HESI MATERNAL HEALTH EXAM QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026-2027 | … EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
HESI Maternal Health
Exam Questions &
Answers 2026-2027 |
Comprehensive Nursing
Review
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
61 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive nursing review document provides 61 HESI Maternal Health exam questions,
each with the correct answer and a detailed explanation. Covering key aspects of maternal and
newborn care, it is suitable for exam preparation, course review, and targeted study of critical
medication safety information in obstetrics.
CONTENTS
Pharmacology in Pregnancy & Lactation Q1–Q53
Reproductive Endocrinology & Fertility Q54–Q60
Labor & Delivery Management Q61–Q61
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 61
Which medication would the nurse identify as a potential cause for the formation of abnormally
small eyes in the newborn if used during pregnancy?
a. estrogens
b. nitrofurantoin
c. methotrexate
d. valproic acid
CORRECT ANSWER
b. nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin, an antimicrobial medication, causes formation of abnormally small eyes in the
newborn. Sex hormone supplements, such as estrogens, may cause congenital defects of female
reproductive organs. Methotrexate can cause congenital abnormalities (central nervous system and
limbs malformations) and fetal death. Valproic acid is high teratogenic and cause neural tube
defects, atrial septal defect, cleft palate, hypospadias, polydactyly, and craniosynostosis.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 61
The nurse understands which antihypertensive medication is contraindicated in lactating
women?
a. atenolol
b. labetalol
c. metoprolol
d. propranolol
CORRECT ANSWER
a. atenolol
Atenolol is contraindicated in lactating women because it enters the breastmilk and may cause
adverse effects to the neonate. Labetalol and propanolol are safe to administer during lactation.
Metoprolol is considered a safe medication to be taken during lactation
Page 2
, Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 61
Which birth control agent requires administration once every three months?
A. Progestin-only pills
B. Intramuscular progestin
C. Combination biphasic forms
D. Combination monophasic forms
CORRECT ANSWER
b. intramuscular progestin
Intramuscular progestin requires the administration of a single injection every three months.
Progressed-only oral contraceptive pills should be taken on a daily basis because of a higher
incidence of ovulatory cycles. Combination biphasic and monophasic forms are administered as
either a 21 or 28 day course.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 61
Which medication with the nurse identify as being used both for cervical ripening during labor
and has a stomach protectant?
a. raloxifene
b. clomiphene
c. misoprostol
d. dinoprostone
CORRECT ANSWER
c. misoprostol
Misoprostol can be used for cervical ripening and as a stomach protectant. Raloxifene is used to
prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Clomiphene is used for ovulation. Dinoprostone can be
used for cervical ripening, but this medication does not act as a stomach protectant.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 61
Which effect with the nurse identify as seen when the fetus is exposed to a teratogen during
embryonic period?
a. delay in growth
b. gross malformations
c. death of the conceptus
d. disruption of brain development
Page 3
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
HESI Maternal Health
Exam Questions &
Answers 2026-2027 |
Comprehensive Nursing
Review
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
61 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive nursing review document provides 61 HESI Maternal Health exam questions,
each with the correct answer and a detailed explanation. Covering key aspects of maternal and
newborn care, it is suitable for exam preparation, course review, and targeted study of critical
medication safety information in obstetrics.
CONTENTS
Pharmacology in Pregnancy & Lactation Q1–Q53
Reproductive Endocrinology & Fertility Q54–Q60
Labor & Delivery Management Q61–Q61
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 61
Which medication would the nurse identify as a potential cause for the formation of abnormally
small eyes in the newborn if used during pregnancy?
a. estrogens
b. nitrofurantoin
c. methotrexate
d. valproic acid
CORRECT ANSWER
b. nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin, an antimicrobial medication, causes formation of abnormally small eyes in the
newborn. Sex hormone supplements, such as estrogens, may cause congenital defects of female
reproductive organs. Methotrexate can cause congenital abnormalities (central nervous system and
limbs malformations) and fetal death. Valproic acid is high teratogenic and cause neural tube
defects, atrial septal defect, cleft palate, hypospadias, polydactyly, and craniosynostosis.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 61
The nurse understands which antihypertensive medication is contraindicated in lactating
women?
a. atenolol
b. labetalol
c. metoprolol
d. propranolol
CORRECT ANSWER
a. atenolol
Atenolol is contraindicated in lactating women because it enters the breastmilk and may cause
adverse effects to the neonate. Labetalol and propanolol are safe to administer during lactation.
Metoprolol is considered a safe medication to be taken during lactation
Page 2
, Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 61
Which birth control agent requires administration once every three months?
A. Progestin-only pills
B. Intramuscular progestin
C. Combination biphasic forms
D. Combination monophasic forms
CORRECT ANSWER
b. intramuscular progestin
Intramuscular progestin requires the administration of a single injection every three months.
Progressed-only oral contraceptive pills should be taken on a daily basis because of a higher
incidence of ovulatory cycles. Combination biphasic and monophasic forms are administered as
either a 21 or 28 day course.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 61
Which medication with the nurse identify as being used both for cervical ripening during labor
and has a stomach protectant?
a. raloxifene
b. clomiphene
c. misoprostol
d. dinoprostone
CORRECT ANSWER
c. misoprostol
Misoprostol can be used for cervical ripening and as a stomach protectant. Raloxifene is used to
prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Clomiphene is used for ovulation. Dinoprostone can be
used for cervical ripening, but this medication does not act as a stomach protectant.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 61
Which effect with the nurse identify as seen when the fetus is exposed to a teratogen during
embryonic period?
a. delay in growth
b. gross malformations
c. death of the conceptus
d. disruption of brain development
Page 3
