HESI OB/Maternity – Comprehensive Final Exam with
300+ detailed Questions and Answers with Rationales
2026/2027 Update
Antepartum Assessment & Prenatal Care
1. A client is 10 weeks pregnant and asks when the fetal heart
rate can commonly be detected by Doppler.
A. 4 weeks
B. 6 weeks
C. 10–12 weeks
D. 20–22 weeks
Answer: C
Rationale: Fetal heart tones can commonly be detected by
Doppler around 10–12 weeks, although timing varies.
2. Which finding is considered a positive sign of pregnancy?
A. Amenorrhea
B. Nausea
C. Positive pregnancy test
D. Fetal heart activity
Answer: D
Rationale: Positive signs are directly attributable to the fetus,
such as fetal heart activity, fetal movement palpated by an
examiner, and visualization of the fetus.
3. A pregnant client reports urinary frequency during the first
trimester. Which response is appropriate?
,A. "This usually occurs because of increased bladder pressure
and hormonal changes."
B. "This indicates a urinary tract infection."
C. "You should restrict fluids."
D. "This is an abnormal pregnancy finding."
Answer: A
Rationale: Hormonal changes and uterine pressure can
increase urinary frequency during early pregnancy.
4. Which nutrient is particularly important before conception
and during early pregnancy to reduce neural tube defects?
A. Vitamin C
B. Folic acid
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin K
Answer: B
Rationale: Adequate folic acid before conception and during
early pregnancy decreases the risk of neural tube defects.
5. A pregnant client asks which food should be avoided because
of increased risk for listeriosis.
A. Pasteurized yogurt
B. Thoroughly cooked chicken
C. Unpasteurized soft cheese
D. Washed apples
,Answer: C
Rationale: Unpasteurized dairy products can contain Listeria
and should be avoided during pregnancy.
6. Which finding during pregnancy requires prompt evaluation?
A. Mild fatigue
B. Breast tenderness
C. Vaginal bleeding
D. Increased appetite
Answer: C
Rationale: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can indicate
miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, placental problems, or another
complication.
7. Which blood pressure finding is most concerning in a
pregnant client?
A. 108/64 mm Hg
B. 118/70 mm Hg
C. 124/76 mm Hg
D. 162/110 mm Hg
Answer: D
Rationale: Severe-range hypertension in pregnancy requires
urgent evaluation because of the risk of maternal stroke and
other complications.
8. A pregnant client has persistent vomiting, weight loss, and
dehydration. Which condition is suspected?
A. Hyperemesis gravidarum
, B. Gestational hypertension
C. Placenta previa
D. Polyhydramnios
Answer: A
Rationale: Hyperemesis gravidarum involves severe pregnancy-
related nausea and vomiting that can cause dehydration,
electrolyte abnormalities, and weight loss.
9. Which intervention is appropriate for uncomplicated
morning sickness?
A. Eat large meals three times daily.
B. Eat small, frequent meals.
C. Avoid all carbohydrates.
D. Drink large amounts of fluid with meals.
Answer: B
Rationale: Small, frequent meals and avoiding an empty
stomach may reduce nausea.
10. Which supplement is commonly recommended during
pregnancy to prevent iron-deficiency anemia?
A. Iron
B. Sodium
C. Potassium
D. Fluoride
Answer: A
Rationale: Maternal iron requirements increase substantially
during pregnancy.
300+ detailed Questions and Answers with Rationales
2026/2027 Update
Antepartum Assessment & Prenatal Care
1. A client is 10 weeks pregnant and asks when the fetal heart
rate can commonly be detected by Doppler.
A. 4 weeks
B. 6 weeks
C. 10–12 weeks
D. 20–22 weeks
Answer: C
Rationale: Fetal heart tones can commonly be detected by
Doppler around 10–12 weeks, although timing varies.
2. Which finding is considered a positive sign of pregnancy?
A. Amenorrhea
B. Nausea
C. Positive pregnancy test
D. Fetal heart activity
Answer: D
Rationale: Positive signs are directly attributable to the fetus,
such as fetal heart activity, fetal movement palpated by an
examiner, and visualization of the fetus.
3. A pregnant client reports urinary frequency during the first
trimester. Which response is appropriate?
,A. "This usually occurs because of increased bladder pressure
and hormonal changes."
B. "This indicates a urinary tract infection."
C. "You should restrict fluids."
D. "This is an abnormal pregnancy finding."
Answer: A
Rationale: Hormonal changes and uterine pressure can
increase urinary frequency during early pregnancy.
4. Which nutrient is particularly important before conception
and during early pregnancy to reduce neural tube defects?
A. Vitamin C
B. Folic acid
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin K
Answer: B
Rationale: Adequate folic acid before conception and during
early pregnancy decreases the risk of neural tube defects.
5. A pregnant client asks which food should be avoided because
of increased risk for listeriosis.
A. Pasteurized yogurt
B. Thoroughly cooked chicken
C. Unpasteurized soft cheese
D. Washed apples
,Answer: C
Rationale: Unpasteurized dairy products can contain Listeria
and should be avoided during pregnancy.
6. Which finding during pregnancy requires prompt evaluation?
A. Mild fatigue
B. Breast tenderness
C. Vaginal bleeding
D. Increased appetite
Answer: C
Rationale: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can indicate
miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, placental problems, or another
complication.
7. Which blood pressure finding is most concerning in a
pregnant client?
A. 108/64 mm Hg
B. 118/70 mm Hg
C. 124/76 mm Hg
D. 162/110 mm Hg
Answer: D
Rationale: Severe-range hypertension in pregnancy requires
urgent evaluation because of the risk of maternal stroke and
other complications.
8. A pregnant client has persistent vomiting, weight loss, and
dehydration. Which condition is suspected?
A. Hyperemesis gravidarum
, B. Gestational hypertension
C. Placenta previa
D. Polyhydramnios
Answer: A
Rationale: Hyperemesis gravidarum involves severe pregnancy-
related nausea and vomiting that can cause dehydration,
electrolyte abnormalities, and weight loss.
9. Which intervention is appropriate for uncomplicated
morning sickness?
A. Eat large meals three times daily.
B. Eat small, frequent meals.
C. Avoid all carbohydrates.
D. Drink large amounts of fluid with meals.
Answer: B
Rationale: Small, frequent meals and avoiding an empty
stomach may reduce nausea.
10. Which supplement is commonly recommended during
pregnancy to prevent iron-deficiency anemia?
A. Iron
B. Sodium
C. Potassium
D. Fluoride
Answer: A
Rationale: Maternal iron requirements increase substantially
during pregnancy.
