HESI Obstetrics (OB) Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Which instruction would be most effective in preventing pooling of blood in the lower extremities for a 38-week primagravida?
• What position is typically encouraged for a laboring client to alleviate pressure during contractions?
• What screening test is performed to check for gestational diabetes?
• In which trimester is the risk of developing gestational diabetes highest?
• Which client requires the most caution when giving an enema during labor?
• What is the first action to take in preventing hypotension in a pregnant client?
• A primigravida client who is 5 cm dilated, 90% effaced, and at 0 station requests an epidural for pain relief. What is the most critical assessment finding for the nurse to report?
• At what point in pregnancy is the "Heartbeat" typically first detected by Doppler?
• What additional information is most important to obtain from a client with no prenatal care in labor?
• Which nutrient is crucial to help prevent neural tube defects in pregnancy?
• How can skin-to-skin contact impact newborns in the first moments after birth?
• A client in her second trimester is interested in using herbal therapy. What is the best response for the nurse?
• When do the anterior and posterior fontanels of a normal newborn typically close?
• What is the most helpful intervention for relieving postpartum uterine contractions?
• What action should a nurse take if a laboring client using accelerated-blow breathing complains of tingling fingers and dizziness?
• A woman who gave birth 48 hours ago is experiencing swollen, warm, and tender breasts. What should the nurse do first?
• What is the term for a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus?
• What nursing plan is best to assist a mother in bonding with her newborn in the postpartum unit?
• A 24-hour-old newborn has a pink papular rash with vesicles. What is the best action for the nurse to take?
• Which of the following is a common sign of hyperemesis gravidarum?
• For a postpartum client experiencing "baby blues," what emotional signs might the nurse highlight as common?
• Immediately after birth, what should the nurse do for a newborn with an apical heart rate of 80 bpm?
• When preparing for a client in active labor undergoing amniotomy, what equipment is essential?
• What is the term for prenatal care that includes education and support for breastfeeding?
• What is the normal range of fetal heart rate (FHR)?
• What is a potential risk of a prolonged second stage of labor?
• What is the primary hormone that maintains pregnancy?
• What does fetal monitoring assess during labor?
• For a woman with type 2 diabetes who becomes pregnant, what is the most important nursing intervention?
• During labor, which assessment finding in a pregnant client is critical to monitor for signs of fetal distress?
• Which common physical change occurs in a pregnant woman's body?
• When assessing fetal heart tones, what finding is considered normal between 120 and 160 bpm?
• Which symptoms in a newborn may suggest esophageal atresia?
• If a newborn appears dusky but is breathing satisfactorily, what should be the first action of the nurse?
• What diagnostic test should the nurse prepare a multigravida client for if a non-stress test indicates fetal distress at 41 weeks gestation?
• What maternal condition is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine?
• When teaching about "postpartum blues," which symptoms should the nurse include?
• What are the common signs of labor?
• What does the presence of varicosities during pregnancy typically indicate?
• During labor, what effect does oxytocin have on the uterus?
• What should be monitored in a pregnant woman with hypertension?
• What educational component is vital for new parents regarding safe sleep practices for infants?
• What is the recommended weight gain during pregnancy for a woman with a normal BMI?
• What is the main purpose of the non-stress test (NST)?
• When assessing a postpartum client, which vital sign change might indicate hypovolemic shock?
• What common medication may be given to prevent preterm labor?
• What is an important nursing action to take when a pregnant client presents with hypertension?
• What is the primary reason for encouraging a laboring client to void at least every two hours?
• What essential information should be communicated to a newly diagnosed pregnant client with hypertension?
• What is often monitored during postnatal care to ensure maternal health?
• What behavior is most likely demonstrated by a new mother receiving her infant for the first time?
• Which condition can result from a lack of folic acid during pregnancy?
• What psychological change may occur for mothers just before delivery?
• Which temperature pattern indicates the occurrence of ovulation, providing the best time for intercourse to ensure conception?
• Which finding indicates that epoetin alfa (Epogen) is effective for a premature infant?
• For a pregnant client with Class III mitral stenosis on complete bedrest, what is the best explanation for the necessity of her condition?
• Which assessment is indicative of an impending convulsion in a client with preeclampsia?
