Comprehensive
Maternity Exam
Practice Questions
with A+ Graded
Answers 2026
,Chapter 13: Labor and Birth Processes - correct answer k k k k k k k k
1. A new mother asks the nurse when the soft spot on her sons head will go away. The nurses answer is based
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
on the knowledge that the anterior fontanel closes after birth by _____ months.
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a. 2 c. 12
k k k
b. 8 d. 18 - correct answerd. 18
k k k k k k k
2. When assessing a woman in labor, the nurse is aware that the relationship of the fetal body parts to one
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
another is called fetal: k k k
a. Lie. c. Attitude.
k k k
b. Presentation. d. Position. - correct answerc. Attitude.
k k k k k k k
3. When assessing the fetus using Leopold maneuvers, the nurse feels a round, firm, movable fetal part in the
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
fundal portion of the uterus and a long, smooth surface in the mothers right side close to midline. What is the
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
likely position of the fetus? k k k k
a. ROA c. RSA
k k k
b. LSP d. LOA - correct answerc. RSA
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4. The nurse has received report regarding her patient in labor. The womans last vaginal examination was
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
recorded as 3 cm, 30%, and ?2-2. The nurses interpretation of this assessment is that:k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
a. The cervix is effaced 3 cm, it is dilated 30%, and the presenting part is 2 cm above the ischial spines.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
b. The cervix is 3 cm dilated, it is effaced 30%, and the presenting part is 2 cm above the ischial spines.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
c. The cervix is effaced 3 cm, it is dilated 30%, and the presenting part is 2 cm below the ischial spines.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
d. The cervix is dilated 3 cm, it is effaced 30%, and the presenting part is 2 cm below the ischial spines. - correct
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
answerb. The cervix is 3 cm dilated, it is effaced 30%, and the presenting part is 2 cm above the ischial spines.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
5. To care for a laboring woman adequately, the nurse understands that the __________ stage of labor varies
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the most in length?
k k k
a. First c. Third
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b. Second d. Fourth - correct answera. First
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,6. The nurse would expect which maternal cardiovascular finding during labor?
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a. Increased cardiac output
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b. Decreased pulse rate
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c. Decreased white blood cell (WBC) count
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d. Decreased blood pressure - correct answera. Increased cardiac output
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7. The factors that affect the process of labor and birth, known commonly as the five Ps, include all except:
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a. Passenger. c. Powers.
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b. Passageway. d. Pressure. - correct answerd. Pressure.
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8. The slight overlapping of cranial bones or shaping of the fetal head during labor is called:
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a. Lightening. c. Ferguson reflex.
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b. Molding. d. Valsalva maneuver. - correct answerb. Molding.
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9. Which presentation is described accurately in terms of both presenting part and frequency of occurrence?
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a. Cephalic: occiput; at least 95% c. Shoulder: scapula; 10% to 15%
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b. Breech: sacrum; 10% to 15% d. Cephalic: cranial; 80% to 85% - correct answera. Cephalic: occiput; at least
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95%
10. With regard to factors that affect how the fetus moves through the birth canal, nurses should be aware
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that:
a. The fetal attitude describes the angle at which the fetus exits the uterus.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k
b. Of the two primary fetal lies, the horizontal lie is that in which the long axis of the fetus is parallel to the long
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
axis of the mother.
k k k
c. The normal attitude of the fetus is called general flexion.
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d. The transverse lie is preferred for vaginal birth. - correct answerc. The normal attitude of the fetus is called
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general flexion. k
11. As relates to fetal positioning during labor, nurses should be aware that:
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a. Position is a measure of the degree of descent of the presenting part of the fetus through the birth canal.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
, b. Birth is imminent when the presenting part is at +4 to +5 cm below the spine.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
c. The largest transverse diameter of the presenting part is the suboccipitobregmatic diameter.
