NUR2513 Maternal-Child Nursing Final Exam
2026/2027: Verified Grade A Questions &
Answers with Rationales – Rasmussen College
SECTION 1: ANTEPARTUM CARE (Questions 1-20)
Q1: A newly pregnant patient with irregular periods is unsure of her last menstrual
period. When is the best time to schedule an ultrasound to assess gestational age?
A. Immediately
B. In 2 weeks
C. In 4 weeks
D. In 6 weeks
Correct Answer: A. Immediately
Rationale: An ultrasound performed immediately can assess gestational age using
crown-rump length (CRL) as early as 5–6 weeks, especially when the last menstrual
period is unknown. Early ultrasound provides the most accurate dating. Waiting (options
B, C, D) would delay necessary dating and potentially affect timing of subsequent
prenatal screenings.
Topic: [Antepartum] | Fetal Assessment
Cognitive Level: [Application]
,Q2: What are important functions of amniotic fluid for fetal well-being? (Select all that
apply)
A. Providing oxygen to the lungs
B. Cushioning the baby from minor trauma
C. Temperature control
D. Nutrition for the baby
E. Permits free movement of the baby
**Correct Answers: B. Cushioning the baby from minor trauma, C. Temperature control, E.
Permits free movement of the baby
Rationale: Amniotic fluid cushions the fetus, regulates temperature, and allows
movement for musculoskeletal development. Oxygen (A) and nutrition (D) are provided
via the placenta and umbilical cord, not amniotic fluid. This question tests
understanding of fetal physiology and the distinct roles of amniotic fluid versus
placental function.
Topic: [Antepartum] | Fetal Development
Cognitive Level: [Recall]
Q3: A pregnant client is concerned her baby will drown in amniotic fluid. How should the
nurse respond?
A. "Your baby receives oxygen from the amniotic fluid."
B. "The baby does not have breathing movements until delivery."
,C. "The amniotic fluid does not enter the baby's lungs."
D. "Oxygen is provided to the baby through the placenta."
Correct Answer: D. "Oxygen is provided to the baby through the placenta."
Rationale: The placenta delivers oxygen to the fetus via the umbilical cord; amniotic
fluid does not enter the lungs or provide oxygen. While the fetus does practice breathing
movements (making option B incorrect), the key teaching point is placental oxygen
delivery. Option A is false. Option C is partially true but does not address the core
concern about drowning.
Topic: [Antepartum] | Patient Education
Cognitive Level: [Application]
Q4: What is the purpose of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening at 16 weeks' gestation?
A. Diagnose gestational diabetes
B. Screen for neural tube defects
C. Assess fetal heart rate
D. Measure maternal weight gain
Correct Answer: B. Screen for neural tube defects
Rationale: AFP screening at 15–20 weeks assesses for neural tube defects (e.g., spina
bifida, anencephaly) and chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. Gestational
diabetes (A) is screened with glucose challenge testing. Fetal heart rate (C) is assessed
via Doppler or ultrasound. Maternal weight gain (D) is monitored throughout pregnancy
but not via AFP.
, Topic: [Antepartum] | Prenatal Screening
Cognitive Level: [Recall]
Q5: Which maternal condition increases the risk of Down syndrome?
A. Maternal obesity
B. Advanced maternal age
C. Gestational diabetes
D. Chronic hypertension
Correct Answer: B. Advanced maternal age
Rationale: Advanced maternal age (>35 years) increases the risk of chromosomal
abnormalities like Down syndrome (trisomy 21). Maternal obesity (A) increases risks for
gestational diabetes, hypertension, and macrosomia but not chromosomal
abnormalities. Gestational diabetes (C) and chronic hypertension (D) are medical
complications but do not increase chromosomal abnormality risk.
Topic: [Antepartum] | Risk Factors
Cognitive Level: [Recall]
Q6: What is a key nursing intervention during the first prenatal visit?
