HESI Focus on Maternity Exam Related

Review HESI Focus on Maternity Exam related questions and content

Which information regarding the care of antepartum women with cardiac conditions is most important for the nurse to understand?

  • A. Stress on the heart is greatest in the first trimester and the last 2 weeks before labor.
  • B. Women with class II cardiac disease should avoid heavy exertion and any activity that causes even minor symptoms.
  • C. Women with class III cardiac disease should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep every day and limit housework, shopping, and exercise.
  • D. Women with class I cardiac disease need bed rest through most of the pregnancy and face the possibility of hospitalization near term.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Class II cardiac disease is symptomatic with ordinary activity. Women in this category need to avoid heavy exertion and limit regular activities as symptoms dictate. Stress is greatest between weeks 28 and 32 of gestation, when hemodynamic changes reach their maximum. Class III cardiac disease is symptomatic with less-than-ordinary activity. These women need bed rest most of the day and face the possibility of hospitalization near term. Class I cardiac disease is asymptomatic at normal levels of activity. These women can perform limited normal activities with discretion, although they still need a good amount of sleep.