HESI MATERNITY (OB) & PEDIATRICS EXAM TEST BANK (2026/2027) | COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS | LATEST UPDATE
Elsevier HESI Maternity (Obstetrics) & Pediatrics Specialty Examinations | Integrated Test Bank for
Nursing Education | Core Domains: Antepartum, Intrapartum, & Postpartum Care, Newborn
Assessment & Stabilization, High-Risk Obstetrics, Pediatric Growth & Development (Infant to
Adolescent), Pediatric Acute & Chronic Conditions, Well-Child & Preventive Care, Family-Centered
Education, and Pharmacological Management for Maternal-Child Health | NCLEX-RN® &
Curriculum-Aligned Focus
Exam Structure
This comprehensive HESI Maternity & Pediatrics test bank for the 2026/2027 academic cycle includes a
complete repository of questions and verified solutions covering all phases of the childbearing family
continuum and pediatric nursing, designed for both formative and summative evaluations.
Introduction
This HESI Maternity (OB) & Pediatrics Exam Test Bank for the 2026/2027 academic year is the latest,
updated resource providing complete coverage of maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing. It features
verified solutions that reinforce evidence-based clinical judgment, developmental considerations, and safe
care practices essential for nursing students and NCLEX-RN® preparation.
Answer Format
All correct nursing interventions, assessment findings, and therapeutic responses must be presented in
bold and green, followed by verified rationales that incorporate current AWHONN, AAP, and NANN
guidelines, developmental milestones, and pharmacological safety for mothers and children.
Maternity (OB) Questions (1–120)
1. During labor, fetal heart tracing shows recurrent late decelerations with minimal variability. What is
the priority intervention?
A. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
B. Reposition to left lateral position
C. Increase IV fluids
D. Prepare for cesarean delivery
Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Aortocaval compression reduces perfusion. Left
lateral tilt relieves pressure, improving oxygen delivery. Oxygen and fluids follow if no improvement.
2. A postpartum client has a boggy uterus and heavy lochia. What should the nurse do first?
,A. Administer oxytocin IV
B. Massage the fundus and assist the client to void
C. Increase IV fluids
D. Apply ice packs to the perineum
A displaced, boggy fundus often indicates a full bladder. Assisting the client to void may restore uterine
tone. If the fundus remains boggy, then massage and administer oxytocin as ordered.
3. A newborn has an Apgar score of 8 at 1 minute. Which finding is most likely present?
A. Absent reflexes
B. Acrocyanosis
C. No respiratory effort
D. Flaccid muscle tone
An Apgar score of 8 typically includes 2 points for heart rate (>100), 2 for respiratory effort (good cry),
2 for muscle tone (active motion), 2 for reflex irritability (grimace), and 1 for color (acrocyanosis—blue
hands/feet but pink body). Acrocyanosis is normal in newborns.
4. A client with preeclampsia has a blood pressure of 168/110 mm Hg, headache, and visual changes.
What is the priority action?
A. Administer oral antihypertensive
B. Administer IV magnesium sulfate and prepare for delivery
C. Encourage bed rest only
D. Provide reassurance
Severe preeclampsia (BP ≥160/110 + symptoms) requires IV magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures and
prompt delivery—the only cure. Antihypertensives may be added for BP >160/110, but seizure
prophylaxis is paramount.
5. A client is prescribed methylergonovine for postpartum hemorrhage. What is a contraindication?
A. History of asthma
B. Hypertension
,C. Diabetes
D. Anemia
Methylergonovine causes vasoconstriction and can significantly elevate blood pressure. It is
contraindicated in clients with hypertension or preeclampsia.
6. A pregnant client at 32 weeks reports sudden, painless vaginal bleeding. Fetal heart rate is 140 bpm.
What condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placental abruption
B. Placenta previa
C. Ectopic pregnancy
D. Uterine rupture
Painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester is classic for placenta previa. Placental abruption
presents with painful bleeding and a rigid, tender uterus. Vaginal exams are contraindicated until
ultrasound confirms placental location.