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d. Engagement is the term used to describe the beginning of labor. - correct answerb. Birth is imminent when
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the presenting part is at +4 to +5 cm below the spine.
k k k k k k k k k k k
12. Which basic type of pelvis includes the correct description and percentage of occurrence in women?
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a. Gynecoid: classic female; heart shaped; 75%
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b. Android: resembling the male; wider oval; 15%
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c. Anthropoid: resembling the ape; narrower; 10%
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d. Platypelloid: flattened, wide, shallow; 3% - correct answerd. Platypelloid: flattened, wide, shallow; 3%
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13. In relation to primary and secondary powers, the maternity nurse comprehends that:
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a. Primary powers are responsible for effacement and dilation of the cervix.
k k k k k k k k k k k
b. Effacement generally is well ahead of dilation in women giving birth for the first time; they are closer
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
together in subsequent pregnancies. k k k
c. Scarring of the cervix caused by a previous infection or surgery may make the delivery a bit more painful, but
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it should not slow or inhibit dilation.
k k k k k k
d. Pushing in the second stage of labor is more effective if the woman can breathe deeply and control some of
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her involuntary needs to push, as the nurse directs. - correct answera. Primary powers are responsible for
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effacement and dilation of the cervix k k k k k
14. While providing care to a patient in active labor, the nurse should instruct the woman that:
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a. The supine position commonly used in the United States increases blood flow.
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b. The all fours position, on her hands and knees, is hard on her back.
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c. Frequent changes in position will help relieve her fatigue and increase her comfort.
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d. In a sitting or squatting position, her abdominal muscles will have to work harder - correct answerc.
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Frequent changes in position will help relieve her fatigue and increase her comfort.
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15. Which description of the four stages of labor is correct for both definition and duration?
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a. First stage: onset of regular uterine contractions to full dilation; less than 1 hour to 20 hours
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b. Second stage: full effacement to 4 to 5 cm; visible presenting part; 1 to 2 hours
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Maternity Exam
Practice Questions
with A+ Graded
Answers 2026
,Chapter 13: Labor and Birth Processes - correct answer k k k k k k k k
1. A new mother asks the nurse when the soft spot on her sons head will go away. The nurses answer is based
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
on the knowledge that the anterior fontanel closes after birth by _____ months.
k k k k k k k k k k k k
a. 2 c. 12
k k k
b. 8 d. 18 - correct answerd. 18
k k k k k k k
2. When assessing a woman in labor, the nurse is aware that the relationship of the fetal body parts to one
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
another is called fetal: k k k
a. Lie. c. Attitude.
k k k
b. Presentation. d. Position. - correct answerc. Attitude.
k k k k k k k
3. When assessing the fetus using Leopold maneuvers, the nurse feels a round, firm, movable fetal part in the
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
fundal portion of the uterus and a long, smooth surface in the mothers right side close to midline. What is the
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
likely position of the fetus? k k k k
a. ROA c. RSA
k k k
b. LSP d. LOA - correct answerc. RSA
k k k k k k k
4. The nurse has received report regarding her patient in labor. The womans last vaginal examination was
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
recorded as 3 cm, 30%, and ?2-2. The nurses interpretation of this assessment is that:k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
a. The cervix is effaced 3 cm, it is dilated 30%, and the presenting part is 2 cm above the ischial spines.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
b. The cervix is 3 cm dilated, it is effaced 30%, and the presenting part is 2 cm above the ischial spines.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
c. The cervix is effaced 3 cm, it is dilated 30%, and the presenting part is 2 cm below the ischial spines.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
d. The cervix is dilated 3 cm, it is effaced 30%, and the presenting part is 2 cm below the ischial spines. - correct
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
answerb. The cervix is 3 cm dilated, it is effaced 30%, and the presenting part is 2 cm above the ischial spines.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
5. To care for a laboring woman adequately, the nurse understands that the __________ stage of labor varies
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
the most in length?
k k k
a. First c. Third
k k k
b. Second d. Fourth - correct answera. First
k k k k k k k
,6. The nurse would expect which maternal cardiovascular finding during labor?
