HESI OB MATERNITY 2026-2027 NEWEST
VERSION WITH REAL EXAM QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED CORRECT ANSWERS ||
GRADED A+
QUESTION 1
Which of the following is a viral infection that can cross the placenta and cause
congenital abnormalities?
A. German measles
B. Herpes simplex virus
C. Syphilis
D. Genital warts
ANSWER - B. Herpes simplex virus
RATIONALE - Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be transmitted vertically during
pregnancy, especially if the mother has a primary infection, leading to neonatal
herpes. While German measles (rubella) is also teratogenic, the document’s answer
key selects HSV as the correct response for this specific item. Syphilis is bacterial,
not viral. Genital warts (HPV) rarely cause congenital abnormalities.
QUESTION 2
A client who had her first baby three months ago and is breastfeeding her infant
tells the nurse that she is currently using the same diaphragm that she used before
becoming pregnant. Which information should the nurse provide this client?
Page 1
,A. After ceasing breastfeeding, the diaphragm should be resized.
B. Avoid intercourse during ovulation until the size of the diaphragm has been
evaluated.
C. If no more than 20 pounds was gained during pregnancy, the diaphragm is safe
to use.
D. Use an alternate form of contraceptive until a new diaphragm is obtained.
ANSWER - D. Use an alternate form of contraceptive until a new diaphragm is
obtained.
RATIONALE - Pregnancy and vaginal delivery can change the size and shape of
the vagina and cervix, making a previously fitted diaphragm ineffective.
Additionally, breastfeeding does not guarantee infertility. The client should use an
alternative contraceptive method (e.g., condoms) and be refitted for a new
diaphragm.
QUESTION 3
A 30-year-old primigravida delivers a 9-pound infant vaginally after a 30-hour
labor. What is the priority nursing action for this client?
A. Gently massage the fundus every 4 hours.
B. Observe for signs of uterine hemorrhage.
C. Encourage direct contact with the infant.
D. Assess the blood pressure for hypertension.
ANSWER - B. Observe for signs of uterine hemorrhage.
RATIONALE - A large infant (macrosomia) and prolonged labor increase the risk
of uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage. The priority is frequent assessment of
fundal firmness, lochia amount, and vital signs to detect hemorrhage early.
Page 2
,QUESTION 4
At 0600 while admitting a woman for a scheduled repeat cesarean section (C-
Section), the client tells the nurse that she drank a cup of coffee at 0400 because
she wanted to avoid getting a headache. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Ensure preoperative lab results are available.
B. Inform the anesthesia care provider.
C. Start prescribed IV with Lactated Ringer's.
D. Contact the client's obstetrician.
ANSWER - B. Inform the anesthesia care provider.
RATIONALE - Oral intake before surgery increases the risk of aspiration during
anesthesia. The anesthesia provider must be notified immediately to determine
whether to proceed or delay the surgery. This is a patient safety priority.
QUESTION 5
The nurse is caring for a postpartum client who is exhibiting symptoms of a spinal
headache 24 hours following delivery of a normal newborn. Prior to the
anesthesiologist arrival on the unit, which action should the nurse perform?
A. Cleanse the spinal injection site.
B. Place procedure equipment at bedside.
C. Apply an abdominal binder.
D. Insert an indwelling Foley catheter.
ANSWER - B. Place procedure equipment at bedside.
Page 3
, RATIONALE - A spinal headache (post-dural puncture headache) is often treated
with an epidural blood patch. Having the necessary equipment ready at the bedside
facilitates timely intervention when the anesthesiologist arrives.
QUESTION 6
The nurse is caring for a newborn who is 18 inches long, weighs 4 pounds 14
ounces, has a head circumference of 13 inches, and a chest circumference of 10
inches. Based on these physical findings, assessment for which condition has the
highest priority?
A. Hyperbilirubinemia
B. Polycythemia
C. Hyperthermia
D. Hypoglycemia
ANSWER - D. Hypoglycemia
RATIONALE - The infant is low birth weight (4 lb 14 oz). Low birth weight
infants are at high risk for hypoglycemia due to limited glycogen stores.
Hypoglycemia can cause neurologic damage, making it the priority.
QUESTION 7
The nurse is caring for a 35-week gestation infant delivered by cesarean section 2
hours ago. The nurse observes the infant's respiratory rate is 72 breaths/minute
with nasal flaring, grunting, and retractions. The nurse should recognize these
findings indicate which complication?
