HESI NCLEX-RN Comprehensive Review (Maternity) , HESI-RN Comprehensive
Exam A & HESI RN Exit Exam 2025 C0MBINATION EXAMINATION 2025 – 2026
WITH QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS VERIFIED 100% GRADED A+
HESI NCLEX-RN Comprehensive Review (Maternity)
A new mother who has just had her first baby says to the nurse, "I saw the
baby in the recovery room. She sure has a funny-looking head." Which
response by the nurse is best?
A. "This is not an unusually shaped head, especially for a first baby."
B. "It may look odd, but newborn babies are often born with heads like that."
C. "That is normal. The head will return to a round shape within 7 to 10 days."
D. "Your pelvis was too small, so the head had to adjust to the birth canal."
C
Rationale:
Option C reassures the mother that this is normal in the newborn and provides
correct information regarding the return to a normal shape. Although option A is
correct, it implies that the client should not worry. Any implied or spoken "don't worry"
is usually the wrong answer. Option B is condescending and dismissing; the mother
is seeking reassurance and information. Option D is a negative statement and
implies that molding is the mother's fault.
Which findings are most critical for the nurse to report to the primary health
care provider when caring for the client during the last trimester of her
pregnancy? (Select all that apply.)
A. Increased heartburn that is not relieved with doses of antacids
B. Increase of the fetal heart rate from 126 to 156 beats/min from the last visit
C. Shoes and rings that are too tight because of peripheral edema in
extremities
D. Decrease in ability for the client to sleep for more than 2 hours at a time
E. Chronic headache that has been lingering for a week behind the client's
eyes
A, E
Rationale:
Options A and E are possible signs of preeclampsia or eclampsia but can also be
normal signs of pregnancy. These signs should be reported to the health care
provider for further evaluation for the safety of the client and the fetus. Options B, C,
and D are all normal signs during the last trimester of pregnancy.
Which findings are of most concern to the nurse when caring for a woman in
the first trimester of pregnancy? (Select all that apply.)
A. Cramping with bright red spotting
B. Extreme tenderness of the breast
C. Lack of tenderness of the breast
D. Increased amounts of discharge
E. Increased right-side flank pain
,A, C, E
Rationale:
Options A and C are signs of a possible miscarriage. Cramping with bright red
bleeding is a sign that the client's menstrual cycle is about to begin. A decrease of
tenderness in the breast is a sign that hormone levels have declined and that a
miscarriage is imminent. Option E could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which
could be fatal if not discovered in time before rupture. Options B and D are normal
signs during the first trimester of a pregnancy.
During a prenatal visit, the nurse discusses the effects of smoking on the fetus
with a client. Which statement is most characteristic of an infant whose mother
smoked during pregnancy compared with the infant of a nonsmoking mother?
A. Lower Apgar score recorded at delivery
B. Lower initial weight documented at birth
C. Higher oxygen use to stimulate breathing
D. Higher prevalence of congenital anomalies
B
Rationale:
Smoking is associated with low-birth-weight infants. Therefore, mothers are
encouraged not to smoke during pregnancy. Options A, C, and D have not been
clearly associated with smoking during pregnancy, but there is a strong correlation
between smoking and lower birth weights.
When preparing a class on newborn care for expectant parents, which is
correct for the nurse to teach concerning the newborn infant born at term
gestation?
A. Milia are red marks made by forceps and will disappear within 7 to 10 days.
B. Meconium is the first stool and is usually yellow gold in color.
C. Vernix is a white cheesy substance, predominantly located in the skin folds.
D. Pseudostrabismus found in newborns is treated by minor surgery.
C
Rationale:
Vernix, found in the folds of the skin, is a characteristic of term infants. Milia are not
red marks made by forceps but are white pinpoint spots usually found over the nose
and chin that represent blockage of the sebaceous glands. Meconium is the first
stool, but it is tarry black, not yellow. Pseudostrabismus (crossed eyes) is normal at
birth through the third or fourth month and does not require surgery.
Which statement made by the client indicates that the mother understands the
limitations of breastfeeding her newborn?
A. "Breastfeeding my infant consistently every 3 to 4 hours stops ovulation
and my period."
B. "Breastfeeding my baby immediately after drinking alcohol is safer than
waiting for the alcohol to clear my breast milk."
