HESI OB MATERNITY TEST BANK V1 – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
Core Domains:
Antepartum Nursing Care
Intrapartum Nursing Care
Postpartum Nursing Care
Newborn Nursing Care
Maternal-Newborn Pharmacology
High-Risk Pregnancy and Complications
Maternal Nutrition and Health Promotion
Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards in Obstetric Nursing
Psychosocial Support and Cultural Competence
Reproductive Health and Family Planning
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess the knowledge and clinical
judgment of nursing students and professionals in the field of obstetric and maternity nursing.
The test bank covers a wide spectrum of topics, from foundational theories of reproductive health
to complex, high-risk maternal and newborn scenarios. Through a series of multiple-choice
questions and realistic case studies, this assessment evaluates your ability to apply theoretical
knowledge, adhere to legal and ethical standards, and make critical, evidence-based decisions in
a fast-paced clinical environment. The emphasis is on real-world application, preparing you to
provide safe, competent, and compassionate care to mothers and their families throughout the
perinatal journey. Each question is accompanied by a detailed rationale to reinforce learning and
solidify understanding of key concepts.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 - 100
1. A nurse is caring for a client at 32 weeks of gestation who is diagnosed with preeclampsia.
Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the healthcare
provider immediately?
A. Blood pressure of 148/90 mm Hg
B. Urine output of 30 mL/hr
,C. 1+ pitting edema in the lower extremities
D. A headache that is unrelieved by acetaminophen
🟢 D. A headache that is unrelieved by acetaminophen
🔴 Explanation: A headache unrelieved by analgesics can be a sign of worsening preeclampsia
and impending eclampsia, indicating increased intracranial pressure and cerebral edema. This
finding requires immediate reporting to the provider. A blood pressure of 148/90, though
elevated, is not the most emergent finding. Urine output of 30 mL/hr is at the lower limit of
normal and should be monitored. 1+ pitting edema is a common finding in pregnancy.
2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a postpartum client who is breastfeeding.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will apply ice packs to my breasts for the first 24 hours after feeding to reduce
engorgement."
B. "I should allow my baby to feed on demand, which is usually every 2 to 3 hours."
C. "I can use a breast pump to express milk if my breasts become overly full."
D. "I will wash my nipples with soap and water before each feeding to prevent infection."
🟢 D. "I will wash my nipples with soap and water before each feeding to prevent infection."
🔴 Explanation: Washing nipples with soap can dry and crack them, increasing the risk of
infection and irritation. Warm water is sufficient. The other statements are correct: ice packs can
help with engorgement, feeding on demand is standard, and a breast pump can be used to
relieve fullness.
3. A client at 39 weeks of gestation is admitted to the labor and delivery unit in active labor.
The nurse assesses the fetal heart rate (FHR) and notes a baseline of 140 bpm with moderate
variability and accelerations. The client's contractions are every 3 minutes, lasting 60
seconds, and are strong to palpation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via face mask.
B. Prepare the client for an emergency cesarean delivery.
C. Document the findings as a reassuring fetal heart rate pattern.
D. Turn the client to her left side.
🟢 C. Document the findings as a reassuring fetal heart rate pattern.
🔴 Explanation: A baseline FHR of 140 bpm, moderate variability, and accelerations are all
reassuring signs of fetal well-being. There is no indication of fetal distress, so interventions like
oxygen, repositioning, or emergency cesarean are not indicated. The nurse should document
the normal findings.
,4. A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 24 hours old. Which of the following findings
should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
A. Apical heart rate of 160 bpm while sleeping
B. Respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute with a 2-second pause
C. Axillary temperature of 37.0°C (98.6°F)
D. Passage of a tarry, black stool
🟢 B. Respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute with a 2-second pause
🔴 Explanation: While a respiratory rate of 60 breaths/min can be normal, periodic breathing
with pauses longer than 15-20 seconds is concerning and may indicate respiratory distress or
apnea. An apical heart rate of 160 bpm is within normal range for a newborn, a temperature of
37.0°C is normal, and passing meconium (tarry, black stool) is expected within the first 24-48
hours.
5. A client who is 28 weeks pregnant is receiving Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM). The
client asks the nurse why this medication is necessary. Which of the following responses by
the nurse is appropriate?
A. "It prevents your body from making antibodies that could harm your next Rh-positive baby."
B. "It treats your baby's anemia while in the womb."
C. "It is given to prevent maternal hemorrhage during delivery."
D. "It is a vaccine to protect you against a viral infection."
🟢 A. "It prevents your body from making antibodies that could harm your next Rh-positive
baby."
