HESI Maternity and Pediatrics Exam
HESI MATERNITY AND PEDIATRICS EXAM NEWEST 2025/2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) |BRAND NEW VERSION!!
The nurse understands which medication taken by a pregnant woman may show a
delayed teratogenic effect in the offspring?
A. Aspirin
B. Heparin
C. Ethyl alcohol
D. Diethylstilbestrol
Diethylstilbestrol
Diethylstilbestrol may cause vaginal cancer in a female child 18 or more years after
birth. Aspirin suppresses contractions during labor and may cause bleeding in the
mother. Heparin does not cause fetal harm but may cause osteoporosis in the
mother. Ethyl alcohol causes drug dependence or alcohol withdrawal syndrome in
neonates.
A client is taking fertility medications for the first time. Which adverse effect of the
medication would the nurse inform the client about?
A. Vaginitis
B. Constipation
C. Joint swelling
D. Deep vein thrombosis
Constipation
Constipation is seen in the clients who are treated with fertility medications for
the first time. Fertility medications do not cause vaginitis or swelling of joints.
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, HESI Maternity and Pediatrics Exam
Deep vein thrombosis is an adverse effect of prolonged use of fertility
medications.
The nurse instills an antibiotic ophthalmic ointment into a newborn's eyes. The
nurse would explain to the mother that the medication prevents which condition?
A. Ophthalmia neonatorum
B. Herpetic ophthalmia
C. Retinopathy of prematurity
D. Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis
Ophthalmia neonatorum
Ophthalmia neonatorum is caused by gonorrheal and/or chlamydial infections
present in the vaginal tract. It is preventable with the prophylactic use of an
antibiotic ophthalmic ointment applied to the neonate's eyes. Herpes affects the
neonate systemically. Retinopathy of prematurity (formerly retrolental fibroplasia)
occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to a too-high oxygen concentration.
Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is usually caused by rapid expulsion of the fetus's head
from the vagina.
Which medication may cause photophobia as an adverse effect?
A. Nifedipine
B. Alendronate
C. Clomiphene
D. Indomethacin
Clomiphene
Clomiphene is a fertility medication that may cause photophobia. Nifedipine may
2|Page
, HESI Maternity and Pediatrics Exam
cause maternal fetal problems. Alendronate may cause dysphagia. Indomethacin
may cause birth defects.
Which medication is derived from a natural source and may be prescribed for the
treatment of osteoporosis?
A. Calcitonin
B. Raloxifene
C. Clomiphene
D. Bisphosphonates
Calcitonin
Calcitonin is derived from natural sources such as fish; this medication may be
prescribed to prevent osteoporosis. Raloxifene is prescribed to prevent
postmenopausal osteoporosis. Clomiphene is prescribed to induce ovulation.
Bisphosphonates are prescribed to treat osteoporosis; this medication is not
derived from natural sources.
Which eduction would the nurse provide the parents of an infant with a cleft lip
and palate about the infant's predisposition to infection?
A. Waste products accumulate along the defect
B. Circulation to the defective area is insufficient
C. inefficient feeding behaviors result in inadequate nutrition
D. Mouth breathing dries the oropharyngeal mucous membranes
Mouth breathing dries the oropharyngeal mucous membranes
Infants with cleft lip and palate breathe through their mouths, bypassing the
natural humidification and filtration provided by the nose; as a result, the mucous
membranes become dry and cracked and are at risk for infection. Although some
3|Page
, HESI Maternity and Pediatrics Exam
waste products may accumulate along the defect, it is not difficult to keep the
area clean by cleansing it with water after a feeding. Circulation to the area is
unimpaired. Feeding can be adequate with the use of special equipment and a
slow approach.
Which toy would the nurse select for a 1-year-old child in the hospital playroom?
A. Rocking horse
B. Stuffed animal
C. Four-piece puzzle
D. Squeaky plastic duck
Squeaky plastic duck
A plastic toy that squeaks is appropriate for a 1-year-old child because it provides
auditory, tactile, and visual stimulation. The potential for injury is too great for a 1-
year-old child to be placed on a rocking horse. A stuffed animal should not be kept
in a playroom because it cannot be washed between uses by different children. A
1-year-old is too young for a puzzle.
Which care plan would the nurse implement for an infant with nonorganic failure
to thrive?
A. Maintaining silence while feeding the infant
B. Following a structured routine throughout the day
C. Periodically changing the seating arrangement during meals
D. Distracting the infant with playful activities during feedings
Following a structured routine throughout the day
A structured routine is important for infants with nonorganic failure to thrive.
