RNSG 1517 A Maternity Exam | Complete
Questions with Correct Answers and
Detailed Rationales - Latest Update 2026
SECTION 1: ANTEPARTUM CARE & ASSESSMENT
1. Naegele's rule is used to calculate the estimated date of delivery by:
A. Adding 3 months and 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period, then
subtracting 1 year
B. Adding 9 months to the date of conception only
C. Counting 280 days from the date of the first missed period
D. Adding 6 months to the last menstrual period
Answer: A
Rationale: Naegele's rule takes the first day of the last menstrual period, subtracts 3
months, and adds 7 days (and 1 year if needed), producing an estimated 280-day
gestation from LMP.
2. Fundal height measurement in centimeters correlates approximately with
gestational age in weeks between which weeks of pregnancy?
,A. 12 to 16 weeks
B. 20 to 34 weeks
C. 36 to 40 weeks only
D. It never correlates with gestational age
Answer: B
Rationale: Between approximately 20 and 34 weeks, fundal height in centimeters
roughly equals gestational age in weeks, making it a useful screening tool for fetal
growth.
3. Quickening refers to:
A. The mother's first perception of fetal movement
B. The moment of implantation
C. The onset of true labor contractions
D. Rupture of membranes
Answer: A
Rationale: Quickening is the maternal sensation of first fetal movement, typically felt
between 16 and 20 weeks gestation, and is considered a probable sign of pregnancy.
4. Which of the following is classified as a presumptive sign of pregnancy rather
than a probable or positive sign?
A. Positive serum hCG
B. Ballottement
,C. Amenorrhea and nausea
D. Visualization of the fetus via ultrasound
Answer: C
Rationale: Presumptive signs (amenorrhea, nausea, breast changes) are subjective and
can have other causes; probable signs (hCG, ballottement) are more objective; positive
signs (fetal heartbeat, ultrasound visualization, palpation of fetal movement by
examiner) confirm pregnancy.
5. A client at 39 weeks gestation is in active labor. The nurse notes that the fetal
heart rate baseline is 135 bpm with moderate variability and occasional early
decelerations. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
A. Notify the provider immediately
B. Continue to monitor; these are reassuring findings
C. Administer oxygen via face mask
D. Prepare for an emergency cesarean section
Answer: B
Rationale: A fetal heart rate of 135 bpm is within the normal range (110-160 bpm).
Moderate variability (6-25 bpm amplitude) is reassuring and indicates an intact fetal
nervous system. Early decelerations are benign and caused by fetal head compression.
No intervention is needed; continued monitoring is appropriate.
6. A client at 32 weeks gestation is diagnosed with preeclampsia. Which of the
following laboratory findings would indicate the presence of HELLP syndrome?
, A. Elevated platelet count
B. Decreased liver enzymes
C. Hemolysis (elevated LDH and indirect bilirubin)
D. Elevated serum glucose
Answer: C
Rationale: HELLP syndrome is characterized by Hemolysis (elevated LDH and indirect
bilirubin), Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count.
7. A woman at 28 weeks gestation presents with vaginal bleeding and mild
abdominal pain. Upon assessment, the nurse notes a soft, non-rigid abdomen.
What is the most likely cause?
A. Placental abruption
B. Placenta previa
C. Vasa previa
D. Uterine rupture
Answer: B
Rationale: Placenta previa typically presents with bright red vaginal bleeding and a soft,
non-rigid abdomen since the placenta covers the cervical opening. Placental abruption
presents with a rigid, painful abdomen, while uterine rupture involves severe pain and
rigidity.
8. A woman who is gravida 4, para 2 has given birth to twins in her last pregnancy.
What is her correct GTPAL designation?
Questions with Correct Answers and
Detailed Rationales - Latest Update 2026
SECTION 1: ANTEPARTUM CARE & ASSESSMENT
1. Naegele's rule is used to calculate the estimated date of delivery by:
A. Adding 3 months and 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period, then
subtracting 1 year
B. Adding 9 months to the date of conception only
C. Counting 280 days from the date of the first missed period
D. Adding 6 months to the last menstrual period
Answer: A
Rationale: Naegele's rule takes the first day of the last menstrual period, subtracts 3
months, and adds 7 days (and 1 year if needed), producing an estimated 280-day
gestation from LMP.
2. Fundal height measurement in centimeters correlates approximately with
gestational age in weeks between which weeks of pregnancy?
,A. 12 to 16 weeks
B. 20 to 34 weeks
C. 36 to 40 weeks only
D. It never correlates with gestational age
Answer: B
Rationale: Between approximately 20 and 34 weeks, fundal height in centimeters
roughly equals gestational age in weeks, making it a useful screening tool for fetal
growth.
3. Quickening refers to:
A. The mother's first perception of fetal movement
B. The moment of implantation
C. The onset of true labor contractions
D. Rupture of membranes
Answer: A
Rationale: Quickening is the maternal sensation of first fetal movement, typically felt
between 16 and 20 weeks gestation, and is considered a probable sign of pregnancy.
4. Which of the following is classified as a presumptive sign of pregnancy rather
than a probable or positive sign?
A. Positive serum hCG
B. Ballottement
,C. Amenorrhea and nausea
D. Visualization of the fetus via ultrasound
Answer: C
Rationale: Presumptive signs (amenorrhea, nausea, breast changes) are subjective and
can have other causes; probable signs (hCG, ballottement) are more objective; positive
signs (fetal heartbeat, ultrasound visualization, palpation of fetal movement by
examiner) confirm pregnancy.
5. A client at 39 weeks gestation is in active labor. The nurse notes that the fetal
heart rate baseline is 135 bpm with moderate variability and occasional early
decelerations. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
A. Notify the provider immediately
B. Continue to monitor; these are reassuring findings
C. Administer oxygen via face mask
D. Prepare for an emergency cesarean section
Answer: B
Rationale: A fetal heart rate of 135 bpm is within the normal range (110-160 bpm).
Moderate variability (6-25 bpm amplitude) is reassuring and indicates an intact fetal
nervous system. Early decelerations are benign and caused by fetal head compression.
No intervention is needed; continued monitoring is appropriate.
6. A client at 32 weeks gestation is diagnosed with preeclampsia. Which of the
following laboratory findings would indicate the presence of HELLP syndrome?
, A. Elevated platelet count
B. Decreased liver enzymes
C. Hemolysis (elevated LDH and indirect bilirubin)
D. Elevated serum glucose
Answer: C
Rationale: HELLP syndrome is characterized by Hemolysis (elevated LDH and indirect
bilirubin), Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count.
7. A woman at 28 weeks gestation presents with vaginal bleeding and mild
abdominal pain. Upon assessment, the nurse notes a soft, non-rigid abdomen.
What is the most likely cause?
A. Placental abruption
B. Placenta previa
C. Vasa previa
D. Uterine rupture
Answer: B
Rationale: Placenta previa typically presents with bright red vaginal bleeding and a soft,
non-rigid abdomen since the placenta covers the cervical opening. Placental abruption
presents with a rigid, painful abdomen, while uterine rupture involves severe pain and
rigidity.
8. A woman who is gravida 4, para 2 has given birth to twins in her last pregnancy.
What is her correct GTPAL designation?
