HESI Maternity Test bank 2026| Actual
Exam Questions and Correct Answers
Already Graded A+
1. 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.
Explanation: These behaviors (rubbing the abdomen, talking to the baby, and mild reprimands
when the fetus moves) are classic positive signs of maternal-fetal attachment that begin after
quickening (17–20 weeks). No pathology or intervention is indicated. Options A and C are
unnecessary because the behaviors are normal; option B mislabels normal attachment as
ambivalence.
2. 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)
D. White blood cell count (WBC)
Correct Answer: C. Fetal heart rate (FHR)
Explanation: After artificial rupture of membranes, the FHR must be assessed immediately to
detect variable or prolonged decelerations that signal cord compression or prolapse. The fluid is
also checked for color, odor, and consistency. Blood pressure is routine but not specific to
amniotomy; temperature is checked hourly for infection risk; WBC is not indicated immediately.
,3. 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
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
Explanation: Jaundice appearing before 24 hours is pathologic and requires immediate
evaluation for elevated bilirubin (possible hemolytic disease or sepsis). Acrocyanosis (A), milia
(C), and erythema toxicum (D) are all normal newborn findings.
4. 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.
B. Feed expressed breast milk to avoid the pain of the infant latching onto the infected breast.
C. Breastfeed on the unaffected breast only until the mastitis subsides.
D. Dilute expressed breast milk with sterile water to reduce the antibiotic effect on the infant.
Correct Answer: A. Breastfeed the infant, ensuring that both breasts are completely emptied.
Explanation: Frequent complete emptying of both breasts relieves engorgement, improves milk
flow, and prevents further stasis that worsens mastitis. Continuing to breastfeed is safe and
therapeutic. Options B and C leave the affected breast engorged; option D is unnecessary and
could reduce milk supply.
5. A 38-week primigravida who works as a secretary and sits at a computer 8 hours each day tells
the nurse that her feet have begun to swell. Which instruction will aid in the prevention of
pooling of blood in the lower extremities?
A. Wear support stockings.
B. Reduce salt in the diet.
C. Move about every hour.
D. Avoid constrictive clothing.
Correct Answer: C. Move about every hour.
,Explanation: The enlarged uterus compresses pelvic veins; hourly ambulation relieves this
pressure and promotes venous return. Support stockings help varicose veins but not dependent
edema from uterine compression; salt reduction and avoiding constrictive clothing are general
measures but not the most direct intervention for this scenario.
6. Twenty-four hours after admission to the newborn nursery, a full-term male infant develops
localized swelling on the right side of his head. In a newborn, what is the most likely cause of
this accumulation of blood between the periosteum and skull that does not cross the suture line?
A. Cephalhematoma, which is caused by forceps trauma
B. Subarachnoid hematoma, which requires immediate drainage
C. Molding, which is caused by pressure during labor
D. Subdural hematoma, which can result in lifelong damage
Correct Answer: A. Cephalhematoma, which is caused by forceps trauma
Explanation: Cephalhematoma is subperiosteal bleeding that does not cross suture lines and
appears within the first 24 hours after delivery. It is usually self-limiting. Molding crosses sutures
and resolves in days; intracranial bleeds (B, D) are not visible externally and require
neuroimaging.
7. Prior to discharge, what instructions should the nurse give to parents regarding the newborn's
umbilical cord care at home?
A. Wash the cord frequently with mild soap and water.
B. Cover the cord with a sterile dressing.
C. Allow the cord to air-dry as much as possible.
D. Apply baby lotion after the baby's daily bath.
Correct Answer: C. Allow the cord to air-dry as much as possible.
Explanation: Current evidence supports air-drying or plain water cleaning; moisture promotes
bacterial growth. Soap, dressings, and lotion increase infection risk and delay healing.
8. A mother expresses fear about changing the infant's diaper after circumcision. What
information should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
A. Cleanse the penis with prepackaged diaper wipes every 3 to 4 hours.
B. Wash off the yellow exudate on the glans once every day to prevent infection.
C. Place petroleum ointment around the glans with each diaper change and cleansing.
D. Apply pressure by squeezing the penis with the fingers for 5 minutes if bleeding occurs.
, Correct Answer: C. Place petroleum ointment around the glans with each diaper change and
cleansing.