7. During labor, fetal heart tracing shows recurrent late decelerations with minimal variability. What is
the priority intervention?
A. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
B. Reposition to left lateral position
C. Increase IV fluids
D. Prepare for cesarean delivery
Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Aortocaval compression reduces perfusion. Left
lateral tilt relieves pressure, improving oxygen delivery. Oxygen and fluids follow if no improvement.
8. A postpartum client has a boggy uterus and heavy lochia. What should the nurse do first?
A. Administer oxytocin IV
B. Massage the fundus and assist the client to void
C. Increase IV fluids
D. Apply ice packs to the perineum
, A displaced, boggy fundus often indicates a full bladder. Assisting the client to void may restore uterine
tone. If the fundus remains boggy, then massage and administer oxytocin as ordered.
9. A newborn has an Apgar score of 8 at 1 minute. Which finding is most likely present?
A. Absent reflexes
B. Acrocyanosis
C. No respiratory effort
D. Flaccid muscle tone
An Apgar score of 8 typically includes 2 points for heart rate (>100), 2 for respiratory effort (good cry),
2 for muscle tone (active motion), 2 for reflex irritability (grimace), and 1 for color (acrocyanosis—blue
hands/feet but pink body). Acrocyanosis is normal in newborns.
10. A client with preeclampsia has a blood pressure of 168/110 mm Hg, headache, and visual changes.
What is the priority action?
A. Administer oral antihypertensive
B. Administer IV magnesium sulfate and prepare for delivery
C. Encourage bed rest only
D. Provide reassurance
Severe preeclampsia (BP ≥160/110 + symptoms) requires IV magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures and
prompt delivery—the only cure. Antihypertensives may be added for BP >160/110, but seizure
prophylaxis is paramount.
11. A client is prescribed methylergonovine for postpartum hemorrhage. What is a contraindication?
A. History of asthma
B. Hypertension
C. Diabetes
D. Anemia
Methylergonovine causes vasoconstriction and can significantly elevate blood pressure. It is
contraindicated in clients with hypertension or preeclampsia.
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS | LATEST UPDATE
Elsevier HESI Maternity (Obstetrics) & Pediatrics Specialty Examinations | Integrated Test Bank for
Nursing Education | Core Domains: Antepartum, Intrapartum, & Postpartum Care, Newborn
Assessment & Stabilization, High-Risk Obstetrics, Pediatric Growth & Development (Infant to
Adolescent), Pediatric Acute & Chronic Conditions, Well-Child & Preventive Care, Family-Centered
Education, and Pharmacological Management for Maternal-Child Health | NCLEX-RN® &
Curriculum-Aligned Focus
Exam Structure
This comprehensive HESI Maternity & Pediatrics test bank for the 2026/2027 academic cycle includes a
complete repository of questions and verified solutions covering all phases of the childbearing family
continuum and pediatric nursing, designed for both formative and summative evaluations.
Introduction
This HESI Maternity (OB) & Pediatrics Exam Test Bank for the 2026/2027 academic year is the latest,
updated resource providing complete coverage of maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing. It features
verified solutions that reinforce evidence-based clinical judgment, developmental considerations, and safe
care practices essential for nursing students and NCLEX-RN® preparation.
Answer Format
All correct nursing interventions, assessment findings, and therapeutic responses must be presented in
bold and green, followed by verified rationales that incorporate current AWHONN, AAP, and NANN
guidelines, developmental milestones, and pharmacological safety for mothers and children.
Maternity (OB) Questions (1–120)
1. During labor, fetal heart tracing shows recurrent late decelerations with minimal variability. What is
the priority intervention?
A. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
B. Reposition to left lateral position
C. Increase IV fluids
D. Prepare for cesarean delivery
Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Aortocaval compression reduces perfusion. Left
lateral tilt relieves pressure, improving oxygen delivery. Oxygen and fluids follow if no improvement.
