2025 HESI RN Maternity Exam – 70
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Questions 1–70: HESI RN Maternity Exam
Antepartum Care
1. What is an expected finding in the first trimester of pregnancy?
A. Fundal height at the umbilicus
B. Quickening felt by the client
C. Positive Chadwick’s sign
D. Braxton Hicks contractions
Answer: Positive Chadwick’s sign
Rationale: Chadwick’s sign, a bluish discoloration of the cervix due to increased
vascularity, is a presumptive sign of pregnancy in the first trimester. Fundal height
reaches the umbilicus at 20 weeks, quickening occurs at 16–20 weeks, and Braxton Hicks
contractions typically start later.
2. Which nutrient is critical to prevent neural tube defects in pregnancy?
A. Iron
B. Folic acid
C. Calcium
D. Vitamin C
Answer: Folic acid
Rationale: Folic acid (400–800 mcg daily) is essential to prevent neural tube defects,
such as spina bifida, by supporting fetal neural development.
3. What is the recommended weight gain for a client with a normal pre-pregnancy
BMI?
A. 11–20 pounds
B. 15–25 pounds
C. 25–35 pounds
D. 28–40 pounds
, Answer: 25–35 pounds
Rationale: For a normal BMI (18.5–24.9), the recommended weight gain during
pregnancy is 25–35 pounds to support maternal and fetal health.
4. What is an effective intervention for nausea in the first trimester?
A. Consume high-fat meals
B. Eat large meals infrequently
C. Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed
D. Drink carbonated beverages
Answer: Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed
Rationale: Eating dry crackers before rising stabilizes stomach acid, reducing nausea in
early pregnancy.
5. What is the estimated delivery date for a client with a last menstrual period of
September 15, 2024?
A. June 15, 2025
B. June 22, 2025
C. May 15, 2025
D. May 22, 2025
Answer: June 22, 2025
Rationale: Using Naegele’s rule (LMP + 1 year – 3 months + 7 days), September 15,
2024, results in an EDD of June 22, 2025.
6. What is a priority assessment during a prenatal visit at 14 weeks gestation?
A. Fundal height at the umbilicus
B. Blood pressure
C. Fetal movement
D. Cervical dilation
Answer: Blood pressure
Rationale: Blood pressure screening detects hypertensive disorders like preeclampsia, a
priority in prenatal care to ensure maternal and fetal safety.
7. Which laboratory test is routine during a second-trimester prenatal visit?
A. Amniocentesis
B. Complete blood count
C. Group B streptococcus culture
D. Alpha-fetoprotein test
Answer: Complete blood count
Rationale: A CBC screens for anemia, a common condition in pregnancy, during routine
prenatal visits.
, 8. What is an appropriate teaching for fatigue in early pregnancy?
A. Exercise vigorously daily
B. Rest when feeling tired
C. Drink coffee at night
D. Avoid naps
Answer: Rest when feeling tired
Rationale: Resting when tired conserves energy and supports maternal health during
pregnancy.
9. What is a normal finding at 16 weeks gestation?
A. Fundus at the symphysis pubis
B. Fetal heart rate of 80 bpm
C. Braxton Hicks contractions
D. Quickening felt by the client
Answer: Quickening felt by the client
Rationale: Quickening, the first perception of fetal movement, typically begins at 16–20
weeks in primigravidas.
10. What is a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A. Fetal heart tones
B. Positive pregnancy test
C. Breast tenderness
D. Ultrasound confirmation
Answer: Breast tenderness
Rationale: Breast tenderness is a subjective, presumptive sign of pregnancy, unlike
objective signs like fetal heart tones or ultrasound confirmation.
11. What is a recommended intervention for constipation in pregnancy?
A. Decrease fluid intake
B. Increase fiber intake
C. Avoid exercise
D. Use laxatives daily
Answer: Increase fiber intake
Rationale: Increasing dietary fiber promotes bowel regularity and is safe during
pregnancy.