🔴 Explanation: Rho(D) immune globulin is administered to Rh-negative mothers to prevent
maternal sensitization and the formation of anti-Rh antibodies that could cross the placenta
and cause hemolytic disease in a subsequent Rh-positive fetus. It does not treat fetal anemia,
prevent hemorrhage, or act as a vaccine.
6. A nurse is teaching a prenatal class about expected changes during pregnancy. Which of
the following findings should the nurse describe as a normal cardiovascular change?
A. An increase in diastolic blood pressure
B. A decrease in maternal heart rate
C. A 50% increase in blood volume
D. A decrease in cardiac output
🟢 C. A 50% increase in blood volume
🔴 Explanation: Maternal blood volume increases by approximately 40-50% during pregnancy
, to meet the demands of the uterus and fetus. Cardiac output increases, while diastolic blood
pressure typically decreases due to peripheral vasodilation. Maternal heart rate also increases.
7. A nurse is caring for a client in the second stage of labor. The client is experiencing
intense pressure and the urge to push. Which of the following actions by the nurse is most
appropriate?
A. Instruct the client to push during contractions and rest between them.
B. Apply fundal pressure to assist with fetal descent.
C. Advise the client to hold her breath and push for 10 seconds.
D. Encourage the client to take deep, cleansing breaths and avoid pushing.
🟢 A. Instruct the client to push during contractions and rest between them.
🔴 Explanation: In the second stage, the client should be encouraged to push with
contractions and rest in between to facilitate fetal descent while conserving energy. Fundal
pressure is contraindicated as it can cause uterine rupture or fetal injury. Holding the breath for
10 seconds can lead to hypoxia and is not recommended. Encouraging the client not to push is
appropriate only in the first stage if she has a strong urge but is not fully dilated.
8. A postpartum client is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. The nurse should
anticipate a prescription for which of the following antibiotics that is considered safe for
breastfeeding?
A. Tetracycline
B. Ciprofloxacin
C. Amoxicillin
D. Doxycycline
🟢 C. Amoxicillin
🔴 Explanation: Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic that is considered safe and
compatible with breastfeeding. Tetracycline and doxycycline are contraindicated due to
potential effects on bone and teeth development in the infant, and ciprofloxacin is generally
avoided due to concerns about joint and cartilage development.
9. A nurse is providing education to a client at 36 weeks of gestation about the signs of
labor. Which of the following signs should the nurse include as a reliable indicator that labor
is imminent?
A. A sudden burst of energy
B. Lightening
C. Rupture of membranes
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
Core Domains:
Antepartum Nursing Care
Intrapartum Nursing Care
Postpartum Nursing Care
Newborn Nursing Care
Maternal-Newborn Pharmacology
High-Risk Pregnancy and Complications
Maternal Nutrition and Health Promotion
Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards in Obstetric Nursing
Psychosocial Support and Cultural Competence
Reproductive Health and Family Planning
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess the knowledge and clinical
judgment of nursing students and professionals in the field of obstetric and maternity nursing.
The test bank covers a wide spectrum of topics, from foundational theories of reproductive health
to complex, high-risk maternal and newborn scenarios. Through a series of multiple-choice
questions and realistic case studies, this assessment evaluates your ability to apply theoretical
knowledge, adhere to legal and ethical standards, and make critical, evidence-based decisions in
a fast-paced clinical environment. The emphasis is on real-world application, preparing you to
provide safe, competent, and compassionate care to mothers and their families throughout the
perinatal journey. Each question is accompanied by a detailed rationale to reinforce learning and
solidify understanding of key concepts.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 - 100
1. A nurse is caring for a client at 32 weeks of gestation who is diagnosed with preeclampsia.
Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the healthcare
provider immediately?
A. Blood pressure of 148/90 mm Hg
B. Urine output of 30 mL/hr
,C. 1+ pitting edema in the lower extremities
D. A headache that is unrelieved by acetaminophen
🟢 D. A headache that is unrelieved by acetaminophen
🔴 Explanation: A headache unrelieved by analgesics can be a sign of worsening preeclampsia
and impending eclampsia, indicating increased intracranial pressure and cerebral edema. This
finding requires immediate reporting to the provider. A blood pressure of 148/90, though
elevated, is not the most emergent finding. Urine output of 30 mL/hr is at the lower limit of
normal and should be monitored. 1+ pitting edema is a common finding in pregnancy.
2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a postpartum client who is breastfeeding.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will apply ice packs to my breasts for the first 24 hours after feeding to reduce
engorgement."
B. "I should allow my baby to feed on demand, which is usually every 2 to 3 hours."
C. "I can use a breast pump to express milk if my breasts become overly full."
D. "I will wash my nipples with soap and water before each feeding to prevent infection."
🟢 D. "I will wash my nipples with soap and water before each feeding to prevent infection."