2. A postpartum client has a boggy uterus and heavy lochia. What should the nurse do first?
,A. Administer oxytocin IV
B. Massage the fundus and assist the client to void
C. Increase IV fluids
D. Apply ice packs to the perineum
A displaced, boggy fundus often indicates a full bladder. Assisting the client to void may restore uterine
tone. If the fundus remains boggy, then massage and administer oxytocin as ordered.
3. A newborn has an Apgar score of 8 at 1 minute. Which finding is most likely present?
A. Absent reflexes
B. Acrocyanosis
C. No respiratory effort
D. Flaccid muscle tone
An Apgar score of 8 typically includes 2 points for heart rate (>100), 2 for respiratory effort (good cry),
2 for muscle tone (active motion), 2 for reflex irritability (grimace), and 1 for color (acrocyanosis—blue
hands/feet but pink body). Acrocyanosis is normal in newborns.
4. A client with preeclampsia has a blood pressure of 168/110 mm Hg, headache, and visual changes.
What is the priority action?
A. Administer oral antihypertensive
B. Administer IV magnesium sulfate and prepare for delivery
C. Encourage bed rest only
D. Provide reassurance
Severe preeclampsia (BP ≥160/110 + symptoms) requires IV magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures and
prompt delivery—the only cure. Antihypertensives may be added for BP >160/110, but seizure
prophylaxis is paramount.
5. A client is prescribed methylergonovine for postpartum hemorrhage. What is a contraindication?
A. History of asthma
B. Hypertension
,C. Diabetes
D. Anemia
Methylergonovine causes vasoconstriction and can significantly elevate blood pressure. It is
contraindicated in clients with hypertension or preeclampsia.
6. A pregnant client at 32 weeks reports sudden, painless vaginal bleeding. Fetal heart rate is 140 bpm.
What condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placental abruption
B. Placenta previa
C. Ectopic pregnancy
D. Uterine rupture
Painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester is classic for placenta previa. Placental abruption
presents with painful bleeding and a rigid, tender uterus. Vaginal exams are contraindicated until
ultrasound confirms placental location.
7. During labor, fetal heart tracing shows recurrent late decelerations with minimal variability. What is
the priority intervention?
A. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
B. Reposition to left lateral position
C. Increase IV fluids
D. Prepare for cesarean delivery
Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Aortocaval compression reduces perfusion. Left
lateral tilt relieves pressure, improving oxygen delivery. Oxygen and fluids follow if no improvement.
8. A postpartum client has a boggy uterus and heavy lochia. What should the nurse do first?
A. Administer oxytocin IV
B. Massage the fundus and assist the client to void
C. Increase IV fluids
D. Apply ice packs to the perineum
, A displaced, boggy fundus often indicates a full bladder. Assisting the client to void may restore uterine
tone. If the fundus remains boggy, then massage and administer oxytocin as ordered.
9. A newborn has an Apgar score of 8 at 1 minute. Which finding is most likely present?
A. Absent reflexes
B. Acrocyanosis
C. No respiratory effort
D. Flaccid muscle tone
An Apgar score of 8 typically includes 2 points for heart rate (>100), 2 for respiratory effort (good cry),
2 for muscle tone (active motion), 2 for reflex irritability (grimace), and 1 for color (acrocyanosis—blue
hands/feet but pink body). Acrocyanosis is normal in newborns.
10. A client with preeclampsia has a blood pressure of 168/110 mm Hg, headache, and visual changes.
What is the priority action?
A. Administer oral antihypertensive
B. Administer IV magnesium sulfate and prepare for delivery
C. Encourage bed rest only
D. Provide reassurance
Severe preeclampsia (BP ≥160/110 + symptoms) requires IV magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures and
prompt delivery—the only cure. Antihypertensives may be added for BP >160/110, but seizure
prophylaxis is paramount.
11. A client is prescribed methylergonovine for postpartum hemorrhage. What is a contraindication?
A. History of asthma
B. Hypertension
C. Diabetes
D. Anemia
Methylergonovine causes vasoconstriction and can significantly elevate blood pressure. It is
contraindicated in clients with hypertension or preeclampsia.
