,NU 171/NU171 Exam 1 | Maternal Child Nursing
(2026) Actual Q&A PDF | Galen College
1. A client at 38 weeks gestation reports contractions that are irregular and stop
when she walks. The nurse identifies these as:
A) True labor
B) Braxton Hicks contractions
C) Active labor
D) Transition phase contractions
Correct Answer: Braxton Hicks contractions
Rationale: Braxton Hicks (false labor) contractions are irregular, do not intensify,
and often subside with walking or rest. True labor contractions are regular and
progressive. This client's pattern is consistent with false labor.
2. The nurse is assessing a laboring client whose contractions are occurring
every 3 minutes, lasting 60 seconds, and increasing in intensity. This describes:
A) False labor
B) True labor
C) Prodromal labor
D) Preterm labor
Correct Answer: True labor
,Rationale: True labor is characterized by regular contractions that become
stronger, longer, and closer together over time. The frequency and duration
described indicate active, progressive labor.
3. Which finding is the most reliable indicator that true labor has begun?
A) Bloody show
B) Rupture of membranes
C) Cervical dilation and effacement
D) Lower back pain
Correct Answer: Cervical dilation and effacement
Rationale: Progressive cervical change confirms true labor. Bloody show,
membrane rupture, and back pain can occur without labor or in false labor; only
cervical change definitively establishes labor.
4. A client asks how to distinguish true labor from false labor. The nurse's best
response is that true labor contractions:
A) Are relieved by walking
B) Remain irregular and mild
C) Become stronger and closer together, and cervical change occurs
D) Only occur at night
Correct Answer: Become stronger and closer together, and cervical change
occurs
, Rationale: True labor is progressive: contractions intensify, frequency increases,
and the cervix dilates. False labor is irregular and non-progressive. Walking
usually intensifies true labor.
5. A pregnant client at 39 weeks calls the clinic and states, "My contractions are
5 minutes apart and I can't talk through them." The nurse should advise:
A) "Wait until contractions are 2 minutes apart."
B) "Come to the hospital now for evaluation."
C) "Take a warm bath and see if they stop."
D) "You are likely in false labor."
Correct Answer: "Come to the hospital now for evaluation."
Rationale: Contractions 5 minutes apart with significant intensity in a term
client suggest active labor. The nurse should direct the client to come in for
assessment to ensure safe delivery.
6. Using Naegele's rule, the nurse calculates the estimated date of delivery for a
client whose last menstrual period started on June 15. What is the EDD?
A) March 8
B) March 22
C) April 1
D) March 15
Correct Answer: March 22
(2026) Actual Q&A PDF | Galen College
1. A client at 38 weeks gestation reports contractions that are irregular and stop
when she walks. The nurse identifies these as:
A) True labor
B) Braxton Hicks contractions
C) Active labor
D) Transition phase contractions
Correct Answer: Braxton Hicks contractions
Rationale: Braxton Hicks (false labor) contractions are irregular, do not intensify,
and often subside with walking or rest. True labor contractions are regular and
progressive. This client's pattern is consistent with false labor.
2. The nurse is assessing a laboring client whose contractions are occurring
every 3 minutes, lasting 60 seconds, and increasing in intensity. This describes:
A) False labor
B) True labor
C) Prodromal labor
D) Preterm labor
Correct Answer: True labor
,Rationale: True labor is characterized by regular contractions that become
stronger, longer, and closer together over time. The frequency and duration
described indicate active, progressive labor.
3. Which finding is the most reliable indicator that true labor has begun?
A) Bloody show
B) Rupture of membranes
C) Cervical dilation and effacement
D) Lower back pain
Correct Answer: Cervical dilation and effacement
Rationale: Progressive cervical change confirms true labor. Bloody show,
membrane rupture, and back pain can occur without labor or in false labor; only
cervical change definitively establishes labor.
4. A client asks how to distinguish true labor from false labor. The nurse's best
response is that true labor contractions:
A) Are relieved by walking
B) Remain irregular and mild
C) Become stronger and closer together, and cervical change occurs
D) Only occur at night
Correct Answer: Become stronger and closer together, and cervical change
occurs
, Rationale: True labor is progressive: contractions intensify, frequency increases,
and the cervix dilates. False labor is irregular and non-progressive. Walking
usually intensifies true labor.
5. A pregnant client at 39 weeks calls the clinic and states, "My contractions are
5 minutes apart and I can't talk through them." The nurse should advise:
A) "Wait until contractions are 2 minutes apart."
B) "Come to the hospital now for evaluation."
C) "Take a warm bath and see if they stop."
D) "You are likely in false labor."
Correct Answer: "Come to the hospital now for evaluation."
Rationale: Contractions 5 minutes apart with significant intensity in a term
client suggest active labor. The nurse should direct the client to come in for
assessment to ensure safe delivery.
6. Using Naegele's rule, the nurse calculates the estimated date of delivery for a
client whose last menstrual period started on June 15. What is the EDD?
A) March 8
B) March 22
C) April 1
D) March 15
Correct Answer: March 22