🔴 Explanation: Washing nipples with soap can dry and crack them, increasing the risk of
infection and irritation. Warm water is sufficient. The other statements are correct: ice packs can
help with engorgement, feeding on demand is standard, and a breast pump can be used to
relieve fullness.
3. A client at 39 weeks of gestation is admitted to the labor and delivery unit in active labor.
The nurse assesses the fetal heart rate (FHR) and notes a baseline of 140 bpm with moderate
variability and accelerations. The client's contractions are every 3 minutes, lasting 60
seconds, and are strong to palpation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via face mask.
B. Prepare the client for an emergency cesarean delivery.
C. Document the findings as a reassuring fetal heart rate pattern.
D. Turn the client to her left side.
🟢 C. Document the findings as a reassuring fetal heart rate pattern.
🔴 Explanation: A baseline FHR of 140 bpm, moderate variability, and accelerations are all
reassuring signs of fetal well-being. There is no indication of fetal distress, so interventions like
oxygen, repositioning, or emergency cesarean are not indicated. The nurse should document
the normal findings.
,4. A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 24 hours old. Which of the following findings
should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
A. Apical heart rate of 160 bpm while sleeping
B. Respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute with a 2-second pause
C. Axillary temperature of 37.0°C (98.6°F)
D. Passage of a tarry, black stool
🟢 B. Respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute with a 2-second pause
🔴 Explanation: While a respiratory rate of 60 breaths/min can be normal, periodic breathing
with pauses longer than 15-20 seconds is concerning and may indicate respiratory distress or
apnea. An apical heart rate of 160 bpm is within normal range for a newborn, a temperature of
37.0°C is normal, and passing meconium (tarry, black stool) is expected within the first 24-48
hours.
5. A client who is 28 weeks pregnant is receiving Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM). The
client asks the nurse why this medication is necessary. Which of the following responses by
the nurse is appropriate?
A. "It prevents your body from making antibodies that could harm your next Rh-positive baby."
B. "It treats your baby's anemia while in the womb."
C. "It is given to prevent maternal hemorrhage during delivery."
D. "It is a vaccine to protect you against a viral infection."
🟢 A. "It prevents your body from making antibodies that could harm your next Rh-positive
baby."
🔴 Explanation: Rho(D) immune globulin is administered to Rh-negative mothers to prevent
maternal sensitization and the formation of anti-Rh antibodies that could cross the placenta
and cause hemolytic disease in a subsequent Rh-positive fetus. It does not treat fetal anemia,
prevent hemorrhage, or act as a vaccine.
6. A nurse is teaching a prenatal class about expected changes during pregnancy. Which of
the following findings should the nurse describe as a normal cardiovascular change?
A. An increase in diastolic blood pressure
B. A decrease in maternal heart rate
C. A 50% increase in blood volume
D. A decrease in cardiac output
🟢 C. A 50% increase in blood volume
🔴 Explanation: Maternal blood volume increases by approximately 40-50% during pregnancy
, to meet the demands of the uterus and fetus. Cardiac output increases, while diastolic blood
pressure typically decreases due to peripheral vasodilation. Maternal heart rate also increases.
7. A nurse is caring for a client in the second stage of labor. The client is experiencing
intense pressure and the urge to push. Which of the following actions by the nurse is most
appropriate?
A. Instruct the client to push during contractions and rest between them.
B. Apply fundal pressure to assist with fetal descent.
C. Advise the client to hold her breath and push for 10 seconds.
D. Encourage the client to take deep, cleansing breaths and avoid pushing.
🟢 A. Instruct the client to push during contractions and rest between them.
🔴 Explanation: In the second stage, the client should be encouraged to push with
contractions and rest in between to facilitate fetal descent while conserving energy. Fundal
pressure is contraindicated as it can cause uterine rupture or fetal injury. Holding the breath for
10 seconds can lead to hypoxia and is not recommended. Encouraging the client not to push is
appropriate only in the first stage if she has a strong urge but is not fully dilated.
8. A postpartum client is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. The nurse should
anticipate a prescription for which of the following antibiotics that is considered safe for
breastfeeding?
A. Tetracycline
B. Ciprofloxacin
C. Amoxicillin
D. Doxycycline
🟢 C. Amoxicillin
🔴 Explanation: Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic that is considered safe and
compatible with breastfeeding. Tetracycline and doxycycline are contraindicated due to
potential effects on bone and teeth development in the infant, and ciprofloxacin is generally
avoided due to concerns about joint and cartilage development.
9. A nurse is providing education to a client at 36 weeks of gestation about the signs of
labor. Which of the following signs should the nurse include as a reliable indicator that labor
is imminent?
A. A sudden burst of energy
B. Lightening
C. Rupture of membranes
