MATERNAL–NEWBORN NURSING PRACTICE EXAM –
PAPER 3
Course Name
Maternal–Newborn Nursing
Level
College / University (Undergraduate Nursing)
Short Introduction
This advanced original practice examination is designed to strengthen clinical
reasoning and knowledge in maternal–newborn nursing. It covers antepartum care,
labor and delivery, postpartum recovery, neonatal care, breastfeeding, obstetric
complications, fetal assessment, and evidence-informed nursing practice. Each
question includes the correct answer and a detailed italicised explanation.
Instructions
Answer all questions.
Read each question carefully before selecting the best answer.
Choose the single best answer for each multiple-choice question.
Complete all short-answer, application, and higher-order thinking questions.
Review the explanations to reinforce learning.
Exam Structure
15 Multiple Choice Questions
10 Short Answer Questions
10 Application Questions
5 Higher-Order Thinking Questions
Total Questions: 40
,SECTION A – MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client at 37 weeks' gestation who reports leaking clear fluid
from the vagina. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
A. Maternal dietary intake
B. Fetal heart rate
C. Maternal weight
D. Fundal height measurement
Answer: B
Explanation: Suspected rupture of membranes requires prompt assessment of fetal
well-being because complications such as umbilical cord prolapse or cord
compression can occur.
Question 2
Which finding is most consistent with severe preeclampsia?
A. Blood pressure 170/110 mmHg with severe headache and visual disturbances
B. Blood pressure 118/76 mmHg
C. Mild nausea after eating
D. Occasional ankle swelling at the end of the day
Answer: A
Explanation: Severely elevated blood pressure accompanied by neurological
symptoms suggests severe preeclampsia and requires urgent evaluation.
, Question 3
Which fetal heart rate baseline is considered within the expected normal range?
A. 90 beats/minute
B. 105 beats/minute
C. 145 beats/minute
D. 175 beats/minute
Answer: C
Explanation: A normal baseline fetal heart rate ranges from approximately 110–
160 beats per minute.
Question 4
A postpartum client has a firm fundus but continues to have excessive vaginal
bleeding.
Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Genital tract laceration
B. Uterine atony
C. Mastitis
D. Hyperemesis gravidarum
Answer: A
Explanation: Continued heavy bleeding despite a firm uterus suggests trauma such
as cervical or vaginal lacerations.
Question 5
PAPER 3
Course Name
Maternal–Newborn Nursing
Level
College / University (Undergraduate Nursing)
Short Introduction
This advanced original practice examination is designed to strengthen clinical
reasoning and knowledge in maternal–newborn nursing. It covers antepartum care,
labor and delivery, postpartum recovery, neonatal care, breastfeeding, obstetric
complications, fetal assessment, and evidence-informed nursing practice. Each
question includes the correct answer and a detailed italicised explanation.
Instructions
Answer all questions.
Read each question carefully before selecting the best answer.
Choose the single best answer for each multiple-choice question.
Complete all short-answer, application, and higher-order thinking questions.
Review the explanations to reinforce learning.
Exam Structure
15 Multiple Choice Questions
10 Short Answer Questions
10 Application Questions
5 Higher-Order Thinking Questions
Total Questions: 40
,SECTION A – MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client at 37 weeks' gestation who reports leaking clear fluid
from the vagina. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
A. Maternal dietary intake
B. Fetal heart rate
C. Maternal weight
D. Fundal height measurement
Answer: B
Explanation: Suspected rupture of membranes requires prompt assessment of fetal
well-being because complications such as umbilical cord prolapse or cord
compression can occur.
Question 2
Which finding is most consistent with severe preeclampsia?
A. Blood pressure 170/110 mmHg with severe headache and visual disturbances
B. Blood pressure 118/76 mmHg
C. Mild nausea after eating
D. Occasional ankle swelling at the end of the day
Answer: A
Explanation: Severely elevated blood pressure accompanied by neurological
symptoms suggests severe preeclampsia and requires urgent evaluation.
, Question 3
Which fetal heart rate baseline is considered within the expected normal range?
A. 90 beats/minute
B. 105 beats/minute
C. 145 beats/minute
D. 175 beats/minute
Answer: C
Explanation: A normal baseline fetal heart rate ranges from approximately 110–
160 beats per minute.
Question 4
A postpartum client has a firm fundus but continues to have excessive vaginal
bleeding.
Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Genital tract laceration
B. Uterine atony
C. Mastitis
D. Hyperemesis gravidarum
Answer: A
Explanation: Continued heavy bleeding despite a firm uterus suggests trauma such
as cervical or vaginal lacerations.
Question 5