Disruptions in other areas of the infant's activities of daily living can affect feeding
4|Page
HESI MATERNITY AND PEDIATRICS EXAM NEWEST 2025/2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) |BRAND NEW VERSION!!
The nurse understands which medication taken by a pregnant woman may show a
delayed teratogenic effect in the offspring?
A. Aspirin
B. Heparin
C. Ethyl alcohol
D. Diethylstilbestrol
Diethylstilbestrol
Diethylstilbestrol may cause vaginal cancer in a female child 18 or more years after
birth. Aspirin suppresses contractions during labor and may cause bleeding in the
mother. Heparin does not cause fetal harm but may cause osteoporosis in the
mother. Ethyl alcohol causes drug dependence or alcohol withdrawal syndrome in
neonates.
A client is taking fertility medications for the first time. Which adverse effect of the
medication would the nurse inform the client about?
A. Vaginitis
B. Constipation
C. Joint swelling
D. Deep vein thrombosis
Constipation
Constipation is seen in the clients who are treated with fertility medications for
the first time. Fertility medications do not cause vaginitis or swelling of joints.
1|Page
, HESI Maternity and Pediatrics Exam
Deep vein thrombosis is an adverse effect of prolonged use of fertility
medications.
The nurse instills an antibiotic ophthalmic ointment into a newborn's eyes. The
nurse would explain to the mother that the medication prevents which condition?
A. Ophthalmia neonatorum
B. Herpetic ophthalmia
C. Retinopathy of prematurity
D. Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis
Ophthalmia neonatorum
Ophthalmia neonatorum is caused by gonorrheal and/or chlamydial infections
present in the vaginal tract. It is preventable with the prophylactic use of an
antibiotic ophthalmic ointment applied to the neonate's eyes. Herpes affects the
neonate systemically. Retinopathy of prematurity (formerly retrolental fibroplasia)
occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to a too-high oxygen concentration.
Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is usually caused by rapid expulsion of the fetus's head
from the vagina.
Which medication may cause photophobia as an adverse effect?
A. Nifedipine
B. Alendronate
C. Clomiphene
D. Indomethacin
Clomiphene
Clomiphene is a fertility medication that may cause photophobia. Nifedipine may
2|Page
, HESI Maternity and Pediatrics Exam
cause maternal fetal problems. Alendronate may cause dysphagia. Indomethacin
may cause birth defects.
Which medication is derived from a natural source and may be prescribed for the
treatment of osteoporosis?
A. Calcitonin
B. Raloxifene
C. Clomiphene
D. Bisphosphonates
Calcitonin
Calcitonin is derived from natural sources such as fish; this medication may be
prescribed to prevent osteoporosis. Raloxifene is prescribed to prevent
postmenopausal osteoporosis. Clomiphene is prescribed to induce ovulation.
Bisphosphonates are prescribed to treat osteoporosis; this medication is not
derived from natural sources.
Which eduction would the nurse provide the parents of an infant with a cleft lip
and palate about the infant's predisposition to infection?
A. Waste products accumulate along the defect
B. Circulation to the defective area is insufficient
C. inefficient feeding behaviors result in inadequate nutrition
D. Mouth breathing dries the oropharyngeal mucous membranes
Mouth breathing dries the oropharyngeal mucous membranes
Infants with cleft lip and palate breathe through their mouths, bypassing the
natural humidification and filtration provided by the nose; as a result, the mucous
membranes become dry and cracked and are at risk for infection. Although some
3|Page
, HESI Maternity and Pediatrics Exam
waste products may accumulate along the defect, it is not difficult to keep the
area clean by cleansing it with water after a feeding. Circulation to the area is
unimpaired. Feeding can be adequate with the use of special equipment and a
slow approach.
Which toy would the nurse select for a 1-year-old child in the hospital playroom?
A. Rocking horse
B. Stuffed animal
C. Four-piece puzzle
D. Squeaky plastic duck
Squeaky plastic duck
A plastic toy that squeaks is appropriate for a 1-year-old child because it provides
auditory, tactile, and visual stimulation. The potential for injury is too great for a 1-
year-old child to be placed on a rocking horse. A stuffed animal should not be kept
in a playroom because it cannot be washed between uses by different children. A
1-year-old is too young for a puzzle.
Which care plan would the nurse implement for an infant with nonorganic failure
to thrive?
A. Maintaining silence while feeding the infant
B. Following a structured routine throughout the day
C. Periodically changing the seating arrangement during meals
D. Distracting the infant with playful activities during feedings
Following a structured routine throughout the day
A structured routine is important for infants with nonorganic failure to thrive.
Disruptions in other areas of the infant's activities of daily living can affect feeding
4|Page