C. "I can start smoking cigarettes while breastfeeding because it will not affect
my breast milk."
D. "When I take a warm shower after I breastfeed, it relieves the pain from
being engorged between breastfeedings."
A
Rationale:
,Continuous breastfeeding on a 3- to 4-hour schedule during the day will cause a
release of prolactin, which will suppress ovulation and menses, but is not completely
effective as a birth control method. Option B is incorrect because alcohol can
immediately enter the breast milk. Nicotine is transferred to the infant in breast milk.
Taking a warm shower will stimulate the production of milk, which will be more
painful after breastfeedings.
On admission to the prenatal clinic, a client tells the nurse that her last
menstrual period began on February 15 and that previously her periods were
regular (28-day cycle). Her pregnancy test is positive. What is this client's
expected date of birth (EDB)?
A. November 22
B. November 8
C. December 22
D. October 22
A
Rationale:
Option A correctly applies the Nägele rule for estimating the due date by counting
back 3 months from the first day of the last menstrual period (January, December,
November) and adding 7 days (15 + 7 = 22). Options B, C, and D are not calculated
correctly.
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.
C
Rationale:
Recent studies have indicated that air drying or plain water application may be equal
to or more effective than alcohol in the cord healing process. Options A, B, and D are
incorrect because they promote moisture and increase the potential for infection.
The nurse is evaluating a full-term multigravida who was induced 3 hours ago.
The nurse determines that the client is dilated 7 cm and is 100% effaced at 0
station, with intact membranes. The monitor indicates that the FHR
decelerates at the onset of several contractions and returns to baseline before
each contraction ends. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Reapply the external transducer.
B. Insert the intrauterine pressure catheter.
C. Discontinue the oxytocin infusion.
D. Continue to monitor labor progress.
D
Rationale:
The fetal heart rate indicates early decelerations, which are not an ominous sign, so
the nurse should continue to monitor the labor progress and document the findings in
the client's record. There is no reason to reapply the external transducer if the FHR
tracings are being captured. Options B and C are not indicated at this time.
, A client at 28 weeks of gestation calls the antepartal clinic and states that she
has just experienced a small amount of vaginal bleeding, which she describes
as bright red. The bleeding has subsided. She further states that she is not
experiencing any uterine contractions or abdominal pain. What instruction
should the nurse provide?
A. Come to the clinic today for an ultrasound.
B. Go immediately to the emergency department.
C. Lie on your left side for about 1 hour and see if the bleeding stops.
D. Take a urine specimen to the laboratory to see if you have a urinary tract
infection (UTI).
A
Rationale:
Third-trimester painless bleeding is characteristic of a placenta previa. Bright red
bleeding may be intermittent, occur in gushes, or be continuous. Rarely is the first
incident life threatening or cause for hypovolemic shock. Diagnosis is confirmed by
transabdominal ultrasound. Bleeding that has a sudden onset and is accompanied
by intense uterine pain indicates abruptio placenta, which is life threatening to the
mother and fetus. If those symptoms were described, option B would be appropriate.
Option C does not address the cause of the symptoms. The client is not describing
symptoms of a UTI.
The nurse is counseling a couple who has sought information about
conceiving. The couple asks the nurse to explain when ovulation usually
occurs. Which statement by the nurse is correct?
A. Two weeks before menstruation
B. Immediately after menstruation
C. Immediately before menstruation
D. Three weeks before menstruation
A
Rationale:
Ovulation occurs 14 days before the first day of the menstrual period. Although
ovulation can occur in the middle of the cycle or 2 weeks after menstruation, this is
only true for a woman who has a perfect 28-day cycle. For many women, the length
of the menstrual cycle varies. Options B, C, and D are incorrect.
A client in active labor is becoming increasingly fearful because her
contractions are occurring more often than she had expected. Her partner is
also becoming anxious. Which of the following should be the focus of the
nurse's response?
