HESI Obstetrics/Maternity Exam
1. A client at 28 weeks gestation is concerned about her weight gain of 17 pounds. What
information should the nurse provide this client?
A. It is not necessary to keep such a close watch on weight gain.
B. Try to exercise more because too much weight has been gained.
C. Increase the calories in your diet to gain more weight per week.
D. The weight gain is acceptable for the number of weeks pregnant.
Answer: D
2. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement for a client at 36 weeks
gestation who is admitted with vaginal bleeding?
A. Monitor uterine contractions.
B. Apply disposable pads under the client.
C. Determine fetal heart rate and maternal vital signs.
D. Obtain blood samples for hemoglobin-hematocrit levels.
Answer: C
3. A newborn infant is jaundiced due to Rh incompatibility. Which finding is most important
for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
A. Bruising.
B. Oral intake.
C. Hemoglobin.
D. Bilirubin.
Answer: D
4. The nurse observes a male newborn who is displaying a rigid posture with his eyes
tightly closed and grimacing as he is crying after an invasive procedure. The baby's blood
pressure is elevated on the Dinamap display. What action should the nurse implement?1
A. Obtain a serum glucose level.
B. Give the infant medication for pain.
,C. Feed the newborn 1 ounce of formula.
D. Request a genetic consultation.
Answer: B
5. At 10 weeks gestation, a high-risk multiparous client with a family history of Down
syndrome is admitted for observation following a chorionic villi sampling (CVS)
procedure. What assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Uterine cramping.
B. Abdominal tenderness.
C. Systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg.
D. Intermittent nausea.
Answer: A
6. What assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider that is
consistent with concealed hemorrhage in an abruptio placenta?
A. Maternal bradycardia.
B. Hard, board-like abdomen.
C. Decrease in fundal height.
D. Decrease in abdominal pain.
Answer: B
7. A pregnant client complains of severe headache and elevated blood pressure. What
should the nurse assess first?
A. Fetal heart rate.
B. Urine output.
C. Reflects and motor function.
D. Visual disturbances.
Answer: D
8. Which maternal substance abuse is most linked to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)?
A. Cocaine.
, B. Alcohol.
C. Heroin.
D. Amphetamines.
Answer: B
9. A nurse is providing education for a pregnant client regarding dietary changes. What
food should the nurse encourage as a good source of iron?
A. Milk.
B. Apples.
C. Leafy green vegetables.
D. Bread.
Answer: C
10. A postpartum client is at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).2 What should the nurse
include in the teaching plan?
A. Increase fluid intake.
B. Encourage early ambulation.
C. Limit movement of legs.
D. Apply ice packs to the legs.
Answer: B
11. What is the appropriate nursing intervention for a client with hyperemesis gravidarum?
A. Encourage solid food intake.
B. Administer IV fluids and electrolytes.
C. Provide antacids.
D. Advise a low carbohydrate diet.
Answer: B
12. Which of the following findings indicates a possible ectopic pregnancy?
A. Unilateral abdominal pain and shoulder pain.
B. Frequent urination.
1. A client at 28 weeks gestation is concerned about her weight gain of 17 pounds. What
information should the nurse provide this client?
A. It is not necessary to keep such a close watch on weight gain.
B. Try to exercise more because too much weight has been gained.
C. Increase the calories in your diet to gain more weight per week.
D. The weight gain is acceptable for the number of weeks pregnant.
Answer: D
2. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement for a client at 36 weeks
gestation who is admitted with vaginal bleeding?
A. Monitor uterine contractions.
B. Apply disposable pads under the client.
C. Determine fetal heart rate and maternal vital signs.
D. Obtain blood samples for hemoglobin-hematocrit levels.
Answer: C
3. A newborn infant is jaundiced due to Rh incompatibility. Which finding is most important
for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?
A. Bruising.
B. Oral intake.
C. Hemoglobin.
D. Bilirubin.
Answer: D
4. The nurse observes a male newborn who is displaying a rigid posture with his eyes
tightly closed and grimacing as he is crying after an invasive procedure. The baby's blood
pressure is elevated on the Dinamap display. What action should the nurse implement?1
A. Obtain a serum glucose level.
B. Give the infant medication for pain.
,C. Feed the newborn 1 ounce of formula.
D. Request a genetic consultation.
Answer: B
5. At 10 weeks gestation, a high-risk multiparous client with a family history of Down
syndrome is admitted for observation following a chorionic villi sampling (CVS)
procedure. What assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Uterine cramping.
B. Abdominal tenderness.
C. Systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg.
D. Intermittent nausea.
Answer: A
6. What assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider that is
consistent with concealed hemorrhage in an abruptio placenta?
A. Maternal bradycardia.
B. Hard, board-like abdomen.
C. Decrease in fundal height.
D. Decrease in abdominal pain.
Answer: B
7. A pregnant client complains of severe headache and elevated blood pressure. What
should the nurse assess first?
A. Fetal heart rate.
B. Urine output.
C. Reflects and motor function.
D. Visual disturbances.
Answer: D
8. Which maternal substance abuse is most linked to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)?
A. Cocaine.
, B. Alcohol.
C. Heroin.
D. Amphetamines.
Answer: B
9. A nurse is providing education for a pregnant client regarding dietary changes. What
food should the nurse encourage as a good source of iron?
A. Milk.
B. Apples.
C. Leafy green vegetables.
D. Bread.
Answer: C
10. A postpartum client is at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).2 What should the nurse
include in the teaching plan?
A. Increase fluid intake.
B. Encourage early ambulation.
C. Limit movement of legs.
D. Apply ice packs to the legs.
Answer: B
11. What is the appropriate nursing intervention for a client with hyperemesis gravidarum?
A. Encourage solid food intake.
B. Administer IV fluids and electrolytes.
C. Provide antacids.
D. Advise a low carbohydrate diet.
Answer: B
12. Which of the following findings indicates a possible ectopic pregnancy?
A. Unilateral abdominal pain and shoulder pain.
B. Frequent urination.