Explanation: Petroleum ointment prevents the diaper from adhering to the healing glans and
reduces irritation. The yellow exudate is normal fibrin and should not be removed. Prepackaged
wipes may contain irritants; gentle pressure with sterile gauze (not squeezing) is used for
bleeding.
9. A 26-year-old gravida 2, para 1, client is admitted to the hospital at 28 weeks of gestation in
preterm labor. She is given three doses of terbutaline sulfate (Brethine), 0.25 mg subcutaneously,
to stop her labor contractions. What are the primary side effects of terbutaline sulfate?
A. Drowsiness and paroxysmal bradycardia
B. Depressed reflexes and increased respirations
C. Tachycardia and a feeling of nervousness
D. A flushed warm feeling and dry mouth
Correct Answer: C. Tachycardia and a feeling of nervousness
Explanation: Terbutaline is a β-adrenergic agonist that relaxes uterine smooth muscle but also
stimulates the heart and CNS, causing maternal tachycardia and jitteriness. Options A and B are
not typical; options B and D are side effects of magnesium sulfate.
10. A mother who is breastfeeding her baby receives instructions from the nurse. Which
instruction is most effective in preventing nipple soreness?
A. Wear a cotton bra with nonbinding support.
B. Increase nursing time gradually over several days.
C. Ensure that the baby is positioned correctly for latching on.
D. Manually express a small amount of milk before nursing.
Correct Answer: C. Ensure that the baby is positioned correctly for latching on.
Explanation: Incorrect latch (grasping only the nipple instead of areola) is the most common
cause of nipple trauma. Proper alignment (baby’s body straight, nose to nipple) prevents
soreness. The other options help but do not address the primary cause.
11. A new mother asks the nurse, "How do I know that my daughter is getting enough breast
milk?" Which explanation is appropriate?
A. "Weigh the baby daily, and if she is gaining weight, she is getting enough to eat."
B. "Your milk is sufficient if the baby is voiding pale, straw-colored urine six to ten times a day."
Exam Questions and Correct Answers
Already Graded A+
1. 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.
Explanation: These behaviors (rubbing the abdomen, talking to the baby, and mild reprimands
when the fetus moves) are classic positive signs of maternal-fetal attachment that begin after
quickening (17–20 weeks). No pathology or intervention is indicated. Options A and C are
unnecessary because the behaviors are normal; option B mislabels normal attachment as
ambivalence.
2. 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)
D. White blood cell count (WBC)
Correct Answer: C. Fetal heart rate (FHR)
Explanation: After artificial rupture of membranes, the FHR must be assessed immediately to
detect variable or prolonged decelerations that signal cord compression or prolapse. The fluid is
also checked for color, odor, and consistency. Blood pressure is routine but not specific to
amniotomy; temperature is checked hourly for infection risk; WBC is not indicated immediately.
,3. 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
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
Explanation: Jaundice appearing before 24 hours is pathologic and requires immediate
evaluation for elevated bilirubin (possible hemolytic disease or sepsis). Acrocyanosis (A), milia
(C), and erythema toxicum (D) are all normal newborn findings.
4. 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.
B. Feed expressed breast milk to avoid the pain of the infant latching onto the infected breast.
C. Breastfeed on the unaffected breast only until the mastitis subsides.
D. Dilute expressed breast milk with sterile water to reduce the antibiotic effect on the infant.
Correct Answer: A. Breastfeed the infant, ensuring that both breasts are completely emptied.
Explanation: Frequent complete emptying of both breasts relieves engorgement, improves milk
flow, and prevents further stasis that worsens mastitis. Continuing to breastfeed is safe and
therapeutic. Options B and C leave the affected breast engorged; option D is unnecessary and
could reduce milk supply.
5. A 38-week primigravida who works as a secretary and sits at a computer 8 hours each day tells
the nurse that her feet have begun to swell. Which instruction will aid in the prevention of
pooling of blood in the lower extremities?
A. Wear support stockings.
B. Reduce salt in the diet.
C. Move about every hour.
D. Avoid constrictive clothing.
Correct Answer: C. Move about every hour.
