Pregnancy Care Practice Questions, Answers &
Rationales
,1. A client reports a missed menstrual period and
asks which hormone is detected by
mostpregnancy tests. Which response is correct?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
D. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Correct Answer: C. Human chorionic gonadotropin
(hCG)
Rationale: Pregnancy tests detect hCG, a hormone
produced after implantation. hCG can be measured in
urine or blood and rises during early pregnancy.
2. Which finding is considered a positive sign of
pregnancy?
A. Amenorrhea
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Positive urine pregnancy test
D. Fetal cardiac activity identified by Doppler
Correct Answer: D. Fetal cardiac activity identified by
Doppler
Rationale: Positive signs are findings that can be
attributed only to a fetus, such as fetal cardiac activity,
fetal movement palpated by an examiner, or
visualization of the fetus by ultrasound.
, 3. A pregnant client reports heartburn that becomes
worse after meals and when lying down.
Whichteaching is most appropriate?
A. Eat large meals before bedtime
B. Lie flat immediately after eating
C. Eat smaller meals and remain upright after eating
D. Increase intake of spicy and fatty foods
Correct Answer: C. Eat smaller meals and remain
upright after eating
Rationale: Pregnancy-related reflux can improve with
smaller meals, avoiding personal trigger foods, and
remaining upright after meals. Elevating the head
during sleep may also help.
4. Which vaginal discharge is commonly expected
during an uncomplicated pregnancy?
A. Thin, foul-smelling discharge with pelvic pain
B. Increased whitish discharge without itching or irritation
C. Thick green discharge with fever
D. Bloody discharge with severe abdominal pain
Correct Answer: B. Increased whitish discharge without
itching or irritation
Rationale: Leukorrhea, an increased whitish vaginal
discharge, is common during pregnancy. Odor, itching,
burning, pain, or abnormal color may indicate infection
or another problem.