KAPLAN OBSTETRIC NURSING
ASSESSMENT EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE Q&A BANK WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS &
DETAILED RATIONALES
250+ Practice Questions | Antepartum, Intrapartum, Postpartum
& Newborn Care | 2026/2027 Update | NGN-Style
SECTION 1: ANTEPARTUM CARE & PRENATAL
ASSESSMENT
Question 1
A pregnant client at 28 weeks gestation presents with bright red vaginal bleeding and
no abdominal pain. The nurse suspects which condition?
A. Placenta previa
B. Placental abruption
C. Vasa previa
D. Bloody show
Correct Answer: A. Placenta previa
Rationale: Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester is the
classic presentation of placenta previa, where the placenta implants over or near the
,cervical opening. Placental abruption typically presents with painful bleeding and
uterine tenderness. Vasa previa involves fetal blood loss with membrane rupture, and
bloody show is mucous-related with labor onset.
Question 2
A client at 10 weeks gestation reports severe nausea and vomiting. What is the priority
concern?
A. Hyperemesis gravidarum
B. Gestational diabetes
C. Placenta previa
D. Preterm labor
Correct Answer: A. Hyperemesis gravidarum
Rationale: Excessive vomiting in early pregnancy can lead to dehydration, electrolyte
imbalances, and weight loss. Hyperemesis gravidarum requires medical intervention to
prevent complications.
Question 3
A client at 16 weeks gestation reports vaginal spotting, no passage of fetal tissue, and
mild uterine cramping. On examination, the client's cervix is closed. The nurse prepares
to implement care for which potential problem?
A. Threatened abortion
B. Inevitable abortion
C. Complete abortion
D. Ectopic pregnancy
,Correct Answer: A. Threatened abortion
Rationale: Vaginal spotting with a closed cervix and no passage of tissue indicates a
threatened abortion. The pregnancy may continue or may progress to inevitable
abortion.
Question 4
A pregnant woman is scheduled for an AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) screening. The client
asks why she needs this test. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "This test helps confirm the presence of a neural tube defect."
B. "This test determines the baby's gender."
C. "This test checks for gestational diabetes."
D. "This test measures the baby's lung maturity."
Correct Answer: A. "This test helps confirm the presence of a neural tube defect."
Rationale: AFP screening is used to detect neural tube defects such as spina bifida and
anencephaly. Elevated AFP levels may indicate these conditions.
Question 5
Which lab value is expected in normal pregnancy?
A. Decreased hemoglobin
B. Increased hemoglobin
C. Decreased white blood cell count
D. Increased platelet count
, Correct Answer: A. Decreased hemoglobin
Rationale: Hemoglobin decreases in pregnancy due to hemodilution from increased
plasma volume. This physiologic anemia of pregnancy is normal.
Question 6
Which position is best for a pregnant client experiencing supine hypotension?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. Left lateral
D. High Fowler's
Correct Answer: C. Left lateral
Rationale: The left lateral position relieves pressure on the inferior vena cava, improving
venous return and circulation. This position is also used to improve uteroplacental
perfusion.
Question 7
The nurse teaches a client about birth control methods. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. "I can use condoms and spermicide together for better protection."
B. "Birth control pills protect against STDs."
C. "I only need birth control during ovulation."
D. "Condoms alone are 100% effective."
ASSESSMENT EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE Q&A BANK WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS &
DETAILED RATIONALES
250+ Practice Questions | Antepartum, Intrapartum, Postpartum
& Newborn Care | 2026/2027 Update | NGN-Style
SECTION 1: ANTEPARTUM CARE & PRENATAL
ASSESSMENT
Question 1
A pregnant client at 28 weeks gestation presents with bright red vaginal bleeding and
no abdominal pain. The nurse suspects which condition?
A. Placenta previa
B. Placental abruption
C. Vasa previa
D. Bloody show
Correct Answer: A. Placenta previa
Rationale: Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester is the
classic presentation of placenta previa, where the placenta implants over or near the
,cervical opening. Placental abruption typically presents with painful bleeding and
uterine tenderness. Vasa previa involves fetal blood loss with membrane rupture, and
bloody show is mucous-related with labor onset.
Question 2
A client at 10 weeks gestation reports severe nausea and vomiting. What is the priority
concern?
A. Hyperemesis gravidarum
B. Gestational diabetes
C. Placenta previa
D. Preterm labor
Correct Answer: A. Hyperemesis gravidarum
Rationale: Excessive vomiting in early pregnancy can lead to dehydration, electrolyte
imbalances, and weight loss. Hyperemesis gravidarum requires medical intervention to
prevent complications.
Question 3
A client at 16 weeks gestation reports vaginal spotting, no passage of fetal tissue, and
mild uterine cramping. On examination, the client's cervix is closed. The nurse prepares
to implement care for which potential problem?
A. Threatened abortion
B. Inevitable abortion
C. Complete abortion
D. Ectopic pregnancy
,Correct Answer: A. Threatened abortion
Rationale: Vaginal spotting with a closed cervix and no passage of tissue indicates a
threatened abortion. The pregnancy may continue or may progress to inevitable
abortion.
Question 4
A pregnant woman is scheduled for an AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) screening. The client
asks why she needs this test. What is the nurse's best response?
A. "This test helps confirm the presence of a neural tube defect."
B. "This test determines the baby's gender."
C. "This test checks for gestational diabetes."
D. "This test measures the baby's lung maturity."
Correct Answer: A. "This test helps confirm the presence of a neural tube defect."
Rationale: AFP screening is used to detect neural tube defects such as spina bifida and
anencephaly. Elevated AFP levels may indicate these conditions.
Question 5
Which lab value is expected in normal pregnancy?
A. Decreased hemoglobin
B. Increased hemoglobin
C. Decreased white blood cell count
D. Increased platelet count
, Correct Answer: A. Decreased hemoglobin
Rationale: Hemoglobin decreases in pregnancy due to hemodilution from increased
plasma volume. This physiologic anemia of pregnancy is normal.
Question 6
Which position is best for a pregnant client experiencing supine hypotension?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. Left lateral
D. High Fowler's
Correct Answer: C. Left lateral
Rationale: The left lateral position relieves pressure on the inferior vena cava, improving
venous return and circulation. This position is also used to improve uteroplacental
perfusion.
Question 7
The nurse teaches a client about birth control methods. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. "I can use condoms and spermicide together for better protection."
B. "Birth control pills protect against STDs."
C. "I only need birth control during ovulation."
D. "Condoms alone are 100% effective."