A. Telling the client and her partner that the labor process is often
unpredictable
B. Informing the client that this means she will give birth sooner than expected
C. Asking the client and her partner if they would like the nurse to stay in the
room
D. Affirming that the fetal heart rate is remaining within normal limits
C
Rationale:
Offering to remain with the client and her partner offers support without providing
false reassurance. The length of labor is not always predictable, but options A and B
Exam A & HESI RN Exit Exam 2025 C0MBINATION EXAMINATION 2025 – 2026
WITH QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS VERIFIED 100% GRADED A+
HESI NCLEX-RN Comprehensive Review (Maternity)
A new mother who has just had her first baby says to the nurse, "I saw the
baby in the recovery room. She sure has a funny-looking head." Which
response by the nurse is best?
A. "This is not an unusually shaped head, especially for a first baby."
B. "It may look odd, but newborn babies are often born with heads like that."
C. "That is normal. The head will return to a round shape within 7 to 10 days."
D. "Your pelvis was too small, so the head had to adjust to the birth canal."
C
Rationale:
Option C reassures the mother that this is normal in the newborn and provides
correct information regarding the return to a normal shape. Although option A is
correct, it implies that the client should not worry. Any implied or spoken "don't worry"
is usually the wrong answer. Option B is condescending and dismissing; the mother
is seeking reassurance and information. Option D is a negative statement and
implies that molding is the mother's fault.
Which findings are most critical for the nurse to report to the primary health
care provider when caring for the client during the last trimester of her
pregnancy? (Select all that apply.)
A. Increased heartburn that is not relieved with doses of antacids
B. Increase of the fetal heart rate from 126 to 156 beats/min from the last visit
C. Shoes and rings that are too tight because of peripheral edema in
extremities
D. Decrease in ability for the client to sleep for more than 2 hours at a time
E. Chronic headache that has been lingering for a week behind the client's
eyes
A, E
Rationale:
Options A and E are possible signs of preeclampsia or eclampsia but can also be
normal signs of pregnancy. These signs should be reported to the health care
provider for further evaluation for the safety of the client and the fetus. Options B, C,
and D are all normal signs during the last trimester of pregnancy.
Which findings are of most concern to the nurse when caring for a woman in
the first trimester of pregnancy? (Select all that apply.)
A. Cramping with bright red spotting
B. Extreme tenderness of the breast
C. Lack of tenderness of the breast
D. Increased amounts of discharge
E. Increased right-side flank pain
,A, C, E
Rationale:
Options A and C are signs of a possible miscarriage. Cramping with bright red
bleeding is a sign that the client's menstrual cycle is about to begin. A decrease of
tenderness in the breast is a sign that hormone levels have declined and that a
miscarriage is imminent. Option E could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which
could be fatal if not discovered in time before rupture. Options B and D are normal
signs during the first trimester of a pregnancy.
During a prenatal visit, the nurse discusses the effects of smoking on the fetus
with a client. Which statement is most characteristic of an infant whose mother
smoked during pregnancy compared with the infant of a nonsmoking mother?
A. Lower Apgar score recorded at delivery
B. Lower initial weight documented at birth
C. Higher oxygen use to stimulate breathing
D. Higher prevalence of congenital anomalies
B
Rationale:
Smoking is associated with low-birth-weight infants. Therefore, mothers are
encouraged not to smoke during pregnancy. Options A, C, and D have not been
clearly associated with smoking during pregnancy, but there is a strong correlation
between smoking and lower birth weights.
When preparing a class on newborn care for expectant parents, which is
correct for the nurse to teach concerning the newborn infant born at term
gestation?
A. Milia are red marks made by forceps and will disappear within 7 to 10 days.
B. Meconium is the first stool and is usually yellow gold in color.
C. Vernix is a white cheesy substance, predominantly located in the skin folds.
D. Pseudostrabismus found in newborns is treated by minor surgery.
C
Rationale:
Vernix, found in the folds of the skin, is a characteristic of term infants. Milia are not
red marks made by forceps but are white pinpoint spots usually found over the nose
and chin that represent blockage of the sebaceous glands. Meconium is the first
stool, but it is tarry black, not yellow. Pseudostrabismus (crossed eyes) is normal at
birth through the third or fourth month and does not require surgery.
Which statement made by the client indicates that the mother understands the
limitations of breastfeeding her newborn?
A. "Breastfeeding my infant consistently every 3 to 4 hours stops ovulation
and my period."
B. "Breastfeeding my baby immediately after drinking alcohol is safer than
waiting for the alcohol to clear my breast milk."
