NUR 254 Exam 1 – 200 Practice Questions with Answers &
Detailed Explanations for Maternal-Newborn & Pediatric
Nursing (Galen College / 2026-2028)
Ace the NUR 254 Exam 1! 200 practice questions with verified answers and detailed explanations
covering antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, newborn assessment, high-risk pregnancy
(preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta previa), pediatric growth & development, and
pediatric disorders. Aligned with Galen College NUR 254 curriculum. Pass first try – download now!
Table of Contents:
Section 1: Foundations of Maternal Nursing & Antepartum Care (Questions 1–40)
Section 2: High-Risk Childbearing (Questions 41–80)
Section 3: Intrapartum Nursing (Questions 81–110)
Section 4: Newborn Assessment & Transition (Questions 111–140)
Section 5: Pediatric Nursing – Growth & Development (Questions 141–170)
Section 6: Pediatric Disorders & Emergencies (Questions 171–200)
Includes: Answer Key with Detailed Explanations for Every Question
Covers: NUR 254 Exam 1, Antepartum Care, High-Risk Pregnancy, Intrapartum Nursing, Newborn
Assessment, Pediatric Growth & Development, and Pediatric Disorders
Section 1: Foundations of Maternal Nursing & Antepartum Care (Questions 1-40)
1. A pregnant patient's last normal menstrual period (LNMP) began on May 4th. Using
Naegele's rule, what is the estimated date of delivery (EDD)?
,A. February 1st
B. February 11th
C. January 28th
D. February 18th
Answer: B. February 11th
Explanation: Naegele's rule: subtract 3 months from the first day of the LNMP and add 7
days. May 4 minus 3 months = February 4; February 4 plus 7 days = February 11.
2. A nurse is assessing a pregnant patient at 12 weeks gestation. Which of the
following is a PRESUMPTIVE sign of pregnancy?
A. Chadwick's sign
B. Positive pregnancy test
C. Hegar's sign
D. Breast tenderness and fatigue
Answer: D. Breast tenderness and fatigue
Explanation: Presumptive signs are subjective changes reported by the patient
(amenorrhea, N&V, breast changes, fatigue, frequent urination). Chadwick's, Hegar's, and
positive pregnancy tests are probable signs detected by the examiner.
3. The nurse is assessing a client at 34 weeks gestation. Which finding requires
immediate intervention?
,A. Blood pressure 140/90 mmHg
B. Mild ankle edema
C. Fetal heart rate 150 bpm
D. Urine protein 2+
Answer: D. Urine protein 2+
Explanation: Proteinuria (≥1+ or 30 mg/dL) combined with elevated blood pressure
suggests preeclampsia. Mild edema is common in late pregnancy. BP 140/90 is concerning
but proteinuria is the more definitive finding requiring immediate action.
4. Which of the following is a PROBABLE sign of pregnancy that the nurse may
detect during physical examination?
A. Amenorrhea
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Goodell's sign (softening of the cervix)
D. Fetal movement felt by the mother
Answer: C. Goodell's sign (softening of the cervix)
Explanation: Goodell's sign (softening of the cervix) is a probable sign detected by the
examiner. Amenorrhea, nausea, and maternal perception of fetal movement are
presumptive signs (subjective). Positive pregnancy test, Chadwick's sign, Hegar's sign, and
uterine enlargement are also probable signs.
5. A primigravida at 28 weeks gestation presents with sudden swelling of the face
and hands, headache, and blurred vision. What is the priority nursing action?
, A. Encourage rest and hydration
B. Assess blood pressure and notify the provider
C. Administer prenatal vitamins
D. Monitor fetal heart rate only
Answer: B. Assess blood pressure and notify the provider
Explanation: These are classic signs of preeclampsia. Early detection and intervention
(including blood pressure assessment and provider notification) are essential to prevent
maternal and fetal complications.
6. The nurse is teaching a client who is 18 weeks pregnant about preparing her 7-
year-old daughter for the new sibling. Which recommendation is best?
A. "Tell your daughter the story of her own birth."
B. "Use your pregnancy to begin basic human sexuality education."
C. "Teach your daughter how to hold and talk to the baby using her favorite doll."
D. "Wait to discuss the birth of the baby until your daughter asks about it."
Answer: C. "Teach your daughter how to hold and talk to the baby using her favorite
doll."
Explanation: School-age children benefit from age-appropriate involvement. Demonstrating
baby care with a doll helps the child understand and practice new roles, reducing anxiety
and fostering a positive sibling relationship.