,Explanation: The enlarged uterus compresses pelvic veins; hourly ambulation relieves this
pressure and promotes venous return. Support stockings help varicose veins but not dependent
edema from uterine compression; salt reduction and avoiding constrictive clothing are general
measures but not the most direct intervention for this scenario.
6. Twenty-four hours after admission to the newborn nursery, a full-term male infant develops
localized swelling on the right side of his head. In a newborn, what is the most likely cause of
this accumulation of blood between the periosteum and skull that does not cross the suture line?
A. Cephalhematoma, which is caused by forceps trauma
B. Subarachnoid hematoma, which requires immediate drainage
C. Molding, which is caused by pressure during labor
D. Subdural hematoma, which can result in lifelong damage
Correct Answer: A. Cephalhematoma, which is caused by forceps trauma
Explanation: Cephalhematoma is subperiosteal bleeding that does not cross suture lines and
appears within the first 24 hours after delivery. It is usually self-limiting. Molding crosses sutures
and resolves in days; intracranial bleeds (B, D) are not visible externally and require
neuroimaging.
7. Prior to discharge, what instructions should the nurse give to parents regarding the newborn's
umbilical cord care at home?
A. Wash the cord frequently with mild soap and water.
B. Cover the cord with a sterile dressing.
C. Allow the cord to air-dry as much as possible.
D. Apply baby lotion after the baby's daily bath.
Correct Answer: C. Allow the cord to air-dry as much as possible.
Explanation: Current evidence supports air-drying or plain water cleaning; moisture promotes
bacterial growth. Soap, dressings, and lotion increase infection risk and delay healing.
8. A mother expresses fear about changing the infant's diaper after circumcision. What
information should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
A. Cleanse the penis with prepackaged diaper wipes every 3 to 4 hours.
B. Wash off the yellow exudate on the glans once every day to prevent infection.
C. Place petroleum ointment around the glans with each diaper change and cleansing.
D. Apply pressure by squeezing the penis with the fingers for 5 minutes if bleeding occurs.
, Correct Answer: C. Place petroleum ointment around the glans with each diaper change and
cleansing.
Explanation: Petroleum ointment prevents the diaper from adhering to the healing glans and
reduces irritation. The yellow exudate is normal fibrin and should not be removed. Prepackaged
wipes may contain irritants; gentle pressure with sterile gauze (not squeezing) is used for
bleeding.
9. A 26-year-old gravida 2, para 1, client is admitted to the hospital at 28 weeks of gestation in
preterm labor. She is given three doses of terbutaline sulfate (Brethine), 0.25 mg subcutaneously,
to stop her labor contractions. What are the primary side effects of terbutaline sulfate?
A. Drowsiness and paroxysmal bradycardia
B. Depressed reflexes and increased respirations
C. Tachycardia and a feeling of nervousness
D. A flushed warm feeling and dry mouth
Correct Answer: C. Tachycardia and a feeling of nervousness
Explanation: Terbutaline is a β-adrenergic agonist that relaxes uterine smooth muscle but also
stimulates the heart and CNS, causing maternal tachycardia and jitteriness. Options A and B are
not typical; options B and D are side effects of magnesium sulfate.
10. A mother who is breastfeeding her baby receives instructions from the nurse. Which
instruction is most effective in preventing nipple soreness?
A. Wear a cotton bra with nonbinding support.
B. Increase nursing time gradually over several days.
C. Ensure that the baby is positioned correctly for latching on.
D. Manually express a small amount of milk before nursing.
Correct Answer: C. Ensure that the baby is positioned correctly for latching on.
Explanation: Incorrect latch (grasping only the nipple instead of areola) is the most common
cause of nipple trauma. Proper alignment (baby’s body straight, nose to nipple) prevents
soreness. The other options help but do not address the primary cause.
11. A new mother asks the nurse, "How do I know that my daughter is getting enough breast
milk?" Which explanation is appropriate?
A. "Weigh the baby daily, and if she is gaining weight, she is getting enough to eat."
B. "Your milk is sufficient if the baby is voiding pale, straw-colored urine six to ten times a day."