• For a client at 30-weeks gestation with irregular contractions, what is the first intervention a nurse should implement?
• In response to the rupture of membranes and presence of meconium fluid, what is the immediate action the nurse should take?
• Which test is often used to determine fetal position and presentation?
• Which position is commonly recommended for a woman during labor to encourage fetal descent?
• At what gestational age do most healthcare providers recommend the first ultrasound for fetal anatomy assessment?
• What should the nurse educate the pregnant woman about regarding alcohol consumption during pregnancy?
• During a prenatal visit, what should the nurse emphasize regarding the importance of calcium during pregnancy?
• Which assessment finding in a pregnant client may indicate preeclampsia?
• What should the nurse do first for a client receiving epidural anesthesia who begins to experience nausea and becomes pale and clammy?
• Which hormone is primarily responsible for the labor contractions?
• What assessment is the highest priority for a nurse administering terbutaline to a pregnant client in preterm labor?
• What is a serious risk associated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy?
• What is the purpose of the Apgar score?
• For a breastfeeding newborn with a total bilirubin level of 14 mg/dl, what nursing intervention is appropriate?
• What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
• When is the best time for expectant parents to attend childbirth preparation classes?
• What physiological change occurs as part of the lightening phenomenon?
• Which of the following symptoms would most likely indicate a serious complication in a pregnant woman?
• What complication should a nurse monitor for in a patient with a history of incomplete miscarriage?
• What type of diabetes can develop during pregnancy?
• How often should prenatal visits occur during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy?
• Which assessment finding should the nursery nurse report to the pediatric healthcare provider?
• A client with an autosomal dominant inherited disorder is exploring family planning options. What is the key information the nurse should provide?
• What maternal health condition is indicated by significant water retention in late pregnancy?
• Which intervention should be implemented for a client showing signs of placental abruption?
• In cases of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, what is a priority nursing action during labor?
• What constitutes a normal finding when assessing a newborn's umbilical cord?
• What intervention should be offered to manage discomfort during labor?
• What is the significance of the 20-week ultrasound?
• Which characteristic is essential for the postnatal care of mothers?
• During a newborn exam, the nurse identifies crepitus. Which further assessment should be performed?
• What factor has the greatest influence on successful teaching of the gravid client?
• For a client diagnosed with total placenta previa, which finding should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider?
• What is the term for a baby born before 37 weeks gestation?
• Which vaccine is recommended for pregnant women during the third trimester?
• During a routine check-up, which maternal vital sign change might indicate potential complications in late pregnancy?
• What is a common cause of postpartum hemorrhage?
• In cases of uterine abnormalities, which delivery method may be safer?
• During a childbirth education class, what is the recommended frequency for feeding a newborn?
• What is the purpose of prenatal vitamins?
• What is the priority nursing intervention for a client experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy?
• Which form of delivery is assessed for both maternal and fetal health following complications?
• When preparing to measure the fundal height of a pregnant client, which action is necessary?
• A 3-day old newborn is switched from a cow's milk formula to a soy-based formula due to spitting up. What key information should the nurse provide to the mother?
• For a client receiving magnesium sulfate for gestational hypertension, which medication should the nurse have on hand for potential toxicity?
• What is the immediate action for a client exhibiting boggy fundus and increasing lochia rubra postpartum?
• Which assessment finding in a client with preeclampsia is most significant in planning care?
• In case of a postpartum hemorrhage, what is the nurse's role in first response?
• Which instruction is most effective to prevent nipple soreness for breastfeeding mothers?
• Which of the following is a benefit of a successful VBAC?
• A client who delivered an infant an hour ago reports feeling wet underneath. What is the nurse's next action?
• What is a major indicator of potential complications after delivery?
• What is the term for labor that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation?
• An infant born to an HIV-positive mother is admitted to the nursery. What is the first intervention the nurse should perform?
• What is the most common method of pain relief during labor?
• A new mother asks about her baby's swollen scalp. How should the nurse explain the condition?
• Which maternal condition is a risk factor for gestational diabetes?
• After an epidural anesthetic is administered, which nursing intervention is most appropriate if a laboring client's blood pressure drops significantly?
• What is the importance of the fundal height measurement during pregnancy?