k k k k k k k k k k
a. Increased cardiac output
k k k
b. Decreased pulse rate
k k k
c. Decreased white blood cell (WBC) count
k k k k k k
d. Decreased blood pressure - correct answera. Increased cardiac output
k k k k k k k k k
7. The factors that affect the process of labor and birth, known commonly as the five Ps, include all except:
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
a. Passenger. c. Powers.
k k k
b. Passageway. d. Pressure. - correct answerd. Pressure.
k k k k k k k
8. The slight overlapping of cranial bones or shaping of the fetal head during labor is called:
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
a. Lightening. c. Ferguson reflex.
k k k k
b. Molding. d. Valsalva maneuver. - correct answerb. Molding.
k k k k k k k k
9. Which presentation is described accurately in terms of both presenting part and frequency of occurrence?
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
a. Cephalic: occiput; at least 95% c. Shoulder: scapula; 10% to 15%
k k k k k k k k k k k
b. Breech: sacrum; 10% to 15% d. Cephalic: cranial; 80% to 85% - correct answera. Cephalic: occiput; at least
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
95%
10. With regard to factors that affect how the fetus moves through the birth canal, nurses should be aware
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
that:
a. The fetal attitude describes the angle at which the fetus exits the uterus.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k
b. Of the two primary fetal lies, the horizontal lie is that in which the long axis of the fetus is parallel to the long
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
axis of the mother.
k k k
c. The normal attitude of the fetus is called general flexion.
k k k k k k k k k k
d. The transverse lie is preferred for vaginal birth. - correct answerc. The normal attitude of the fetus is called
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
general flexion. k
11. As relates to fetal positioning during labor, nurses should be aware that:
k k k k k k k k k k k k
a. Position is a measure of the degree of descent of the presenting part of the fetus through the birth canal.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
, b. Birth is imminent when the presenting part is at +4 to +5 cm below the spine.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
c. The largest transverse diameter of the presenting part is the suboccipitobregmatic diameter.
k k k k k k k k k k k k
d. Engagement is the term used to describe the beginning of labor. - correct answerb. Birth is imminent when
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
the presenting part is at +4 to +5 cm below the spine.
k k k k k k k k k k k
12. Which basic type of pelvis includes the correct description and percentage of occurrence in women?
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
a. Gynecoid: classic female; heart shaped; 75%
k k k k k k
b. Android: resembling the male; wider oval; 15%
k k k k k k k
c. Anthropoid: resembling the ape; narrower; 10%
k k k k k k
d. Platypelloid: flattened, wide, shallow; 3% - correct answerd. Platypelloid: flattened, wide, shallow; 3%
k k k k k k k k k k k k k
13. In relation to primary and secondary powers, the maternity nurse comprehends that:
k k k k k k k k k k k k
a. Primary powers are responsible for effacement and dilation of the cervix.
k k k k k k k k k k k
b. Effacement generally is well ahead of dilation in women giving birth for the first time; they are closer
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
together in subsequent pregnancies. k k k
c. Scarring of the cervix caused by a previous infection or surgery may make the delivery a bit more painful, but
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
it should not slow or inhibit dilation.
k k k k k k
d. Pushing in the second stage of labor is more effective if the woman can breathe deeply and control some of
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
her involuntary needs to push, as the nurse directs. - correct answera. Primary powers are responsible for
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
effacement and dilation of the cervix k k k k k
14. While providing care to a patient in active labor, the nurse should instruct the woman that:
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
a. The supine position commonly used in the United States increases blood flow.
k k k k k k k k k k k k
b. The all fours position, on her hands and knees, is hard on her back.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
c. Frequent changes in position will help relieve her fatigue and increase her comfort.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k
d. In a sitting or squatting position, her abdominal muscles will have to work harder - correct answerc.
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
Frequent changes in position will help relieve her fatigue and increase her comfort.
k k k k k k k k k k k k
15. Which description of the four stages of labor is correct for both definition and duration?
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
a. First stage: onset of regular uterine contractions to full dilation; less than 1 hour to 20 hours
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
b. Second stage: full effacement to 4 to 5 cm; visible presenting part; 1 to 2 hours
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
