused by elevated levels of bilirubin, which
should be further evaluated in a newborn <24 hours old. Acrocyanosis (blue color
of the hands and feet) is a common finding in newborns; it occurs because the
capillary system is immature. Milia are small white papules present on the nose
and chin that are caused by sebaceous gland blockage and disappear in a few
weeks. Small red patches on the cheeks and trunk are called erythema toxicum
neonatorum, a common finding in newborns.
Q4
A breastfeeding postpartum client is diagnosed with mastitis, and antibiotic therapy
is prescribed. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this client?
A.Breastfeed the infant, ensuring that both breasts are completely emptied.
B.Feed expressed breast milk to avoid the pain of the infant latching onto the
infected breast.
C.Breastfeed on the unaffected breast only until the mastitis subsides.
, D.Dilute expressed breast milk with sterile water to reduce the antibiotic effect on
the infant.
A.Breastfeed the infant, ensuring that both breasts are completely emptied.
RATIONALE
:Mastitis, caused by plugged milk ducts, is related to breast engorgement, and
breastfeeding during mastitis facilitates the complete emptying of engorged
breasts, eliminating the pressure on the inflamed breast tissue. Option B is less
painful but does not facilitate complete emptying of the breast tissue. Option C will
not relieve the engorgement on the affected side. Option D will not decrease
antibiotic effects on the infant.
Q5
A 38-week primigravida who works as a secretary and sits at a computer 8 hours
each day tells the nurse that her feet have begun to swell. Which instruction will
aid in the prevention of pooling of blood in the lower extremities?
A.Wear support stockings.
B.Reduce salt in the diet.
C.Move about every hour.
D.Avoid constrictive clothing.
C.Move about every hour.
RATIONALE:
