, HESI RN Maternity Exam 2026 | OB Nursing Exam
Prep | NGN Questions (PDF) QUESTIONS AND
DETAILED ANSWERS
SECTION 1: ANTEPARTUM / PRENATAL CARE
(Questions 1-15)
Q1. The nurse is assessing a client at 35 weeks gestation with
severe preeclampsia. Which finding indicates magnesium sulfate
toxicity?
, A. Deep tendon reflexes 2+
B. Respiratory rate 14 breaths/min
C. Urine output 35 mL/hr
D. Absent patellar reflexes
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate toxicity causes loss of patellar (deep
tendon) reflexes first, typically at serum levels of 8-10 mEq/L.
Respiratory depression occurs at higher levels (>10 mEq/L). Normal
DTRs are 1-2+. Normal respiratory rate is 12-20 breaths/min. Normal
urine output is ≥30 mL/hr. Absent reflexes require immediate
discontinuation of magnesium and administration of calcium gluconate -
2.
Q2. A client at 40 weeks gestation is in active labor. The nurse
notes the fetal heart rate baseline is 175 bpm. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Document the finding as normal
B. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via non-rebreather mask
, C. Turn the client to the left lateral position
D. Notify the provider immediately
Rationale: Fetal tachycardia (>160 bpm) requires assessment for
cause. The first intervention is maternal repositioning to the left lateral
position to improve placental perfusion and rule out supine hypotension
syndrome. After repositioning, assess maternal temperature, hydration
status, and rule out chorioamnionitis. Oxygen may be added if
repositioning does not improve the FHR. Provider notification comes
after initial interventions unless the client is unstable -2.
Q3. A client at 28 weeks of gestation calls the antepartal clinic
and states that she has just experienced a small amount of bright
red vaginal bleeding. What instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Come to the clinic or emergency department for an
ultrasound evaluation
B. Go to the emergency department immediately by ambulance
Prep | NGN Questions (PDF) QUESTIONS AND
DETAILED ANSWERS
SECTION 1: ANTEPARTUM / PRENATAL CARE
(Questions 1-15)
Q1. The nurse is assessing a client at 35 weeks gestation with
severe preeclampsia. Which finding indicates magnesium sulfate
toxicity?
, A. Deep tendon reflexes 2+
B. Respiratory rate 14 breaths/min
C. Urine output 35 mL/hr
D. Absent patellar reflexes
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate toxicity causes loss of patellar (deep
tendon) reflexes first, typically at serum levels of 8-10 mEq/L.
Respiratory depression occurs at higher levels (>10 mEq/L). Normal
DTRs are 1-2+. Normal respiratory rate is 12-20 breaths/min. Normal
urine output is ≥30 mL/hr. Absent reflexes require immediate
discontinuation of magnesium and administration of calcium gluconate -
2.
Q2. A client at 40 weeks gestation is in active labor. The nurse
notes the fetal heart rate baseline is 175 bpm. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Document the finding as normal
B. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via non-rebreather mask
, C. Turn the client to the left lateral position
D. Notify the provider immediately
Rationale: Fetal tachycardia (>160 bpm) requires assessment for
cause. The first intervention is maternal repositioning to the left lateral
position to improve placental perfusion and rule out supine hypotension
syndrome. After repositioning, assess maternal temperature, hydration
status, and rule out chorioamnionitis. Oxygen may be added if
repositioning does not improve the FHR. Provider notification comes
after initial interventions unless the client is unstable -2.
Q3. A client at 28 weeks of gestation calls the antepartal clinic
and states that she has just experienced a small amount of bright
red vaginal bleeding. What instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Come to the clinic or emergency department for an
ultrasound evaluation
B. Go to the emergency department immediately by ambulance
