Maternity Nursing Final Exam — Exam
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
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Question 1
A pregnant client at 12 weeks' gestation asks the nurse when
the fetal heart can typically be detected by Doppler. Which
response is most appropriate?
A. 4–6 weeks
B. 8–10 weeks
C. 10–12 weeks
D. 18–20 weeks
Correct Answer: C. 10–12 weeks
Rationale: Fetal cardiac activity may be detected with Doppler
ultrasound around 10–12 weeks of gestation, although the
exact timing varies according to fetal position, maternal body
habitus, equipment, and gestational age. Cardiac activity can
generally be visualized earlier with transvaginal ultrasound. The
distinction between visualization by ultrasound and auscultation
with Doppler is important when teaching expectant parents.
,Question 2
Which finding is considered a positive sign of pregnancy?
A. Amenorrhea
B. Positive pregnancy test
C. Chadwick sign
D. Fetal heart activity detected by the examiner
Correct Answer: D. Fetal heart activity detected by the
examiner
Rationale: Positive signs of pregnancy are findings that can be
attributed only to the presence of a fetus. These include fetal
heart activity detected by an examiner, visualization of the fetus
by ultrasound, and fetal movement palpated by an examiner.
Amenorrhea and other presumptive signs are subjective, while a
positive pregnancy test is a probable rather than positive sign.
Question 3
A client is 20 weeks pregnant. Which fundal-height finding
would the nurse expect?
A. The fundus is at the symphysis pubis
B. The fundus is halfway between the symphysis pubis and
umbilicus
,C. The fundus is approximately at the level of the umbilicus
D. The fundus is at the xiphoid process
Correct Answer: C. The fundus is approximately at the level of
the umbilicus
Rationale: At approximately 20 weeks of gestation, the uterine
fundus is normally near the level of the maternal umbilicus.
Between approximately 20 and 36 weeks, fundal height in
centimeters generally corresponds closely to gestational age in
weeks, although individual variation occurs. At 12 weeks, the
fundus is usually near the symphysis pubis, while near term it
approaches the xiphoid region before fetal descent.
Question 4
Which nutrient is especially important before conception and
during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube
defects?
A. Vitamin C
B. Folic acid
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin K
Correct Answer: B. Folic acid
Rationale: Adequate folic acid before conception and during
early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube
, defects such as spina bifida. Neural tube development occurs
very early in pregnancy, often before pregnancy is recognized,
which is why folic acid supplementation is recommended for
individuals who could become pregnant. Prenatal nutritional
counseling should emphasize folate-rich foods and appropriate
supplementation.
Question 5
A pregnant client reports nausea and vomiting that are worse in
the morning. Which nursing instruction is appropriate?
A. Eat three large meals daily
B. Drink large amounts of fluid with meals
C. Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed
D. Remain completely fasting until nausea resolves
Correct Answer: C. Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed
Rationale: Small, frequent meals and eating a dry carbohydrate
such as crackers before getting out of bed can help reduce
pregnancy-related nausea. Fluids are often better tolerated
between meals rather than in large quantities with meals. The
nurse should also assess for excessive vomiting, dehydration,
weight loss, electrolyte abnormalities, and other findings
suggestive of hyperemesis gravidarum.
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A pregnant client at 12 weeks' gestation asks the nurse when
the fetal heart can typically be detected by Doppler. Which
response is most appropriate?
A. 4–6 weeks
B. 8–10 weeks
C. 10–12 weeks
D. 18–20 weeks
Correct Answer: C. 10–12 weeks
Rationale: Fetal cardiac activity may be detected with Doppler
ultrasound around 10–12 weeks of gestation, although the
exact timing varies according to fetal position, maternal body
habitus, equipment, and gestational age. Cardiac activity can
generally be visualized earlier with transvaginal ultrasound. The
distinction between visualization by ultrasound and auscultation
with Doppler is important when teaching expectant parents.
,Question 2
Which finding is considered a positive sign of pregnancy?
A. Amenorrhea
B. Positive pregnancy test
C. Chadwick sign
D. Fetal heart activity detected by the examiner
Correct Answer: D. Fetal heart activity detected by the
examiner
Rationale: Positive signs of pregnancy are findings that can be
attributed only to the presence of a fetus. These include fetal
heart activity detected by an examiner, visualization of the fetus
by ultrasound, and fetal movement palpated by an examiner.
Amenorrhea and other presumptive signs are subjective, while a
positive pregnancy test is a probable rather than positive sign.
Question 3
A client is 20 weeks pregnant. Which fundal-height finding
would the nurse expect?
A. The fundus is at the symphysis pubis
B. The fundus is halfway between the symphysis pubis and
umbilicus
,C. The fundus is approximately at the level of the umbilicus
D. The fundus is at the xiphoid process
Correct Answer: C. The fundus is approximately at the level of
the umbilicus
Rationale: At approximately 20 weeks of gestation, the uterine
fundus is normally near the level of the maternal umbilicus.
Between approximately 20 and 36 weeks, fundal height in
centimeters generally corresponds closely to gestational age in
weeks, although individual variation occurs. At 12 weeks, the
fundus is usually near the symphysis pubis, while near term it
approaches the xiphoid region before fetal descent.
Question 4
Which nutrient is especially important before conception and
during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube
defects?
A. Vitamin C
B. Folic acid
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin K
Correct Answer: B. Folic acid
Rationale: Adequate folic acid before conception and during
early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube
, defects such as spina bifida. Neural tube development occurs
very early in pregnancy, often before pregnancy is recognized,
which is why folic acid supplementation is recommended for
individuals who could become pregnant. Prenatal nutritional
counseling should emphasize folate-rich foods and appropriate
supplementation.
Question 5
A pregnant client reports nausea and vomiting that are worse in
the morning. Which nursing instruction is appropriate?
A. Eat three large meals daily
B. Drink large amounts of fluid with meals
C. Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed
D. Remain completely fasting until nausea resolves
Correct Answer: C. Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed
Rationale: Small, frequent meals and eating a dry carbohydrate
such as crackers before getting out of bed can help reduce
pregnancy-related nausea. Fluids are often better tolerated
between meals rather than in large quantities with meals. The
nurse should also assess for excessive vomiting, dehydration,
weight loss, electrolyte abnormalities, and other findings
suggestive of hyperemesis gravidarum.
