HESI MATERNITY NAXLEX COMBINED EXAM
2026/2027 COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS GRADED A+
The nurse is caring for a postpartum client who is complaining of severe pain and a
feeling of pressure in her perineum. Her fundus is firm and she has a moderate
lochial flow. On inspection, the nurse finds that a perineal hematoma is beginning
to form. Which assessment finding should the nurse obtain first?
A. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
B. Abdominal contour and bowel sounds
C. Heart rate and blood pressure
D. Urinary output and IV fluid intake
C.
Heart rate and blood pressure:This is the correct answer. Assessing the client's
heart rate and blood pressure is crucial to identify signs of shock or compromised
circulation associated with the perineal hematoma.
The nurse is performing a newborn assessment. Which symptom, if present in a
newborn, would indicate respiratory distress?
A. Flaring of the nares
,B. Shallow and irregular respirations
C. Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute
D. Abdominal breathing with synchronous chest movement
Correct Answer : A
Flaring of the nares:Flaring of the nares is a clinical sign of respiratory distress in
newborns. It indicates that the infant is working harder to breathe and is attempting
to increase the size of the nostrils to get more air.
Which physical assessment data should the nurse consider a normal finding for a
primigravida client who is 12 hours postpartum?
A. Unilateral lower leg pain.
B. Soft, spongy fundus
C. Saturating two perineal pads per hour.
D. Pulse rate of 56 beats/minute
D.
Pulse rate of 56 beats/minute:A pulse rate of 56 beats per minute can be within the
normal range, especially if the client is at rest. However, it's essential to consider
,the overall clinical picture and whether there are any signs of distress or symptoms
associated with a low pulse rate.
A client who is 32 weeks gestation comes to the women's health clinic and reports
nausea and vomiting. On examination, the nurse notes that the client has an
elevated blood pressure. Which action should the nurse implement next?
A. Inspect the client's face for edema
B. Ascertain the frequency of headaches
C. Evaluate for history of cluster headaches
D. Observe and time client's contractions
Correct Answer : A
Inspect the client's face for edema:Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy may
be a sign of preeclampsia, a condition that can involve fluid retention. Edema,
particularly in the face, is one of the signs that the nurse should assess for in
determining if preeclampsia is a concern.
A multiparous client with active herpes lesions is admitted to the unit with
spontaneous rupture of membranes. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Prepare for a cesarean section
, B. Cover the lesion with a dressing
C. Obtain blood cultures
D. Administer penicillin.
Correct Answer : A
Prepare for a cesarean section:Active herpes lesions are a contraindication for
vaginal delivery due to the risk of transmitting the herpes simplex virus (HSV) to
the newborn. A cesarean section is necessary to prevent the baby from coming into
direct contact with the herpes lesions and reduce the risk of neonatal herpes
infection.
The nurse is caring for a client who delivered 6 hours ago. Assessment findings
reveal a boggy uterus that is displaced above and to the right of the umbilicus.
Which action should the nurse take?
A. Encourage voiding
B. Notify healthcare provider
C. Inspect the perineal pad
D. Monitor vital signs
Correct Answer : A
2026/2027 COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS GRADED A+
The nurse is caring for a postpartum client who is complaining of severe pain and a
feeling of pressure in her perineum. Her fundus is firm and she has a moderate
lochial flow. On inspection, the nurse finds that a perineal hematoma is beginning
to form. Which assessment finding should the nurse obtain first?
A. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
B. Abdominal contour and bowel sounds
C. Heart rate and blood pressure
D. Urinary output and IV fluid intake
C.
Heart rate and blood pressure:This is the correct answer. Assessing the client's
heart rate and blood pressure is crucial to identify signs of shock or compromised
circulation associated with the perineal hematoma.
The nurse is performing a newborn assessment. Which symptom, if present in a
newborn, would indicate respiratory distress?
A. Flaring of the nares
,B. Shallow and irregular respirations
C. Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute
D. Abdominal breathing with synchronous chest movement
Correct Answer : A
Flaring of the nares:Flaring of the nares is a clinical sign of respiratory distress in
newborns. It indicates that the infant is working harder to breathe and is attempting
to increase the size of the nostrils to get more air.
Which physical assessment data should the nurse consider a normal finding for a
primigravida client who is 12 hours postpartum?
A. Unilateral lower leg pain.
B. Soft, spongy fundus
C. Saturating two perineal pads per hour.
D. Pulse rate of 56 beats/minute
D.
Pulse rate of 56 beats/minute:A pulse rate of 56 beats per minute can be within the
normal range, especially if the client is at rest. However, it's essential to consider
,the overall clinical picture and whether there are any signs of distress or symptoms
associated with a low pulse rate.
A client who is 32 weeks gestation comes to the women's health clinic and reports
nausea and vomiting. On examination, the nurse notes that the client has an
elevated blood pressure. Which action should the nurse implement next?
A. Inspect the client's face for edema
B. Ascertain the frequency of headaches
C. Evaluate for history of cluster headaches
D. Observe and time client's contractions
Correct Answer : A
Inspect the client's face for edema:Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy may
be a sign of preeclampsia, a condition that can involve fluid retention. Edema,
particularly in the face, is one of the signs that the nurse should assess for in
determining if preeclampsia is a concern.
A multiparous client with active herpes lesions is admitted to the unit with
spontaneous rupture of membranes. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Prepare for a cesarean section
, B. Cover the lesion with a dressing
C. Obtain blood cultures
D. Administer penicillin.
Correct Answer : A
Prepare for a cesarean section:Active herpes lesions are a contraindication for
vaginal delivery due to the risk of transmitting the herpes simplex virus (HSV) to
the newborn. A cesarean section is necessary to prevent the baby from coming into
direct contact with the herpes lesions and reduce the risk of neonatal herpes
infection.
The nurse is caring for a client who delivered 6 hours ago. Assessment findings
reveal a boggy uterus that is displaced above and to the right of the umbilicus.
Which action should the nurse take?
A. Encourage voiding
B. Notify healthcare provider
C. Inspect the perineal pad
D. Monitor vital signs
Correct Answer : A
