[INTRODUCTORY MATERNITY AND PEDIATRIC NURSING PRACTICE TEST
2025/2026] – EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | 2026/27 LATEST
UPDATE | EXAM PREP | STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE TEST
1. A 32-week gestation client presents to the obstetric triage unit reporting a
sudden onset of sharp, localized abdominal pain accompanied by vaginal
bleeding. On assessment, the client's uterus is firm and tender to palpation,
and fetal heart tones are bradycardic at 100 beats per minute. Which
intervention should the nurse anticipate as the priority?
A. Administer a tocolytic agent.
B. Prepare the client for an emergency cesarean birth.
C. Initiate an intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate.
D. Perform a sterile vaginal examination to assess cervical dilation.
Correct Answer: B. Prepare the client for an emergency cesarean birth.
*Rationale: * This clinical presentation is highly suspicious for placental abruption,
a life-threatening obstetric emergency where the placenta prematurely separates
from the uterine wall. The sudden onset of pain, a rigid/tender uterus, and fetal
bradycardia indicate significant hemorrhage and fetal compromise. The priority is
rapid delivery of the fetus to save both maternal and fetal lives, making
preparation for an emergency cesarean birth the most critical intervention.
Tocolytic agents (A) are contraindicated as they would delay necessary delivery
and could worsen hemorrhage. Magnesium sulfate (C) is used for seizure
prophylaxis in preeclampsia, not for abruption. A sterile vaginal exam (D) is
contraindicated in the presence of active vaginal bleeding until the source is
,determined, as it could exacerbate the bleeding or disrupt a potential placenta
previa, though this presentation is more indicative of abruption.
2. A nurse is providing education to a new mother who is 24 hours postpartum
and has chosen to breastfeed her infant. The mother reports that her nipples
are becoming sore and cracked. Which of the following instructions is most
appropriate to prevent further trauma and promote healing?
A. Apply topical antibiotic ointment to the nipples after each feeding.
B. Limit each breastfeeding session to 5 minutes on each breast to reduce friction.
C. Ensure the infant's mouth is opened wide and the baby is correctly latched
onto the areola, not just the nipple.
D. Clean the nipples with soap and water before and after each feeding to
prevent infection.
Correct Answer: C. Ensure the infant's mouth is opened wide and the baby is
correctly latched onto the areola, not just the nipple.
*Rationale: * Sore and cracked nipples in breastfeeding mothers are most
frequently caused by an improper latch, where the infant sucks only on the nipple
rather than the surrounding areola. Correcting the latch is the most effective and
evidence-based intervention to prevent further trauma and allow healing. Topical
antibiotic ointment (A) is not recommended for routine nipple care and could be
ingested by the infant. Restricting feeding time (B) can lead to infant hunger,
decreased milk supply, and does not address the root cause of the friction. Soap
(D) is drying and can strip the areola of its natural protective oils, worsening
nipple cracking and soreness.
3. The nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant in the pediatric clinic for a
routine well-child visit. Which developmental milestone is the nurse most likely
,to observe that is characteristic for this age?
A. Sitting independently without support.
B. Transferring a toy from one hand to the other.
C. Walking while holding onto furniture.
D. Grasping a small object with a crude pincer grasp.
Correct Answer: B. Transferring a toy from one hand to the other.
*Rationale: * Transferring objects from one hand to the other is a fine motor skill
typically acquired by a 6-month-old infant. This is an expected milestone. Sitting
without support (A) is typically achieved around 8 months; walking while holding
furniture (cruising) (C) is a milestone for a 10-12 month old; and a crude pincer
grasp (D) generally emerges between 9 and 10 months.
4. A 25-year-old primigravida client at 38 weeks gestation is in the active phase
of labor. She requests an epidural for pain relief. Prior to the epidural
placement, which nursing action is the priority?
A. Administer a 500 mL bolus of lactated Ringer's solution.
B. Assess the client's coagulation status by reviewing her platelet count.
C. Have the client empty her bladder.
D. Position the client in a left lateral tilt position.
Correct Answer: B. Assess the client's coagulation status by reviewing her
platelet count.
*Rationale: * The most serious risk associated with epidural placement is an
epidural hematoma, which can lead to permanent neurologic damage. A key risk
factor for this complication is a coagulopathy, often indicated by a low platelet
count. Therefore, reviewing the client's most recent platelet count to ensure it is
, within a safe range (typically >100,000/mm³) is the absolute priority before
proceeding with this invasive procedure. While administering a fluid bolus (A),
having the client void (C), and positioning (D) are all standard preparations for an
epidural, they are not the priority when considering patient safety related to the
most significant potential complication.
5. The nurse is caring for a 2-day-old newborn with physiological jaundice. The
infant is receiving phototherapy. Which of the following nursing interventions
is most important to include in the plan of care for this infant?
A. Keep the infant in a supine position at all times.
B. Cover the infant's eyes with opaque eye shields.
C. Apply lotion to the infant's skin to prevent dryness.
D. Feed the infant 10 mL of sterile water every 4 hours.
Correct Answer: B. Cover the infant's eyes with opaque eye shields.
*Rationale: * The primary safety concern during phototherapy is retinal damage
from the intense, high-energy light. The infant's eyes must be protected with
opaque eye shields that are properly positioned and checked frequently.
Positioning should be changed frequently to expose maximum skin surface area,
not kept supine (A). Lotion (C) or ointment should be avoided as they can absorb
heat and cause burns. Sterile water (D) is not appropriate; the infant should
receive breast milk or formula to maintain hydration and promote bilirubin
excretion through stool.
6. A pregnant client with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 is being counseled on
weight gain during pregnancy. According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM)
guidelines, what is the recommended total weight gain for this client?