Page 4
VERSION WITH REAL EXAM QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED CORRECT ANSWERS ||
GRADED A+
QUESTION 1
Which of the following is a viral infection that can cross the placenta and cause
congenital abnormalities?
A. German measles
B. Herpes simplex virus
C. Syphilis
D. Genital warts
ANSWER - B. Herpes simplex virus
RATIONALE - Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be transmitted vertically during
pregnancy, especially if the mother has a primary infection, leading to neonatal
herpes. While German measles (rubella) is also teratogenic, the document’s answer
key selects HSV as the correct response for this specific item. Syphilis is bacterial,
not viral. Genital warts (HPV) rarely cause congenital abnormalities.
QUESTION 2
A client who had her first baby three months ago and is breastfeeding her infant
tells the nurse that she is currently using the same diaphragm that she used before
becoming pregnant. Which information should the nurse provide this client?
Page 1
,A. After ceasing breastfeeding, the diaphragm should be resized.
B. Avoid intercourse during ovulation until the size of the diaphragm has been
evaluated.
C. If no more than 20 pounds was gained during pregnancy, the diaphragm is safe
to use.
D. Use an alternate form of contraceptive until a new diaphragm is obtained.
ANSWER - D. Use an alternate form of contraceptive until a new diaphragm is
obtained.
RATIONALE - Pregnancy and vaginal delivery can change the size and shape of
the vagina and cervix, making a previously fitted diaphragm ineffective.
Additionally, breastfeeding does not guarantee infertility. The client should use an
alternative contraceptive method (e.g., condoms) and be refitted for a new
diaphragm.
QUESTION 3
A 30-year-old primigravida delivers a 9-pound infant vaginally after a 30-hour
labor. What is the priority nursing action for this client?
A. Gently massage the fundus every 4 hours.
B. Observe for signs of uterine hemorrhage.
C. Encourage direct contact with the infant.
D. Assess the blood pressure for hypertension.
ANSWER - B. Observe for signs of uterine hemorrhage.
RATIONALE - A large infant (macrosomia) and prolonged labor increase the risk
of uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage. The priority is frequent assessment of
fundal firmness, lochia amount, and vital signs to detect hemorrhage early.
Page 2
,QUESTION 4
At 0600 while admitting a woman for a scheduled repeat cesarean section (C-
Section), the client tells the nurse that she drank a cup of coffee at 0400 because
she wanted to avoid getting a headache. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Ensure preoperative lab results are available.
B. Inform the anesthesia care provider.
C. Start prescribed IV with Lactated Ringer's.
D. Contact the client's obstetrician.
ANSWER - B. Inform the anesthesia care provider.
RATIONALE - Oral intake before surgery increases the risk of aspiration during
anesthesia. The anesthesia provider must be notified immediately to determine
whether to proceed or delay the surgery. This is a patient safety priority.
QUESTION 5
The nurse is caring for a postpartum client who is exhibiting symptoms of a spinal
headache 24 hours following delivery of a normal newborn. Prior to the
anesthesiologist arrival on the unit, which action should the nurse perform?
A. Cleanse the spinal injection site.
B. Place procedure equipment at bedside.
C. Apply an abdominal binder.
D. Insert an indwelling Foley catheter.
ANSWER - B. Place procedure equipment at bedside.
Page 3
, RATIONALE - A spinal headache (post-dural puncture headache) is often treated
with an epidural blood patch. Having the necessary equipment ready at the bedside
facilitates timely intervention when the anesthesiologist arrives.
QUESTION 6
The nurse is caring for a newborn who is 18 inches long, weighs 4 pounds 14
ounces, has a head circumference of 13 inches, and a chest circumference of 10
inches. Based on these physical findings, assessment for which condition has the
highest priority?
A. Hyperbilirubinemia
B. Polycythemia
C. Hyperthermia
D. Hypoglycemia
ANSWER - D. Hypoglycemia
RATIONALE - The infant is low birth weight (4 lb 14 oz). Low birth weight
infants are at high risk for hypoglycemia due to limited glycogen stores.
Hypoglycemia can cause neurologic damage, making it the priority.
QUESTION 7
The nurse is caring for a 35-week gestation infant delivered by cesarean section 2
hours ago. The nurse observes the infant's respiratory rate is 72 breaths/minute
with nasal flaring, grunting, and retractions. The nurse should recognize these
findings indicate which complication?
Page 4
