NCLEX-RN Maternal-Newborn Nursing
Exam 1 Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download
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1. A nurse is caring for a client in the first trimester of pregnancy. Which finding
should the nurse identify as a normal physiological change?
A. Severe abdominal cramping
B. Vaginal bleeding
C. Urinary frequency
D. Persistent high fever
Answer: Urinary frequency
Rationale: Urinary frequency is a common early pregnancy change caused by
hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the kidneys. Severe cramping,
bleeding, and fever require further evaluation.
2. A pregnant client asks why folic acid is recommended during pregnancy. What
is the nurse’s best response?
A. It prevents gestational diabetes
B. It prevents neural tube defects
,C. It increases maternal calcium levels
D. It prevents postpartum hemorrhage
Answer: It prevents neural tube defects
Rationale: Folic acid supplementation before conception and during early
pregnancy decreases the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
3. A nurse is assessing a pregnant client at 20 weeks of gestation. Where should
the nurse expect to palpate the uterine fundus?
A. At the symphysis pubis
B. At the xiphoid process
C. At the level of the umbilicus
D. Below the pelvic brim
Answer: At the level of the umbilicus
Rationale: At approximately 20 weeks of gestation, the fundus is normally
located at the level of the umbilicus.
4. A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about warning signs that should be
reported. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. “Mild nausea is dangerous.”
B. “I should report vaginal bleeding.”
C. “Increased appetite requires emergency care.”
D. “Breast tenderness means complications.”
Answer: I should report vaginal bleeding
Rationale: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy may indicate complications and
should always be reported.
,5. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing morning sickness. Which
intervention is appropriate?
A. Eat large meals twice daily
B. Avoid fluids throughout the day
C. Eat small frequent meals
D. Remain lying down after eating
Answer: Eat small frequent meals
Rationale: Small frequent meals and avoiding an empty stomach can reduce
nausea associated with pregnancy.
6. Which vaccine should a pregnant client receive during pregnancy to protect
the newborn?
A. Live attenuated influenza vaccine
B. Tdap vaccine
C. Varicella vaccine
D. Measles vaccine
Answer: Tdap vaccine
Rationale: Tdap is recommended during each pregnancy to provide passive
immunity against pertussis to the newborn.
7. A nurse is assessing a pregnant client with preeclampsia. Which finding
requires immediate attention?
A. Mild ankle swelling
B. Blood pressure of 168/110 mmHg
C. Increased appetite
D. Occasional fatigue
Answer: Blood pressure of 168/110 mmHg
, Rationale: Severe hypertension in pregnancy is a sign of severe preeclampsia
and increases the risk of maternal and fetal complications.
8. Which medication is commonly administered to prevent seizures in a client
with severe preeclampsia?
A. Oxytocin
B. Magnesium sulfate
C. Terbutaline
D. Methylergonovine
Answer: Magnesium sulfate
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is used for seizure prevention in clients with
severe preeclampsia and eclampsia.
9. A nurse evaluates a client receiving magnesium sulfate. Which assessment
finding indicates toxicity?
A. Increased urine output
B. Respiratory depression
C. Hyperactive reflexes
D. Elevated blood pressure
Answer: Respiratory depression
Rationale: Magnesium toxicity can cause respiratory depression, decreased deep
tendon reflexes, and cardiac complications.
10. A nurse is caring for a client in labor. Which assessment finding indicates true
labor?
A. Irregular contractions relieved by walking
B. Cervical dilation and effacement
Exam 1 Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download
1. A nurse is caring for a client in the first trimester of pregnancy. Which finding
should the nurse identify as a normal physiological change?
A. Severe abdominal cramping
B. Vaginal bleeding
C. Urinary frequency
D. Persistent high fever
Answer: Urinary frequency
Rationale: Urinary frequency is a common early pregnancy change caused by
hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the kidneys. Severe cramping,
bleeding, and fever require further evaluation.
2. A pregnant client asks why folic acid is recommended during pregnancy. What
is the nurse’s best response?
A. It prevents gestational diabetes
B. It prevents neural tube defects
,C. It increases maternal calcium levels
D. It prevents postpartum hemorrhage
Answer: It prevents neural tube defects
Rationale: Folic acid supplementation before conception and during early
pregnancy decreases the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
3. A nurse is assessing a pregnant client at 20 weeks of gestation. Where should
the nurse expect to palpate the uterine fundus?
A. At the symphysis pubis
B. At the xiphoid process
C. At the level of the umbilicus
D. Below the pelvic brim
Answer: At the level of the umbilicus
Rationale: At approximately 20 weeks of gestation, the fundus is normally
located at the level of the umbilicus.
4. A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about warning signs that should be
reported. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. “Mild nausea is dangerous.”
B. “I should report vaginal bleeding.”
C. “Increased appetite requires emergency care.”
D. “Breast tenderness means complications.”
Answer: I should report vaginal bleeding
Rationale: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy may indicate complications and
should always be reported.
,5. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing morning sickness. Which
intervention is appropriate?
A. Eat large meals twice daily
B. Avoid fluids throughout the day
C. Eat small frequent meals
D. Remain lying down after eating
Answer: Eat small frequent meals
Rationale: Small frequent meals and avoiding an empty stomach can reduce
nausea associated with pregnancy.
6. Which vaccine should a pregnant client receive during pregnancy to protect
the newborn?
A. Live attenuated influenza vaccine
B. Tdap vaccine
C. Varicella vaccine
D. Measles vaccine
Answer: Tdap vaccine
Rationale: Tdap is recommended during each pregnancy to provide passive
immunity against pertussis to the newborn.
7. A nurse is assessing a pregnant client with preeclampsia. Which finding
requires immediate attention?
A. Mild ankle swelling
B. Blood pressure of 168/110 mmHg
C. Increased appetite
D. Occasional fatigue
Answer: Blood pressure of 168/110 mmHg
, Rationale: Severe hypertension in pregnancy is a sign of severe preeclampsia
and increases the risk of maternal and fetal complications.
8. Which medication is commonly administered to prevent seizures in a client
with severe preeclampsia?
A. Oxytocin
B. Magnesium sulfate
C. Terbutaline
D. Methylergonovine
Answer: Magnesium sulfate
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is used for seizure prevention in clients with
severe preeclampsia and eclampsia.
9. A nurse evaluates a client receiving magnesium sulfate. Which assessment
finding indicates toxicity?
A. Increased urine output
B. Respiratory depression
C. Hyperactive reflexes
D. Elevated blood pressure
Answer: Respiratory depression
Rationale: Magnesium toxicity can cause respiratory depression, decreased deep
tendon reflexes, and cardiac complications.
10. A nurse is caring for a client in labor. Which assessment finding indicates true
labor?
A. Irregular contractions relieved by walking
B. Cervical dilation and effacement