• What equipment should the nurse have available at the bedside for an amniotomy?
• What is the most important information for the nurse to receive when planning immediate care for a newborn?
• What is a crucial health recommendation for pregnant adolescents?
• Which symptom indicates that a woman's fallopian tubes are patent during a fertility workup?
• During an emergency childbirth situation, what is the highest priority intervention for the newborn?
• During assessment of a 3 day old infant with a cephalohematoma, which finding should be reported to the healthcare provider?
• When administering terbutaline sulfate to stop preterm labor, which primary side effect should be monitored?
• Which stage of labor is defined by the complete dilation of the cervix?
• When is the best time to use a home pregnancy test for accuracy?
• A couple has been trying to conceive for 9 months. Which factor is most likely to affect their ability to conceive?
• What is the recommended number of prenatal visits during a typical pregnancy?
• What is the purpose of alpha-fetoprotein testing during pregnancy?
• At what point in pregnancy does quickening typically occur?
• What is the "lightening" phenomenon in pregnancy?
• What is a common concern regarding maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy?
• Which maternal condition should the nurse monitor closely during the postpartum period to avoid complications?
• After a vaginal delivery, what is a common sign of birth trauma that the nurse should assess for in a newborn?
• What role does oxytocin play during labor?
• What role does progesterone play in early pregnancy?
• For teaching purposes, when does ovulation usually occur in relation to menstruation?
• What dietary component should pregnant women increase to reduce the risk of neural tube defects?
• At what gestational age is Group B Streptococcus screening typically performed?
• What action should the nurse implement to decrease the client's risk for hemorrhage after a cesarean section?
• What is the most likely presenting symptom for a newborn whose mother is HIV positive?
• What is the primary purpose of a sonogram during pregnancy?
• In a client receiving magnesium sulfate for severe preeclampsia, what would indicate potential magnesium sulfate toxicity?
• After how many weeks of gestation is the likelihood of preterm labor notably increased?
• A primigravida at 40 weeks gestation is receiving oxytocin to augment labor. What adverse effect should the nurse monitor for?
• Which test assesses the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus?
• What is the role of a nurse in supporting a mother who expresses guilt about a previous miscarriage?
• After a miscarriage, what is the most important instruction for a woman who has become pregnant again?
• A nurse is assessing a newborn during the transition period. What would indicate that the newborn is stable?
• What is the most likely fetal effect of a mother using cocaine during pregnancy?
• Before administering terbutaline (Brethine) for preterm labor, which condition should the nurse assess for?
• What is a common risk associated with macrosomic infants during delivery?
• What is the primary focus of prenatal care during the first trimester?
• What hormone is primarily responsible for lactation?
• Why is a previous vaginal delivery significant for VBAC candidates?
• While observing a new mother caring for her newborn, which action indicates the need for further teaching?
• Which symptom in the postpartum woman would warrant immediate assessment?
• What intervention should be taken if a primigravida client at 40 weeks gestation complains of lower back pain during induction with oxytocin?
• If a client at 28 weeks gestation presents with bright red vaginal bleeding but no contractions or pain, what should the nurse instruct her to do?
• If a woman has a 36-day menstrual cycle and her last menstrual period started on January 8, when is her next fertile period?
• What type of delivery requires monitoring for shoulder dystocia?
• At what gestational age is fetal heart activity usually detected with ultrasound?
• Which condition is characterized by severe vomiting in pregnancy?
• What is an appropriate nursing intervention for a client receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia?
• What are the main indicators of a successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)?
• What is the most important advice a nurse should give to a female client with insulin-dependent diabetes who wishes to get pregnant?
• What should the nurse recommend to an expectant father concerned about his wife's behavior during pregnancy?
• If a mother is experiencing severe postpartum hemorrhage, what intervention is critical?
• When a client is suspected to have abruptio placentae, which finding is the charge nurse likely to encounter?
• If a postpartum client reports red bleeding after it has changed, what should the nurse advise?
• A full-term male infant develops localized edema on the right side of his head. This condition is known as what?
• A nurse is assessing a full-term newborn and finds a maturity rating of 40 weeks. Which findings may indicate the neonate is small for gestational age (SGA)?