12. What is the purpose of the triple screen test in pregnancy?
A. Detect gestational diabetes
B. Screen for fetal chromosomal abnormalities
C. Monitor maternal blood pressure
D. Assess placental function
Authentic NGN Questions with 100%
Verified Answers & Detailed Obstetric
Nursing Rationales | A+ Graded
Questions 1–70: HESI RN Maternity Exam
Antepartum Care
1. What is an expected finding in the first trimester of pregnancy?
A. Fundal height at the umbilicus
B. Quickening felt by the client
C. Positive Chadwick’s sign
D. Braxton Hicks contractions
Answer: Positive Chadwick’s sign
Rationale: Chadwick’s sign, a bluish discoloration of the cervix due to increased
vascularity, is a presumptive sign of pregnancy in the first trimester. Fundal height
reaches the umbilicus at 20 weeks, quickening occurs at 16–20 weeks, and Braxton Hicks
contractions typically start later.
2. Which nutrient is critical to prevent neural tube defects in pregnancy?
A. Iron
B. Folic acid
C. Calcium
D. Vitamin C
Answer: Folic acid
Rationale: Folic acid (400–800 mcg daily) is essential to prevent neural tube defects,
such as spina bifida, by supporting fetal neural development.
3. What is the recommended weight gain for a client with a normal pre-pregnancy
BMI?
A. 11–20 pounds
B. 15–25 pounds
C. 25–35 pounds
D. 28–40 pounds
, Answer: 25–35 pounds
Rationale: For a normal BMI (18.5–24.9), the recommended weight gain during
pregnancy is 25–35 pounds to support maternal and fetal health.
4. What is an effective intervention for nausea in the first trimester?
A. Consume high-fat meals
B. Eat large meals infrequently
C. Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed
D. Drink carbonated beverages
Answer: Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed
Rationale: Eating dry crackers before rising stabilizes stomach acid, reducing nausea in
early pregnancy.
5. What is the estimated delivery date for a client with a last menstrual period of
September 15, 2024?
A. June 15, 2025
B. June 22, 2025
C. May 15, 2025
D. May 22, 2025
Answer: June 22, 2025
Rationale: Using Naegele’s rule (LMP + 1 year – 3 months + 7 days), September 15,
2024, results in an EDD of June 22, 2025.
6. What is a priority assessment during a prenatal visit at 14 weeks gestation?
A. Fundal height at the umbilicus
B. Blood pressure
C. Fetal movement
D. Cervical dilation
Answer: Blood pressure
Rationale: Blood pressure screening detects hypertensive disorders like preeclampsia, a
priority in prenatal care to ensure maternal and fetal safety.
7. Which laboratory test is routine during a second-trimester prenatal visit?
A. Amniocentesis
B. Complete blood count
C. Group B streptococcus culture
D. Alpha-fetoprotein test
Answer: Complete blood count
Rationale: A CBC screens for anemia, a common condition in pregnancy, during routine
prenatal visits.
, 8. What is an appropriate teaching for fatigue in early pregnancy?
A. Exercise vigorously daily
B. Rest when feeling tired
C. Drink coffee at night
D. Avoid naps
Answer: Rest when feeling tired
Rationale: Resting when tired conserves energy and supports maternal health during
pregnancy.
9. What is a normal finding at 16 weeks gestation?
A. Fundus at the symphysis pubis
B. Fetal heart rate of 80 bpm
C. Braxton Hicks contractions
D. Quickening felt by the client
Answer: Quickening felt by the client
Rationale: Quickening, the first perception of fetal movement, typically begins at 16–20
weeks in primigravidas.
10. What is a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A. Fetal heart tones
B. Positive pregnancy test
C. Breast tenderness
D. Ultrasound confirmation
Answer: Breast tenderness
Rationale: Breast tenderness is a subjective, presumptive sign of pregnancy, unlike
objective signs like fetal heart tones or ultrasound confirmation.
11. What is a recommended intervention for constipation in pregnancy?
A. Decrease fluid intake
B. Increase fiber intake
C. Avoid exercise
D. Use laxatives daily
Answer: Increase fiber intake
Rationale: Increasing dietary fiber promotes bowel regularity and is safe during
pregnancy.
12. What is the purpose of the triple screen test in pregnancy?
A. Detect gestational diabetes
B. Screen for fetal chromosomal abnormalities
C. Monitor maternal blood pressure
D. Assess placental function
