MATERNITY HESI TEST II REVISION HANDBOOK
2026 FETAL DEVELOPMENT AND MATERNAL
COMPLICATIONS
◉ A client with gestational hypertension is in active labor and
receiving an infusion of magnesium sulfate. Which is the most
important drug the nurse should have available for signs of potential
toxicity
Answer: calcium gluconate
◉ The nurse should explain to a 30-year-old primigravida client that
alpha fetoprotein testing is recommended for which purpose?
Answer: Screen for neural tube defects
◉ 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 would be most effective in preventing
pooling of blood in the lower extremities?
Answer: Move about every hour
◉ The healthcare provider prescribes terbutaline (Brethine) for a
client in preterm labor. Before initiating this prescription, it is most
important for the nurse to assess the client for which condition?
,Answer:
◉ The nurse instructs a laboring client to use accelerated-blow
breathing. The client begins to complain of tingling fingers and
dizziness. What action should the nurse take?
Answer: have the client breathe into her cupped hands
◉ During a prenatal visit, the client is concerned about the effects
smoking can have on the fetus. Which response by the nurse is most
accurate regarding infants of mothers who smoke during
pregnancy?
Answer: These infants have lower birth weights
◉ Just after delivery, a new mother tells the nurse, "I was
unsuccessful breastfeeding my first child, but I would like to try with
this baby." Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement
first?
Answer: Provide assistance to the mother to begin breastfeeding as
soon as possible after delivery.
◉ A 4-week-old premature infant has been receiving epoetin alfa
(Epogen) for the last three weeks. Which assessment finding
indicates to the nurse that the drug is effective?
Answer: Changes in apical heart rate from the 180s to the 140s.
, ◉ The nurse is teaching a woman how to use her basal body
temperature (BBT) pattern as a tool to assist her in conceiving a
child. Which temperature pattern indicates the occurrence of
ovulation, and therefore, the best time for intercourse to ensure
conception?
Answer: Between the time the temperature falls and rises.
◉ The nurse is preparing to give an enema to a laboring client.
Which client requires the most caution when carrying out this
procedure?
Answer: A 40-week primigravida who is at 6 cm cervical dilatation
and the presenting part is not engaged.
◉ A primigravida client who is 5 cm dilated, 90% effaced, and at 0
station is requesting an epidural for pain relief. Which assessment
finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare
provider?
Answer: A platelet count of 67,000/mm3.
◉ A woman who gave birth 48 hours ago is bottle-feeding her infant.
During assessment, the nurse determines that both breasts are
swollen, warm, and tender upon palpation. What action should the
nurse take?
Answer: Apply cold compresses to both breasts for comfort.
2026 FETAL DEVELOPMENT AND MATERNAL
COMPLICATIONS
◉ A client with gestational hypertension is in active labor and
receiving an infusion of magnesium sulfate. Which is the most
important drug the nurse should have available for signs of potential
toxicity
Answer: calcium gluconate
◉ The nurse should explain to a 30-year-old primigravida client that
alpha fetoprotein testing is recommended for which purpose?
Answer: Screen for neural tube defects
◉ 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 would be most effective in preventing
pooling of blood in the lower extremities?
Answer: Move about every hour
◉ The healthcare provider prescribes terbutaline (Brethine) for a
client in preterm labor. Before initiating this prescription, it is most
important for the nurse to assess the client for which condition?
,Answer:
◉ The nurse instructs a laboring client to use accelerated-blow
breathing. The client begins to complain of tingling fingers and
dizziness. What action should the nurse take?
Answer: have the client breathe into her cupped hands
◉ During a prenatal visit, the client is concerned about the effects
smoking can have on the fetus. Which response by the nurse is most
accurate regarding infants of mothers who smoke during
pregnancy?
Answer: These infants have lower birth weights
◉ Just after delivery, a new mother tells the nurse, "I was
unsuccessful breastfeeding my first child, but I would like to try with
this baby." Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement
first?
Answer: Provide assistance to the mother to begin breastfeeding as
soon as possible after delivery.
◉ A 4-week-old premature infant has been receiving epoetin alfa
(Epogen) for the last three weeks. Which assessment finding
indicates to the nurse that the drug is effective?
Answer: Changes in apical heart rate from the 180s to the 140s.
, ◉ The nurse is teaching a woman how to use her basal body
temperature (BBT) pattern as a tool to assist her in conceiving a
child. Which temperature pattern indicates the occurrence of
ovulation, and therefore, the best time for intercourse to ensure
conception?
Answer: Between the time the temperature falls and rises.
◉ The nurse is preparing to give an enema to a laboring client.
Which client requires the most caution when carrying out this
procedure?
Answer: A 40-week primigravida who is at 6 cm cervical dilatation
and the presenting part is not engaged.
◉ A primigravida client who is 5 cm dilated, 90% effaced, and at 0
station is requesting an epidural for pain relief. Which assessment
finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare
provider?
Answer: A platelet count of 67,000/mm3.
◉ A woman who gave birth 48 hours ago is bottle-feeding her infant.
During assessment, the nurse determines that both breasts are
swollen, warm, and tender upon palpation. What action should the
nurse take?
Answer: Apply cold compresses to both breasts for comfort.