A. Administer pain medication
B. Obtain a complete health history
C. Restrict fluid intake
2026/2027: Verified Grade A Questions &
Answers with Rationales – Rasmussen College
SECTION 1: ANTEPARTUM CARE (Questions 1-20)
Q1: A newly pregnant patient with irregular periods is unsure of her last menstrual
period. When is the best time to schedule an ultrasound to assess gestational age?
A. Immediately
B. In 2 weeks
C. In 4 weeks
D. In 6 weeks
Correct Answer: A. Immediately
Rationale: An ultrasound performed immediately can assess gestational age using
crown-rump length (CRL) as early as 5–6 weeks, especially when the last menstrual
period is unknown. Early ultrasound provides the most accurate dating. Waiting (options
B, C, D) would delay necessary dating and potentially affect timing of subsequent
prenatal screenings.
Topic: [Antepartum] | Fetal Assessment
Cognitive Level: [Application]
,Q2: What are important functions of amniotic fluid for fetal well-being? (Select all that
apply)
A. Providing oxygen to the lungs
B. Cushioning the baby from minor trauma
C. Temperature control
D. Nutrition for the baby
E. Permits free movement of the baby
**Correct Answers: B. Cushioning the baby from minor trauma, C. Temperature control, E.
Permits free movement of the baby
Rationale: Amniotic fluid cushions the fetus, regulates temperature, and allows
movement for musculoskeletal development. Oxygen (A) and nutrition (D) are provided
via the placenta and umbilical cord, not amniotic fluid. This question tests
understanding of fetal physiology and the distinct roles of amniotic fluid versus
placental function.
Topic: [Antepartum] | Fetal Development
Cognitive Level: [Recall]
Q3: A pregnant client is concerned her baby will drown in amniotic fluid. How should the
nurse respond?
A. "Your baby receives oxygen from the amniotic fluid."
B. "The baby does not have breathing movements until delivery."
,C. "The amniotic fluid does not enter the baby's lungs."
D. "Oxygen is provided to the baby through the placenta."
Correct Answer: D. "Oxygen is provided to the baby through the placenta."
Rationale: The placenta delivers oxygen to the fetus via the umbilical cord; amniotic
fluid does not enter the lungs or provide oxygen. While the fetus does practice breathing
movements (making option B incorrect), the key teaching point is placental oxygen
delivery. Option A is false. Option C is partially true but does not address the core
concern about drowning.
Topic: [Antepartum] | Patient Education
Cognitive Level: [Application]
Q4: What is the purpose of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening at 16 weeks' gestation?
A. Diagnose gestational diabetes
B. Screen for neural tube defects
C. Assess fetal heart rate
D. Measure maternal weight gain
Correct Answer: B. Screen for neural tube defects
Rationale: AFP screening at 15–20 weeks assesses for neural tube defects (e.g., spina
bifida, anencephaly) and chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. Gestational
diabetes (A) is screened with glucose challenge testing. Fetal heart rate (C) is assessed
via Doppler or ultrasound. Maternal weight gain (D) is monitored throughout pregnancy
but not via AFP.
, Topic: [Antepartum] | Prenatal Screening
Cognitive Level: [Recall]
Q5: Which maternal condition increases the risk of Down syndrome?
A. Maternal obesity
B. Advanced maternal age
C. Gestational diabetes
D. Chronic hypertension
Correct Answer: B. Advanced maternal age
Rationale: Advanced maternal age (>35 years) increases the risk of chromosomal
abnormalities like Down syndrome (trisomy 21). Maternal obesity (A) increases risks for
gestational diabetes, hypertension, and macrosomia but not chromosomal
abnormalities. Gestational diabetes (C) and chronic hypertension (D) are medical
complications but do not increase chromosomal abnormality risk.
Topic: [Antepartum] | Risk Factors
Cognitive Level: [Recall]
Q6: What is a key nursing intervention during the first prenatal visit?
A. Administer pain medication
B. Obtain a complete health history
C. Restrict fluid intake
