HESI Focus on Maternity Exam Related

Review HESI Focus on Maternity Exam related questions and content

What is the highest priority nursing intervention when admitting a pregnant woman who has experienced a bleeding episode in late pregnancy?

  • A. Assessing FHR and maternal vital signs.
  • B. Performing a venipuncture for hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
  • C. Placing clean disposable pads to collect any drainage.
  • D. Monitoring uterine contractions.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The highest priority nursing intervention when admitting a pregnant woman who has experienced a bleeding episode in late pregnancy is to assess the fetal heart rate (FHR) and maternal vital signs. This assessment is crucial in determining the extent of blood loss and its impact on both the mother and the fetus. Ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the fetus is the top priority in this situation. While obtaining hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is important, it can be done after the initial assessment. Placing clean disposable pads is necessary for managing any drainage but does not take precedence over assessing vital signs. Monitoring uterine contractions is important but is not the highest priority when compared to assessing the FHR and maternal vital signs.