Detailed Explanations for Maternal-Newborn & Pediatric
Nursing (Galen College / 2026-2028)
Ace the NUR 254 Exam 1! 200 practice questions with verified answers and detailed explanations
covering antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, newborn assessment, high-risk pregnancy
(preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta previa), pediatric growth & development, and
pediatric disorders. Aligned with Galen College NUR 254 curriculum. Pass first try – download now!
Table of Contents:
Section 1: Foundations of Maternal Nursing & Antepartum Care (Questions 1–40)
Section 2: High-Risk Childbearing (Questions 41–80)
Section 3: Intrapartum Nursing (Questions 81–110)
Section 4: Newborn Assessment & Transition (Questions 111–140)
Section 5: Pediatric Nursing – Growth & Development (Questions 141–170)
Section 6: Pediatric Disorders & Emergencies (Questions 171–200)
Includes: Answer Key with Detailed Explanations for Every Question
Covers: NUR 254 Exam 1, Antepartum Care, High-Risk Pregnancy, Intrapartum Nursing, Newborn
Assessment, Pediatric Growth & Development, and Pediatric Disorders
Section 1: Foundations of Maternal Nursing & Antepartum Care (Questions 1-40)
1. A pregnant patient's last normal menstrual period (LNMP) began on May 4th. Using
Naegele's rule, what is the estimated date of delivery (EDD)?
,A. February 1st
B. February 11th
C. January 28th
D. February 18th
Answer: B. February 11th
Explanation: Naegele's rule: subtract 3 months from the first day of the LNMP and add 7
days. May 4 minus 3 months = February 4; February 4 plus 7 days = February 11.
2. A nurse is assessing a pregnant patient at 12 weeks gestation. Which of the
following is a PRESUMPTIVE sign of pregnancy?
A. Chadwick's sign
B. Positive pregnancy test
C. Hegar's sign
D. Breast tenderness and fatigue
Answer: D. Breast tenderness and fatigue
Explanation: Presumptive signs are subjective changes reported by the patient
(amenorrhea, N&V, breast changes, fatigue, frequent urination). Chadwick's, Hegar's, and
positive pregnancy tests are probable signs detected by the examiner.
3. The nurse is assessing a client at 34 weeks gestation. Which finding requires
immediate intervention?
,A. Blood pressure 140/90 mmHg
B. Mild ankle edema
C. Fetal heart rate 150 bpm
D. Urine protein 2+
Answer: D. Urine protein 2+
Explanation: Proteinuria (≥1+ or 30 mg/dL) combined with elevated blood pressure
suggests preeclampsia. Mild edema is common in late pregnancy. BP 140/90 is concerning
but proteinuria is the more definitive finding requiring immediate action.
4. Which of the following is a PROBABLE sign of pregnancy that the nurse may
detect during physical examination?
A. Amenorrhea
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Goodell's sign (softening of the cervix)
D. Fetal movement felt by the mother
Answer: C. Goodell's sign (softening of the cervix)
Explanation: Goodell's sign (softening of the cervix) is a probable sign detected by the
examiner. Amenorrhea, nausea, and maternal perception of fetal movement are
presumptive signs (subjective). Positive pregnancy test, Chadwick's sign, Hegar's sign, and
uterine enlargement are also probable signs.
5. A primigravida at 28 weeks gestation presents with sudden swelling of the face
and hands, headache, and blurred vision. What is the priority nursing action?
, A. Encourage rest and hydration
B. Assess blood pressure and notify the provider
C. Administer prenatal vitamins
D. Monitor fetal heart rate only
Answer: B. Assess blood pressure and notify the provider
Explanation: These are classic signs of preeclampsia. Early detection and intervention
(including blood pressure assessment and provider notification) are essential to prevent
maternal and fetal complications.
6. The nurse is teaching a client who is 18 weeks pregnant about preparing her 7-
year-old daughter for the new sibling. Which recommendation is best?
A. "Tell your daughter the story of her own birth."
B. "Use your pregnancy to begin basic human sexuality education."
C. "Teach your daughter how to hold and talk to the baby using her favorite doll."
D. "Wait to discuss the birth of the baby until your daughter asks about it."
Answer: C. "Teach your daughter how to hold and talk to the baby using her favorite
doll."
Explanation: School-age children benefit from age-appropriate involvement. Demonstrating
baby care with a doll helps the child understand and practice new roles, reducing anxiety
and fostering a positive sibling relationship.
