NUR 231 MATERNAL NURSING
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is calculating a client’s expected date of delivery using Naegele’s rule. The client’s
last menstrual period began on May 10th. What is the EDD?
A. February 10th
B. February 3rd
C. February 17th
D. March 17th
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Naegele’s rule is calculated by subtracting 3 months and adding
7 days and 1 year to the first day of the last menstrual period.
2. Which of the following is considered a positive sign of pregnancy?
A. Positive pregnancy test
B. Amenorrhea
C. Chadwick’s sign
D. Fetal heart tones heard via Doppler
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Positive signs of pregnancy are those that can be attributed only
to the presence of a fetus, such as fetal heart tones, ultrasound visualization, or palpation of
fetal movement by a clinician.
3. A client at 32 weeks gestation is diagnosed with placenta previa. Which of the following is
the most characteristic finding?
A. Severe abdominal pain
B. Board-like, rigid abdomen
C. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
D. Continuous dark red vaginal bleeding
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Placenta previa is characterized by painless, bright red bleeding,
whereas abruptio placentae typically presents with pain and a rigid abdomen.
4. What is the primary purpose of administering Magnesium Sulfate to a client with
preeclampsia?
A. To lower blood pressure
B. To increase urinary output
C. To prevent seizures
D. To slow down contractions
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium Sulfate is an anticonvulsant used in preeclampsia to
prevent seizures (eclampsia), not primarily as an antihypertensive.
5. A nurse assesses a newborn and notes a blue tint to the hands and feet, while the trunk is
pink. How should the nurse document this?
A. Central cyanosis
B. Harlequin sign
C. Mottling
D. Acrocyanosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Acrocyanosis is a normal finding in the first 24-48 hours of life,
characterized by peripheral cyanosis of the extremities.
6. Which medication is the antidote for Magnesium Sulfate toxicity?
A. Naloxone
B. Calcium Gluconate
C. Terbutaline
D. Vitamin K
Answer: B
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is calculating a client’s expected date of delivery using Naegele’s rule. The client’s
last menstrual period began on May 10th. What is the EDD?
A. February 10th
B. February 3rd
C. February 17th
D. March 17th
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Naegele’s rule is calculated by subtracting 3 months and adding
7 days and 1 year to the first day of the last menstrual period.
2. Which of the following is considered a positive sign of pregnancy?
A. Positive pregnancy test
B. Amenorrhea
C. Chadwick’s sign
D. Fetal heart tones heard via Doppler
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Positive signs of pregnancy are those that can be attributed only
to the presence of a fetus, such as fetal heart tones, ultrasound visualization, or palpation of
fetal movement by a clinician.
3. A client at 32 weeks gestation is diagnosed with placenta previa. Which of the following is
the most characteristic finding?
A. Severe abdominal pain
B. Board-like, rigid abdomen
C. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
D. Continuous dark red vaginal bleeding
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Placenta previa is characterized by painless, bright red bleeding,
whereas abruptio placentae typically presents with pain and a rigid abdomen.
4. What is the primary purpose of administering Magnesium Sulfate to a client with
preeclampsia?
A. To lower blood pressure
B. To increase urinary output
C. To prevent seizures
D. To slow down contractions
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium Sulfate is an anticonvulsant used in preeclampsia to
prevent seizures (eclampsia), not primarily as an antihypertensive.
5. A nurse assesses a newborn and notes a blue tint to the hands and feet, while the trunk is
pink. How should the nurse document this?
A. Central cyanosis
B. Harlequin sign
C. Mottling
D. Acrocyanosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Acrocyanosis is a normal finding in the first 24-48 hours of life,
characterized by peripheral cyanosis of the extremities.
6. Which medication is the antidote for Magnesium Sulfate toxicity?
A. Naloxone
B. Calcium Gluconate
C. Terbutaline
D. Vitamin K
Answer: B
