MATERNAL-NEWBORN NURSING PRACTICE EXAM –
PAPER 1
Course Name
Maternal-Newborn Nursing
Level
College / University (Undergraduate Nursing)
Short Introduction
This original practice examination assesses essential knowledge and clinical
reasoning in maternal-newborn nursing. It covers antepartum, intrapartum,
postpartum, neonatal care, breastfeeding, maternal complications, fetal assessment,
and family-centered nursing care. Each question includes the correct answer and a
detailed italicised explanation to support learning and exam preparation.
Instructions
Answer all 40 questions.
Read each question carefully before selecting the best answer.
Each multiple-choice question has one best answer.
Provide concise answers for short-answer and application questions.
Review the explanations to reinforce understanding.
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 39 weeks' gestation who reports contractions
occurring every 5 minutes, lasting 60 seconds, for the past hour. Which finding is
the strongest indicator that the client is in true labor?
A. Contractions decrease with walking.
B. Cervical dilation and effacement are progressing.
C. Pain is relieved by hydration.
D. Discomfort is limited to the lower abdomen.
Answer: B
Explanation: Progressive cervical dilation and effacement are the hallmark signs
of true labor. Unlike false labor, true labor results in cervical change despite
activity or rest.
Question 2
Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating uterine contractions during
labor?
A. Progesterone
B. Estrogen
C. Oxytocin
D. Prolactin
Answer: C
Explanation: Oxytocin stimulates rhythmic uterine contractions during labor and
also promotes milk ejection after birth.
, Question 3
Which assessment finding in a postpartum client requires the nurse's immediate
intervention?
A. Firm uterine fundus at the level of the umbilicus
B. Moderate lochia rubra
C. Saturating a perineal pad in 15 minutes
D. Mild uterine cramping during breastfeeding
Answer: C
Explanation: Rapid saturation of a perineal pad suggests postpartum hemorrhage,
a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring immediate assessment and
intervention.
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a new mother about breastfeeding. Which statement indicates
correct understanding?
A. "I should breastfeed my baby only every six hours."
B. "My baby should latch onto both the nipple and much of the areola."
C. "Formula should always be given after breastfeeding."
D. "Breastfeeding should stop if mild uterine cramping occurs."
Answer: B
Explanation: A deep latch that includes much of the areola promotes effective milk
transfer and helps prevent nipple trauma.
PAPER 1
Course Name
Maternal-Newborn Nursing
Level
College / University (Undergraduate Nursing)
Short Introduction
This original practice examination assesses essential knowledge and clinical
reasoning in maternal-newborn nursing. It covers antepartum, intrapartum,
postpartum, neonatal care, breastfeeding, maternal complications, fetal assessment,
and family-centered nursing care. Each question includes the correct answer and a
detailed italicised explanation to support learning and exam preparation.
Instructions
Answer all 40 questions.
Read each question carefully before selecting the best answer.
Each multiple-choice question has one best answer.
Provide concise answers for short-answer and application questions.
Review the explanations to reinforce understanding.
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 39 weeks' gestation who reports contractions
occurring every 5 minutes, lasting 60 seconds, for the past hour. Which finding is
the strongest indicator that the client is in true labor?
A. Contractions decrease with walking.
B. Cervical dilation and effacement are progressing.
C. Pain is relieved by hydration.
D. Discomfort is limited to the lower abdomen.
Answer: B
Explanation: Progressive cervical dilation and effacement are the hallmark signs
of true labor. Unlike false labor, true labor results in cervical change despite
activity or rest.
Question 2
Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating uterine contractions during
labor?
A. Progesterone
B. Estrogen
C. Oxytocin
D. Prolactin
Answer: C
Explanation: Oxytocin stimulates rhythmic uterine contractions during labor and
also promotes milk ejection after birth.
, Question 3
Which assessment finding in a postpartum client requires the nurse's immediate
intervention?
A. Firm uterine fundus at the level of the umbilicus
B. Moderate lochia rubra
C. Saturating a perineal pad in 15 minutes
D. Mild uterine cramping during breastfeeding
Answer: C
Explanation: Rapid saturation of a perineal pad suggests postpartum hemorrhage,
a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring immediate assessment and
intervention.
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a new mother about breastfeeding. Which statement indicates
correct understanding?
A. "I should breastfeed my baby only every six hours."
B. "My baby should latch onto both the nipple and much of the areola."
C. "Formula should always be given after breastfeeding."
D. "Breastfeeding should stop if mild uterine cramping occurs."
Answer: B
Explanation: A deep latch that includes much of the areola promotes effective milk
transfer and helps prevent nipple trauma.
