NM717 INTRAPARTUM PRACTICE SCRIPT 2026
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
◉ What is the purpose of tocolytic drugs? Answer: To promote
uterine relaxation by interfering with contractions, aiming to delay
birth for up to 48 hours.
◉ What is magnesium sulfate used for in preterm labor? Answer: To
decrease fetal heart rate variability; monitoring for decreased deep
tendon reflexes (DTR) is necessary.
◉ What is the role of corticosteroids in preterm labor? Answer:
They help prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of
respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants delivered
between 24- and 34-weeks' gestation.
◉ What are subtle signs of preterm labor? Answer: Dull lower back
pain, viscous vaginal discharge, dysuria, and a contraction pattern of
four contractions every 20 minutes or eight contractions in 1 hour.
◉ What does the Quad Marker Screening include? Answer: It
includes the triple screening tests (AFP, hCG, and unconjugated
estriol) with the addition of inhibin A to enhance accuracy for Down
syndrome screening.
,◉ When is Maternal Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) detectable in maternal
serum? Answer: Between 12-14 weeks of gestation.
◉ What indicates developmental defects in relation to AFP levels?
Answer: Increased AFP levels indicate potential developmental
defects, such as neural tube closure failure.
◉ What is the optimal time for measuring Maternal Alpha-
Fetoprotein? Answer: 16-18 weeks of gestation.
◉ What is the purpose of amniocentesis after the 35th week of
gestation? Answer: To determine fetal lung maturity via analysis of
lecithin-to-sphingomyelin ratios.
◉ What medication promotes fetal lung maturity? Answer:
Betamethasone, which stimulates surfactant production.
◉ What is Nagele's rule used for? Answer: To establish an accurate
due date by subtracting 3 months from the last menstrual period
(LMP) and adding 7 days.
◉ What does the GTPAL acronym stand for? Answer: G: gravida
(current pregnancy), T: term births, P: preterm births, A: abortions,
L: living children.
, ◉ What are symptoms of cervical insufficiency? Answer: Pink-tinged
vaginal discharge, increased low pelvic pressure, cramping with
vaginal bleeding, loss of amniotic fluid, and membrane rupture.
◉ What are the treatments for cervical insufficiency? Answer: Bed
rest, pelvic rest, avoidance of heavy lifting, progesterone
supplementation, cervical pessary placement, or cervical cerclage
surgery.
◉ What is hyperemesis gravidarum? Answer: Nausea and vomiting
in early pregnancy that prevents adequate nutrition, often requiring
IV fluids for rehydration.
◉ What are the nursing management strategies for hyperemesis?
Answer: Comfort and nutrition management (NPO, IV fluids,
hygiene, oral care) and medications like Ondansetron, Pyridoxine,
and Promethazine.
◉ What defines iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy? Answer:
A reduction in red blood cell volume, indicated by low hemoglobin,
hematocrit, and serum iron levels.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
◉ What is the purpose of tocolytic drugs? Answer: To promote
uterine relaxation by interfering with contractions, aiming to delay
birth for up to 48 hours.
◉ What is magnesium sulfate used for in preterm labor? Answer: To
decrease fetal heart rate variability; monitoring for decreased deep
tendon reflexes (DTR) is necessary.
◉ What is the role of corticosteroids in preterm labor? Answer:
They help prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of
respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants delivered
between 24- and 34-weeks' gestation.
◉ What are subtle signs of preterm labor? Answer: Dull lower back
pain, viscous vaginal discharge, dysuria, and a contraction pattern of
four contractions every 20 minutes or eight contractions in 1 hour.
◉ What does the Quad Marker Screening include? Answer: It
includes the triple screening tests (AFP, hCG, and unconjugated
estriol) with the addition of inhibin A to enhance accuracy for Down
syndrome screening.
,◉ When is Maternal Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) detectable in maternal
serum? Answer: Between 12-14 weeks of gestation.
◉ What indicates developmental defects in relation to AFP levels?
Answer: Increased AFP levels indicate potential developmental
defects, such as neural tube closure failure.
◉ What is the optimal time for measuring Maternal Alpha-
Fetoprotein? Answer: 16-18 weeks of gestation.
◉ What is the purpose of amniocentesis after the 35th week of
gestation? Answer: To determine fetal lung maturity via analysis of
lecithin-to-sphingomyelin ratios.
◉ What medication promotes fetal lung maturity? Answer:
Betamethasone, which stimulates surfactant production.
◉ What is Nagele's rule used for? Answer: To establish an accurate
due date by subtracting 3 months from the last menstrual period
(LMP) and adding 7 days.
◉ What does the GTPAL acronym stand for? Answer: G: gravida
(current pregnancy), T: term births, P: preterm births, A: abortions,
L: living children.
, ◉ What are symptoms of cervical insufficiency? Answer: Pink-tinged
vaginal discharge, increased low pelvic pressure, cramping with
vaginal bleeding, loss of amniotic fluid, and membrane rupture.
◉ What are the treatments for cervical insufficiency? Answer: Bed
rest, pelvic rest, avoidance of heavy lifting, progesterone
supplementation, cervical pessary placement, or cervical cerclage
surgery.
◉ What is hyperemesis gravidarum? Answer: Nausea and vomiting
in early pregnancy that prevents adequate nutrition, often requiring
IV fluids for rehydration.
◉ What are the nursing management strategies for hyperemesis?
Answer: Comfort and nutrition management (NPO, IV fluids,
hygiene, oral care) and medications like Ondansetron, Pyridoxine,
and Promethazine.
◉ What defines iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy? Answer:
A reduction in red blood cell volume, indicated by low hemoglobin,
hematocrit, and serum iron levels.