• Which condition requires immediate evaluation in a newborn with rash and vesicles, indicating a potential diagnosis?
• What should a nurse explain to a new mother who is anxious about touching her baby's soft spot?
• A client at 32 weeks gestation is diagnosed with preeclampsia. Which assessment finding is most indicative of an impending convulsion?
• What is the expected outcome for a client administered oxytocin during labor?
• What intervention should the nurse consider for a mother expressing concern about managing two children?
• A client in preterm labor is administered terbutaline sulfate (Brethine). Which assessment should be prioritized during administration?
• What is an appropriate nursing action for an infant demonstrating abnormal respiratory distress?
• What should a nurse do for a laboring client who complains of leg cramps?
• What is the highest priority nursing intervention for a woman in labor?
• Why has a healthcare provider prescribed iron tablets for a client attending antepartum classes?
• What might indicate a need for cesarean delivery?
• Using Nagle's rule, what is the estimated date of confinement (EDC) for a client whose last menstrual period started on December 1?
• What is the ideal location for auscultating fetal heart sounds?
• How can a new mother determine if her infant is getting enough breast milk?
• At 14 weeks gestation, what should the nurse do next after assessing a client with symptoms of possible ectopic pregnancy?
• What is the primary focus of postnatal care?
• What information is critical for planning immediate care after a newborn is transferred from labor and delivery?
• What maternal factor can influence the occurrence of gestational diabetes?
• When teaching about newborn care for a term infant, which statement accurately describes vernix?
• Which assessment finding indicates that therapeutic drug level of magnesium sulfate has been achieved for a client with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension?
• What term describes the delivery of the placenta after the baby is born?
• Which assessment is crucial for evaluating fetal well-being during labor?
• Compared to nonsmokers, mothers who smoke during pregnancy tend to produce infants who have what characteristic?
• Which condition is characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation?
• In a woman with heart disease in the second stage of labor, which assessment findings are of greatest concern?
• During a prenatal visit, which assessment should the nurse prioritize for a client at risk for preterm labor?
• Which test is typically used to assess for gestational diabetes?
• What information should the nurse provide during preconception care for a new female client?
• What is a key risk associated with the onset of uterine contractions in total placenta previa?
• What emotional response might a nurse expect from an unmarried teenager following a spontaneous abortion at 8 weeks gestation?
• Which of the following indicates that a father is ready to support his partner during labor?
• What is the expected date of delivery (EDD) for a 23-year-old woman whose last menstrual period began on February 15?
• What should be the nurse's priority focus for a pregnant client presenting with severe morning sickness?
• What is the most appropriate first intervention for a new mother who wishes to successfully breastfeed following a previous unsuccessful attempt?
• What condition does the administration of antibiotic ointment in the eyes of a newborn primarily prevent?
• What might be a consequence of not addressing contraindications before attempting a VBAC?
• A client is undergoing a non-stress test (NST) at 41 weeks. The nurse finds no FHR accelerations. What should the nurse do next?
• When should the nurse encourage a laboring client to begin pushing?
• What action should the nurse take for a prenatal patient presenting with severe abdominal pain and spotting?
• What finding indicates a potential issue in an infant with a cephalohematoma?
• What is the primary risk associated with prolonged rupture of membranes?
• What is the significance of a biophysical profile (BPP) in fetal assessment?
• Which nutrient is particularly important for fetal brain development?
• What condition may require a pregnant woman to have an elevated blood glucose test repeated?
• A 30-year-old multiparous woman expresses concern about her son’s jealousy of his newborn sister. How should the nurse respond?
• What is the best response by a nurse to a new mother who comments on her baby's funny looking head?
• What situation should prompt the nurse to discontinue oxytocin infusion for a client at 42 weeks gestation?
• What type of contraceptive method might be contraindicated for women who smoke?
• What characteristic is typical of true labor contractions?
• A pregnant client states her last menstrual period was August 2, 2006. What is her estimated date of delivery?
• A client at 32 weeks gestation presents with pedal edema, dyspnea, fatigue, and a moist cough. What is the most important question for the nurse to ask?
• During which stage of labor does the baby begin to be pushed out?
• Which hormone is primarily responsible for the maintenance of pregnancy during the first trimester?