Maternity HESI Test bank Exam 2026
Questions and Answers
An expectant father tells the nurse he fears that his wife is "losing her mind." He
states that she is constantly rubbing her abdomen and talking to the baby and that
she actually reprimands the baby when it moves too much. Which recommendation
should the nurse make to this expectant father?
A.Suggest that his wife seek professional counseling to deal with her symptoms.
B.Explain that his wife is exhibiting ambivalence about the pregnancy.
C. Ask him to report similar abnormal behaviors at the next prenatal visit.
D.Reassure him that normal maternal-fetal bonding is occurring. - Correct answer-
D) Reassure him that normal maternal-fetal bonding is occurring.
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,Rationale:
These behaviors are positive signs of maternal-fetal bonding and do not reflect
ambivalence. No intervention is needed. Quickening, the first perception of fetal
movement, occurs at 17 to 20 weeks of gestation and begins a new phase of
prenatal bonding during the second trimester. Options A and C are not necessary
because the behaviors displayed are normal.
The nurse is preparing a laboring client for an amniotomy. Immediately after the
procedure is completed, it is most important for the nurse to obtain which
information?
A.Maternal blood pressure
B.Maternal temperature
C.Fetal heart rate (FHR)
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,D.White blood cell count (WBC) - Correct answer-C. Fetal heart rate (FHR)
Rationale:
The FHR should be assessed before and after the procedure to detect changes that
may indicate the presence of cord compression or prolapse. An amniotomy
(artificial rupture of membranes [AROM]) is used to stimulate labor when the
condition of the cervix is favorable. The fluid should be assessed for color, odor,
and consistency. Option A should be assessed every 15 to 20 minutes during labor
but is not specific for AROM. Option B is monitored hourly after the membranes
are ruptured to detect the development of amnionitis. Option D should be
determined for all clients in labor.
A nurse receives a shift change report for a newborn who is 12 hours post-vaginal
delivery. In developing a plan of care, the nurse should give the highest priority to
which finding?
A.Cyanosis of the hands and feet
B.Skin color that is slightly jaundiced
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, C.Tiny white papules on the nose or chin
D.Red patches on the cheeks and trunk - Correct answer-B. Skin color that is
slightly jaundiced
Rationale: Jaundice, a yellow skin coloration, is caused by elevated levels of
bilirubin, which should be further evaluated in a newborn <24 hours old.
Acrocyanosis (blue color of the hands and feet) is a common finding in newborns;
it occurs because the capillary system is immature. Milia are small white papules
present on the nose and chin that are caused by sebaceous gland blockage and
disappear in a few weeks. Small red patches on the cheeks and trunk are called
erythema toxicum neonatorum, a common finding in newborns.
A breastfeeding postpartum client is diagnosed with mastitis, and antibiotic therapy
is prescribed. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this client?
A.Breastfeed the infant, ensuring that both breasts are completely emptied.
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Questions and Answers
An expectant father tells the nurse he fears that his wife is "losing her mind." He
states that she is constantly rubbing her abdomen and talking to the baby and that
she actually reprimands the baby when it moves too much. Which recommendation
should the nurse make to this expectant father?
A.Suggest that his wife seek professional counseling to deal with her symptoms.
B.Explain that his wife is exhibiting ambivalence about the pregnancy.
C. Ask him to report similar abnormal behaviors at the next prenatal visit.
D.Reassure him that normal maternal-fetal bonding is occurring. - Correct answer-
D) Reassure him that normal maternal-fetal bonding is occurring.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,Rationale:
These behaviors are positive signs of maternal-fetal bonding and do not reflect
ambivalence. No intervention is needed. Quickening, the first perception of fetal
movement, occurs at 17 to 20 weeks of gestation and begins a new phase of
prenatal bonding during the second trimester. Options A and C are not necessary
because the behaviors displayed are normal.
The nurse is preparing a laboring client for an amniotomy. Immediately after the
procedure is completed, it is most important for the nurse to obtain which
information?
A.Maternal blood pressure
B.Maternal temperature
C.Fetal heart rate (FHR)
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,D.White blood cell count (WBC) - Correct answer-C. Fetal heart rate (FHR)
Rationale:
The FHR should be assessed before and after the procedure to detect changes that
may indicate the presence of cord compression or prolapse. An amniotomy
(artificial rupture of membranes [AROM]) is used to stimulate labor when the
condition of the cervix is favorable. The fluid should be assessed for color, odor,
and consistency. Option A should be assessed every 15 to 20 minutes during labor
but is not specific for AROM. Option B is monitored hourly after the membranes
are ruptured to detect the development of amnionitis. Option D should be
determined for all clients in labor.
A nurse receives a shift change report for a newborn who is 12 hours post-vaginal
delivery. In developing a plan of care, the nurse should give the highest priority to
which finding?
A.Cyanosis of the hands and feet
B.Skin color that is slightly jaundiced
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, C.Tiny white papules on the nose or chin
D.Red patches on the cheeks and trunk - Correct answer-B. Skin color that is
slightly jaundiced
Rationale: Jaundice, a yellow skin coloration, is caused by elevated levels of
bilirubin, which should be further evaluated in a newborn <24 hours old.
Acrocyanosis (blue color of the hands and feet) is a common finding in newborns;
it occurs because the capillary system is immature. Milia are small white papules
present on the nose and chin that are caused by sebaceous gland blockage and
disappear in a few weeks. Small red patches on the cheeks and trunk are called
erythema toxicum neonatorum, a common finding in newborns.
A breastfeeding postpartum client is diagnosed with mastitis, and antibiotic therapy
is prescribed. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this client?
A.Breastfeed the infant, ensuring that both breasts are completely emptied.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