2025/2026] – EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | 2026/27 LATEST
UPDATE | EXAM PREP | STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE TEST
1. A 32-week gestation client presents to the obstetric triage unit reporting a
sudden onset of sharp, localized abdominal pain accompanied by vaginal
bleeding. On assessment, the client's uterus is firm and tender to palpation,
and fetal heart tones are bradycardic at 100 beats per minute. Which
intervention should the nurse anticipate as the priority?
A. Administer a tocolytic agent.
B. Prepare the client for an emergency cesarean birth.
C. Initiate an intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate.
D. Perform a sterile vaginal examination to assess cervical dilation.
Correct Answer: B. Prepare the client for an emergency cesarean birth.
*Rationale: * This clinical presentation is highly suspicious for placental abruption,
a life-threatening obstetric emergency where the placenta prematurely separates
from the uterine wall. The sudden onset of pain, a rigid/tender uterus, and fetal
bradycardia indicate significant hemorrhage and fetal compromise. The priority is
rapid delivery of the fetus to save both maternal and fetal lives, making
preparation for an emergency cesarean birth the most critical intervention.
Tocolytic agents (A) are contraindicated as they would delay necessary delivery
and could worsen hemorrhage. Magnesium sulfate (C) is used for seizure
prophylaxis in preeclampsia, not for abruption. A sterile vaginal exam (D) is
contraindicated in the presence of active vaginal bleeding until the source is
,determined, as it could exacerbate the bleeding or disrupt a potential placenta
previa, though this presentation is more indicative of abruption.
2. A nurse is providing education to a new mother who is 24 hours postpartum
and has chosen to breastfeed her infant. The mother reports that her nipples
are becoming sore and cracked. Which of the following instructions is most
appropriate to prevent further trauma and promote healing?
A. Apply topical antibiotic ointment to the nipples after each feeding.
B. Limit each breastfeeding session to 5 minutes on each breast to reduce friction.
C. Ensure the infant's mouth is opened wide and the baby is correctly latched
onto the areola, not just the nipple.
D. Clean the nipples with soap and water before and after each feeding to
prevent infection.
Correct Answer: C. Ensure the infant's mouth is opened wide and the baby is
correctly latched onto the areola, not just the nipple.
*Rationale: * Sore and cracked nipples in breastfeeding mothers are most
frequently caused by an improper latch, where the infant sucks only on the nipple
rather than the surrounding areola. Correcting the latch is the most effective and
evidence-based intervention to prevent further trauma and allow healing. Topical
antibiotic ointment (A) is not recommended for routine nipple care and could be
ingested by the infant. Restricting feeding time (B) can lead to infant hunger,
decreased milk supply, and does not address the root cause of the friction. Soap
(D) is drying and can strip the areola of its natural protective oils, worsening
nipple cracking and soreness.
3. The nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant in the pediatric clinic for a
routine well-child visit. Which developmental milestone is the nurse most likely
,to observe that is characteristic for this age?
A. Sitting independently without support.
B. Transferring a toy from one hand to the other.
C. Walking while holding onto furniture.
D. Grasping a small object with a crude pincer grasp.
Correct Answer: B. Transferring a toy from one hand to the other.
*Rationale: * Transferring objects from one hand to the other is a fine motor skill
typically acquired by a 6-month-old infant. This is an expected milestone. Sitting
without support (A) is typically achieved around 8 months; walking while holding
furniture (cruising) (C) is a milestone for a 10-12 month old; and a crude pincer
grasp (D) generally emerges between 9 and 10 months.
4. A 25-year-old primigravida client at 38 weeks gestation is in the active phase
of labor. She requests an epidural for pain relief. Prior to the epidural
placement, which nursing action is the priority?
A. Administer a 500 mL bolus of lactated Ringer's solution.
B. Assess the client's coagulation status by reviewing her platelet count.
C. Have the client empty her bladder.
D. Position the client in a left lateral tilt position.
Correct Answer: B. Assess the client's coagulation status by reviewing her
platelet count.
*Rationale: * The most serious risk associated with epidural placement is an
epidural hematoma, which can lead to permanent neurologic damage. A key risk
factor for this complication is a coagulopathy, often indicated by a low platelet
count. Therefore, reviewing the client's most recent platelet count to ensure it is
, within a safe range (typically >100,000/mm³) is the absolute priority before
proceeding with this invasive procedure. While administering a fluid bolus (A),
having the client void (C), and positioning (D) are all standard preparations for an
epidural, they are not the priority when considering patient safety related to the
most significant potential complication.
5. The nurse is caring for a 2-day-old newborn with physiological jaundice. The
infant is receiving phototherapy. Which of the following nursing interventions
is most important to include in the plan of care for this infant?
A. Keep the infant in a supine position at all times.
B. Cover the infant's eyes with opaque eye shields.
C. Apply lotion to the infant's skin to prevent dryness.
D. Feed the infant 10 mL of sterile water every 4 hours.
Correct Answer: B. Cover the infant's eyes with opaque eye shields.
*Rationale: * The primary safety concern during phototherapy is retinal damage
from the intense, high-energy light. The infant's eyes must be protected with
opaque eye shields that are properly positioned and checked frequently.
Positioning should be changed frequently to expose maximum skin surface area,
not kept supine (A). Lotion (C) or ointment should be avoided as they can absorb
heat and cause burns. Sterile water (D) is not appropriate; the infant should
receive breast milk or formula to maintain hydration and promote bilirubin
excretion through stool.
6. A pregnant client with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 is being counseled on
weight gain during pregnancy. According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM)
guidelines, what is the recommended total weight gain for this client?
