NSG 3130 MATERNAL-NEWBORN
NURSING FINAL EXAM 2026/2027
1. A nurse is caring for a client receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which
assessment finding should be reported to the provider immediately?
A. Blood pressure of 150/96 mmHg
B. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+
C. Urinary output of 40 mL per hour
D. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium sulfate toxicity is characterized by respiratory
depression (less than 12/min), loss of deep tendon reflexes, and decreased urinary output.
A respiratory rate of 10 is critically low.
2. When interpreting a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing, the nurse notes late decelerations. What
is the priority nursing action?
A. Perform a vaginal exam to check for cord prolapse
B. Increase the rate of the oxytocin infusion
,C. Turn the client onto her left side
D. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The
priority is to maximize uterine blood flow by repositioning the mother, typically to the
lateral position, and discontinuing oxytocin.
3. A client at 32 weeks gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. Which
procedure is contraindicated?
A. Transabdominal ultrasound
B. Digital vaginal examination
C. External fetal monitoring
D. Blood draw for hemoglobin and hematocrit
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Painless bright red bleeding is indicative of placenta previa. A
digital vaginal exam can perforate the placenta and cause catastrophic hemorrhage and is
strictly contraindicated until previa is ruled out.
4. Which medication is administered to a newborn within 1 to 2 hours of birth to prevent
ophthalmia neonatorum?
A. Vitamin K
, B. Hepatitis B vaccine
C. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment
D. Triple dye
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Erythromycin ointment is used prophylactically to prevent
blindness caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis acquired during
birth.
5. A nurse is assessing a postpartum client 2 hours after delivery. The fundus is boggy and
displaced to the right. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Massage the fundus until firm
B. Administer oxytocin 10 units IM
C. Assist the client to the bathroom to void
D. Notify the healthcare provider
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A fundus displaced to the right is a classic sign of bladder
distention, which prevents the uterus from contracting. Emptying the bladder is the first
step.
NURSING FINAL EXAM 2026/2027
1. A nurse is caring for a client receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which
assessment finding should be reported to the provider immediately?
A. Blood pressure of 150/96 mmHg
B. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+
C. Urinary output of 40 mL per hour
D. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium sulfate toxicity is characterized by respiratory
depression (less than 12/min), loss of deep tendon reflexes, and decreased urinary output.
A respiratory rate of 10 is critically low.
2. When interpreting a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing, the nurse notes late decelerations. What
is the priority nursing action?
A. Perform a vaginal exam to check for cord prolapse
B. Increase the rate of the oxytocin infusion
,C. Turn the client onto her left side
D. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The
priority is to maximize uterine blood flow by repositioning the mother, typically to the
lateral position, and discontinuing oxytocin.
3. A client at 32 weeks gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. Which
procedure is contraindicated?
A. Transabdominal ultrasound
B. Digital vaginal examination
C. External fetal monitoring
D. Blood draw for hemoglobin and hematocrit
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Painless bright red bleeding is indicative of placenta previa. A
digital vaginal exam can perforate the placenta and cause catastrophic hemorrhage and is
strictly contraindicated until previa is ruled out.
4. Which medication is administered to a newborn within 1 to 2 hours of birth to prevent
ophthalmia neonatorum?
A. Vitamin K
, B. Hepatitis B vaccine
C. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment
D. Triple dye
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Erythromycin ointment is used prophylactically to prevent
blindness caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis acquired during
birth.
5. A nurse is assessing a postpartum client 2 hours after delivery. The fundus is boggy and
displaced to the right. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Massage the fundus until firm
B. Administer oxytocin 10 units IM
C. Assist the client to the bathroom to void
D. Notify the healthcare provider
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A fundus displaced to the right is a classic sign of bladder
distention, which prevents the uterus from contracting. Emptying the bladder is the first
step.
