NUR 230 MATERNAL NURSING
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is assessing a pregnant client at 30 weeks gestation who reports a sudden onset of
bright red, painless vaginal bleeding. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placental abruption
B. Ectopic pregnancy
C. Uterine rupture
D. Placenta previa
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the second or third
trimester is the classic sign of placenta previa.
2. Which fetal heart rate pattern is most indicative of umbilical cord compression?
A. Early decelerations
B. Late decelerations
C. Variable decelerations
D. Accelerations
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Variable decelerations are caused by umbilical cord
compression and are often V or W shaped.
3. A client is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. The nurse notes late decelerations
on the fetal monitor. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Increase the IV oxytocin rate
B. Perform a vaginal exam to check for dilation
C. Prepare for an immediate forceps delivery
D. Place the client in a side-lying position
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The
first action is to improve perfusion by turning the mother to her side.
4. What is the primary purpose of administering magnesium sulfate to a client with
preeclampsia?
A. To lower the blood pressure
B. To prevent seizure activity
C. To increase urinary output
D. To enhance fetal lung maturity
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium sulfate is a CNS depressant used specifically for
seizure prophylaxis in preeclampsia.
5. A nurse is reviewing a client’s chart and sees the term ‘G5 T2 P1 A1 L3’. How many preterm
births has this woman had?
A. 5
B. 2
C. 1
D. 3
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In GTPAL, ‘P’ stands for Preterm births (20-37 weeks). In this
case, P=1.
6. Which medication is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity?
A. Naloxone
B. Vitamin K
C. Terbutaline
D. Calcium gluconate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Calcium gluconate is the specific antagonist for magnesium
sulfate toxicity.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is assessing a pregnant client at 30 weeks gestation who reports a sudden onset of
bright red, painless vaginal bleeding. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placental abruption
B. Ectopic pregnancy
C. Uterine rupture
D. Placenta previa
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the second or third
trimester is the classic sign of placenta previa.
2. Which fetal heart rate pattern is most indicative of umbilical cord compression?
A. Early decelerations
B. Late decelerations
C. Variable decelerations
D. Accelerations
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Variable decelerations are caused by umbilical cord
compression and are often V or W shaped.
3. A client is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. The nurse notes late decelerations
on the fetal monitor. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Increase the IV oxytocin rate
B. Perform a vaginal exam to check for dilation
C. Prepare for an immediate forceps delivery
D. Place the client in a side-lying position
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The
first action is to improve perfusion by turning the mother to her side.
4. What is the primary purpose of administering magnesium sulfate to a client with
preeclampsia?
A. To lower the blood pressure
B. To prevent seizure activity
C. To increase urinary output
D. To enhance fetal lung maturity
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium sulfate is a CNS depressant used specifically for
seizure prophylaxis in preeclampsia.
5. A nurse is reviewing a client’s chart and sees the term ‘G5 T2 P1 A1 L3’. How many preterm
births has this woman had?
A. 5
B. 2
C. 1
D. 3
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In GTPAL, ‘P’ stands for Preterm births (20-37 weeks). In this
case, P=1.
6. Which medication is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity?
A. Naloxone
B. Vitamin K
C. Terbutaline
D. Calcium gluconate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Calcium gluconate is the specific antagonist for magnesium
sulfate toxicity.
