RN HESI Maternal Newborn Study Set (RN HESI Maternal Newborn
Version 1 and Version 2) Questions With Complete Solutions
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 36 weeks pregnant and is
experiencing vaginal bleeding. The nurse should assess the client for
which of the following complications?
a) Placenta previa
b) Ectopic pregnancy
c) Gestational hypertension
d) Placental abruption
Answer: a) Placenta previa
Rationale: Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta is
implanted in the lower segment of the uterus, covering or being close
to the cervix. This can cause vaginal bleeding during the later stages of
pregnancy, often after 20 weeks. Placental abruption, while a possibility,
typically presents with more acute symptoms such as abdominal pain
and contractions.
2. A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about how to prepare for
childbirth. Which of the following is an appropriate statement by the
nurse?
a) "You should avoid exercise to prevent preterm labor."
b) "It's normal to experience some back pain in the third trimester."
c) "You can travel by airplane during the third trimester without
concern."
d) "The best time to stop working is during the first trimester."
,Answer: b) "It's normal to experience some back pain in the third
trimester."
Rationale: It is common for pregnant clients to experience back pain
due to the growing uterus, hormonal changes, and postural changes.
Back pain in the third trimester is typically normal. Avoiding exercise is
not recommended unless contraindicated. Travel in the third trimester
should be discussed with a healthcare provider due to the risk of
preterm labor and complications. The best time to stop working varies
but often depends on the client's health and the nature of her work.
3. A nurse is caring for a newborn who has just been delivered. Which
of the following actions is the highest priority during the initial
newborn assessment?
a) Establishing an airway
b) Administering vitamin K
c) Checking for congenital anomalies
d) Weighing the newborn
Answer: a) Establishing an airway
Rationale: The highest priority is to establish the newborn's airway to
ensure proper oxygenation. The initial steps of newborn care include
ensuring that the airway is clear and providing ventilation if needed.
Administering vitamin K and performing other assessments should be
done after ensuring the baby is breathing properly.
4. A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who is breastfeeding.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the
teaching plan for this client?
, a) "Breastfeeding should only be done for 15 minutes every 2 hours."
b) "You should avoid taking any medications while breastfeeding."
c) "You may need to increase your calorie intake by 300 to 500 calories
per day."
d) "You should not breastfeed if you feel fatigued or overwhelmed."
Answer: c) "You may need to increase your calorie intake by 300 to 500
calories per day."
Rationale: During breastfeeding, the mother needs additional calories
(typically 300-500 per day) to support milk production. It is not
necessary to limit breastfeeding to 15 minutes every 2 hours; newborns
should nurse on demand. Many medications are safe during
breastfeeding, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider.
Feeling fatigued is normal, but mothers are encouraged to continue
breastfeeding and seek support when needed.
5. A nurse is assessing a client at 8 weeks of pregnancy. The nurse
notes that the client is experiencing fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
Which of the following statements is the most appropriate response
by the nurse?
a) "These symptoms are not normal and need to be evaluated further."
b) "You are experiencing typical symptoms of early pregnancy."
c) "You need to go to the emergency room immediately."
d) "You should take medication to stop the nausea."
Answer: b) "You are experiencing typical symptoms of early pregnancy."
Rationale: Fatigue, nausea, and vomiting (morning sickness) are
common in the first trimester of pregnancy. These symptoms usually
resolve after the first 12 weeks. The nurse should provide reassurance
and suggest measures for symptom management (e.g., small meals,
Version 1 and Version 2) Questions With Complete Solutions
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 36 weeks pregnant and is
experiencing vaginal bleeding. The nurse should assess the client for
which of the following complications?
a) Placenta previa
b) Ectopic pregnancy
c) Gestational hypertension
d) Placental abruption
Answer: a) Placenta previa
Rationale: Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta is
implanted in the lower segment of the uterus, covering or being close
to the cervix. This can cause vaginal bleeding during the later stages of
pregnancy, often after 20 weeks. Placental abruption, while a possibility,
typically presents with more acute symptoms such as abdominal pain
and contractions.
2. A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about how to prepare for
childbirth. Which of the following is an appropriate statement by the
nurse?
a) "You should avoid exercise to prevent preterm labor."
b) "It's normal to experience some back pain in the third trimester."
c) "You can travel by airplane during the third trimester without
concern."
d) "The best time to stop working is during the first trimester."
,Answer: b) "It's normal to experience some back pain in the third
trimester."
Rationale: It is common for pregnant clients to experience back pain
due to the growing uterus, hormonal changes, and postural changes.
Back pain in the third trimester is typically normal. Avoiding exercise is
not recommended unless contraindicated. Travel in the third trimester
should be discussed with a healthcare provider due to the risk of
preterm labor and complications. The best time to stop working varies
but often depends on the client's health and the nature of her work.
3. A nurse is caring for a newborn who has just been delivered. Which
of the following actions is the highest priority during the initial
newborn assessment?
a) Establishing an airway
b) Administering vitamin K
c) Checking for congenital anomalies
d) Weighing the newborn
Answer: a) Establishing an airway
Rationale: The highest priority is to establish the newborn's airway to
ensure proper oxygenation. The initial steps of newborn care include
ensuring that the airway is clear and providing ventilation if needed.
Administering vitamin K and performing other assessments should be
done after ensuring the baby is breathing properly.
4. A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who is breastfeeding.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the
teaching plan for this client?
, a) "Breastfeeding should only be done for 15 minutes every 2 hours."
b) "You should avoid taking any medications while breastfeeding."
c) "You may need to increase your calorie intake by 300 to 500 calories
per day."
d) "You should not breastfeed if you feel fatigued or overwhelmed."
Answer: c) "You may need to increase your calorie intake by 300 to 500
calories per day."
Rationale: During breastfeeding, the mother needs additional calories
(typically 300-500 per day) to support milk production. It is not
necessary to limit breastfeeding to 15 minutes every 2 hours; newborns
should nurse on demand. Many medications are safe during
breastfeeding, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider.
Feeling fatigued is normal, but mothers are encouraged to continue
breastfeeding and seek support when needed.
5. A nurse is assessing a client at 8 weeks of pregnancy. The nurse
notes that the client is experiencing fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
Which of the following statements is the most appropriate response
by the nurse?
a) "These symptoms are not normal and need to be evaluated further."
b) "You are experiencing typical symptoms of early pregnancy."
c) "You need to go to the emergency room immediately."
d) "You should take medication to stop the nausea."
Answer: b) "You are experiencing typical symptoms of early pregnancy."
Rationale: Fatigue, nausea, and vomiting (morning sickness) are
common in the first trimester of pregnancy. These symptoms usually
resolve after the first 12 weeks. The nurse should provide reassurance
and suggest measures for symptom management (e.g., small meals,