C. "I can start smoking cigarettes while breastfeeding because it will not affect
my breast milk."
D. "When I take a warm shower after I breastfeed, it relieves the pain from
being engorged between breastfeedings."
A
Rationale:
,Continuous breastfeeding on a 3- to 4-hour schedule during the day will cause a
release of prolactin, which will suppress ovulation and menses, but is not completely
effective as a birth control method. Option B is incorrect because alcohol can
immediately enter the breast milk. Nicotine is transferred to the infant in breast milk.
Taking a warm shower will stimulate the production of milk, which will be more
painful after breastfeedings.
On admission to the prenatal clinic, a client tells the nurse that her last
menstrual period began on February 15 and that previously her periods were
regular (28-day cycle). Her pregnancy test is positive. What is this client's
expected date of birth (EDB)?
A. November 22
B. November 8
C. December 22
D. October 22
A
Rationale:
Option A correctly applies the Nägele rule for estimating the due date by counting
back 3 months from the first day of the last menstrual period (January, December,
November) and adding 7 days (15 + 7 = 22). Options B, C, and D are not calculated
correctly.
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.
C
Rationale:
Recent studies have indicated that air drying or plain water application may be equal
to or more effective than alcohol in the cord healing process. Options A, B, and D are
incorrect because they promote moisture and increase the potential for infection.
The nurse is evaluating a full-term multigravida who was induced 3 hours ago.
The nurse determines that the client is dilated 7 cm and is 100% effaced at 0
station, with intact membranes. The monitor indicates that the FHR
decelerates at the onset of several contractions and returns to baseline before
each contraction ends. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Reapply the external transducer.
B. Insert the intrauterine pressure catheter.
C. Discontinue the oxytocin infusion.
D. Continue to monitor labor progress.
D
Rationale:
The fetal heart rate indicates early decelerations, which are not an ominous sign, so
the nurse should continue to monitor the labor progress and document the findings in
the client's record. There is no reason to reapply the external transducer if the FHR
tracings are being captured. Options B and C are not indicated at this time.
, A client at 28 weeks of gestation calls the antepartal clinic and states that she
has just experienced a small amount of vaginal bleeding, which she describes
as bright red. The bleeding has subsided. She further states that she is not
experiencing any uterine contractions or abdominal pain. What instruction
should the nurse provide?
A. Come to the clinic today for an ultrasound.
B. Go immediately to the emergency department.
C. Lie on your left side for about 1 hour and see if the bleeding stops.
D. Take a urine specimen to the laboratory to see if you have a urinary tract
infection (UTI).
A
Rationale:
Third-trimester painless bleeding is characteristic of a placenta previa. Bright red
bleeding may be intermittent, occur in gushes, or be continuous. Rarely is the first
incident life threatening or cause for hypovolemic shock. Diagnosis is confirmed by
transabdominal ultrasound. Bleeding that has a sudden onset and is accompanied
by intense uterine pain indicates abruptio placenta, which is life threatening to the
mother and fetus. If those symptoms were described, option B would be appropriate.
Option C does not address the cause of the symptoms. The client is not describing
symptoms of a UTI.
The nurse is counseling a couple who has sought information about
conceiving. The couple asks the nurse to explain when ovulation usually
occurs. Which statement by the nurse is correct?
A. Two weeks before menstruation
B. Immediately after menstruation
C. Immediately before menstruation
D. Three weeks before menstruation
A
Rationale:
Ovulation occurs 14 days before the first day of the menstrual period. Although
ovulation can occur in the middle of the cycle or 2 weeks after menstruation, this is
only true for a woman who has a perfect 28-day cycle. For many women, the length
of the menstrual cycle varies. Options B, C, and D are incorrect.
A client in active labor is becoming increasingly fearful because her
contractions are occurring more often than she had expected. Her partner is
also becoming anxious. Which of the following should be the focus of the
nurse's response?
A. Telling the client and her partner that the labor process is often
unpredictable
B. Informing the client that this means she will give birth sooner than expected
C. Asking the client and her partner if they would like the nurse to stay in the
room
D. Affirming that the fetal heart rate is remaining within normal limits
C
Rationale:
Offering to remain with the client and her partner offers support without providing
false reassurance. The length of labor is not always predictable, but options A and B
