APEA WOMEN'S HEALTH FINAL EXAM
& PRACTICE EXAM 5 2026 question and
answers
Question 1
A 24-year-old G1P0 woman presents to the prenatal clinic at 9 weeks' gestation for her first
prenatal visit. She has a history of obesity (BMI 34 kg/m²), chronic hypertension controlled with
labetalol, and a previous diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). She is concerned
because her older sister developed severe preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Vital signs are:
• Blood pressure: 138/84 mmHg
• Heart rate: 82 beats/min
• Temperature: 98.4°F (36.9°C)
Urinalysis is negative for protein.
Which maternal factor places this patient at the highest risk for developing preeclampsia?
A. Age younger than 25 years
B. Chronic hypertension
C. Nulliparity alone
D. PCOS without other risk factors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Chronic hypertension is a major risk factor for superimposed preeclampsia. Additional risk
factors include obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, multifetal
gestation, and previous history of preeclampsia.
Question 2
At 31 weeks' gestation, the same patient returns complaining of severe headache, visual
disturbances, and swelling of her hands and face.
,APEA WOMEN'S HEALTH FINAL EXAM
& PRACTICE EXAM 5 2026 question and
answers
Assessment findings include:
• BP: 170/112 mmHg
• Urine protein: 3+
• Hyperreflexia
• Mild right upper quadrant tenderness
Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Gestational hypertension
B. Severe preeclampsia
C. Chronic hypertension
D. HELLP syndrome without preeclampsia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Severe preeclampsia is diagnosed when hypertension occurs after 20 weeks with severe blood
pressure elevations and evidence of organ involvement such as severe headache, visual changes,
proteinuria, or liver involvement.
Question 3
Which medication should be administered immediately to reduce this patient's risk of developing
eclamptic seizures?
A. Oxytocin
B. Magnesium sulfate
C. Penicillin G
D. Misoprostol
, APEA WOMEN'S HEALTH FINAL EXAM
& PRACTICE EXAM 5 2026 question and
answers
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Magnesium sulfate is the drug of choice for seizure prophylaxis and treatment in women with
severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Question 4
A nurse is monitoring a woman receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate.
Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
B. Blood pressure of 150/94 mmHg
C. Heart rate of 88 beats/min
D. Mild facial flushing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Respiratory depression is a sign of magnesium toxicity. Additional findings include absent deep
tendon reflexes and decreased urine output. Calcium gluconate is the antidote.
Question 5
A 36-week pregnant woman arrives in the emergency department after noticing sudden painless
bright-red vaginal bleeding. She denies contractions and fetal movement remains normal.
Which diagnosis is most likely?
& PRACTICE EXAM 5 2026 question and
answers
Question 1
A 24-year-old G1P0 woman presents to the prenatal clinic at 9 weeks' gestation for her first
prenatal visit. She has a history of obesity (BMI 34 kg/m²), chronic hypertension controlled with
labetalol, and a previous diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). She is concerned
because her older sister developed severe preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Vital signs are:
• Blood pressure: 138/84 mmHg
• Heart rate: 82 beats/min
• Temperature: 98.4°F (36.9°C)
Urinalysis is negative for protein.
Which maternal factor places this patient at the highest risk for developing preeclampsia?
A. Age younger than 25 years
B. Chronic hypertension
C. Nulliparity alone
D. PCOS without other risk factors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Chronic hypertension is a major risk factor for superimposed preeclampsia. Additional risk
factors include obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, multifetal
gestation, and previous history of preeclampsia.
Question 2
At 31 weeks' gestation, the same patient returns complaining of severe headache, visual
disturbances, and swelling of her hands and face.
,APEA WOMEN'S HEALTH FINAL EXAM
& PRACTICE EXAM 5 2026 question and
answers
Assessment findings include:
• BP: 170/112 mmHg
• Urine protein: 3+
• Hyperreflexia
• Mild right upper quadrant tenderness
Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Gestational hypertension
B. Severe preeclampsia
C. Chronic hypertension
D. HELLP syndrome without preeclampsia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Severe preeclampsia is diagnosed when hypertension occurs after 20 weeks with severe blood
pressure elevations and evidence of organ involvement such as severe headache, visual changes,
proteinuria, or liver involvement.
Question 3
Which medication should be administered immediately to reduce this patient's risk of developing
eclamptic seizures?
A. Oxytocin
B. Magnesium sulfate
C. Penicillin G
D. Misoprostol
, APEA WOMEN'S HEALTH FINAL EXAM
& PRACTICE EXAM 5 2026 question and
answers
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Magnesium sulfate is the drug of choice for seizure prophylaxis and treatment in women with
severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Question 4
A nurse is monitoring a woman receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate.
Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
B. Blood pressure of 150/94 mmHg
C. Heart rate of 88 beats/min
D. Mild facial flushing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Respiratory depression is a sign of magnesium toxicity. Additional findings include absent deep
tendon reflexes and decreased urine output. Calcium gluconate is the antidote.
Question 5
A 36-week pregnant woman arrives in the emergency department after noticing sudden painless
bright-red vaginal bleeding. She denies contractions and fetal movement remains normal.
Which diagnosis is most likely?
