NUR 231 Exam 2 – Galen Maternal Nursing Comprehensive Quiz 2026 UPDATE
1. A nurse is assessing a client at 34 weeks gestation who reports a sudden onset of painful
vaginal bleeding. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placenta previa
B. Preterm labor
C. Cervical insufficiency
D. Abruptio placentae
Answer: D
Rationale: Abruptio placentae is characterized by painful vaginal bleeding and uterine
tenderness, whereas placenta previa is typically characterized by painless bright red
bleeding.
2. Which fetal heart rate pattern is associated with uteroplacental insufficiency?
A. Early decelerations
B. Variable decelerations
C. Accelerations
D. Late decelerations
Answer: D
,Rationale: Late decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency and require
immediate nursing intervention such as repositioning the mother and providing oxygen.
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving Magnesium Sulfate for preeclampsia. Which finding
would indicate magnesium toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min
B. Increased urine output
C. Hyperreflexia
D. Blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg
Answer: A
Rationale: Signs of magnesium toxicity include respiratory depression (less than 12/min),
loss of deep tendon reflexes, and decreased urinary output.
4. What is the primary purpose of administering Vitamin K to a newborn shortly after birth?
A. To promote blood clotting and prevent hemorrhage
B. To stimulate the production of red blood cells
C. To prevent ophthalmia neonatorum
D. To enhance the newborn’s immune system
Answer: A
Rationale: Newborns are born with low levels of Vitamin K due to a sterile gut; Vitamin K
is administered to prevent Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).
, 5. A client in active labor has an internal fetal monitor showing variable decelerations. What
is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate
B. Change the client’s position
C. Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask
D. Prepare for a cesarean section
Answer: B
Rationale: Variable decelerations are caused by umbilical cord compression. The priority
is to change the mother’s position to relieve pressure on the cord.
6. During the first stage of labor, the ‘Transition Phase’ is characterized by a cervical dilation
of:
A. 8 to 10 cm
B. 4 to 7 cm
C. 0 to 3 cm
D. 10 cm to birth
Answer: A
Rationale: The first stage of labor has three phases: Latent (0-3cm), Active (4-7cm), and
Transition (8-10cm).
1. A nurse is assessing a client at 34 weeks gestation who reports a sudden onset of painful
vaginal bleeding. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placenta previa
B. Preterm labor
C. Cervical insufficiency
D. Abruptio placentae
Answer: D
Rationale: Abruptio placentae is characterized by painful vaginal bleeding and uterine
tenderness, whereas placenta previa is typically characterized by painless bright red
bleeding.
2. Which fetal heart rate pattern is associated with uteroplacental insufficiency?
A. Early decelerations
B. Variable decelerations
C. Accelerations
D. Late decelerations
Answer: D
,Rationale: Late decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency and require
immediate nursing intervention such as repositioning the mother and providing oxygen.
3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving Magnesium Sulfate for preeclampsia. Which finding
would indicate magnesium toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min
B. Increased urine output
C. Hyperreflexia
D. Blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg
Answer: A
Rationale: Signs of magnesium toxicity include respiratory depression (less than 12/min),
loss of deep tendon reflexes, and decreased urinary output.
4. What is the primary purpose of administering Vitamin K to a newborn shortly after birth?
A. To promote blood clotting and prevent hemorrhage
B. To stimulate the production of red blood cells
C. To prevent ophthalmia neonatorum
D. To enhance the newborn’s immune system
Answer: A
Rationale: Newborns are born with low levels of Vitamin K due to a sterile gut; Vitamin K
is administered to prevent Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).
, 5. A client in active labor has an internal fetal monitor showing variable decelerations. What
is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate
B. Change the client’s position
C. Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask
D. Prepare for a cesarean section
Answer: B
Rationale: Variable decelerations are caused by umbilical cord compression. The priority
is to change the mother’s position to relieve pressure on the cord.
6. During the first stage of labor, the ‘Transition Phase’ is characterized by a cervical dilation
of:
A. 8 to 10 cm
B. 4 to 7 cm
C. 0 to 3 cm
D. 10 cm to birth
Answer: A
Rationale: The first stage of labor has three phases: Latent (0-3cm), Active (4-7cm), and
Transition (8-10cm).
