NSG 3500 MATERNAL HEALTH EXAM 2
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which
of the following findings should the nurse prioritize as an early sign of magnesium toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate of 14/min
B. Urinary output of 40 mL/hr
C. Diminished deep tendon reflexes
D. Blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Loss or diminution of deep tendon reflexes is one of the earliest
signs of magnesium toxicity. Respiratory depression and decreased output occur as levels
continue to rise.
,2. A patient in the transition phase of labor reports feeling a strong urge to push. The nurse
performs a vaginal exam and finds the cervix is 9 cm dilated. What is the most appropriate
nursing action?
A. Encourage the patient to push with the next contraction
B. Prepare for immediate delivery of the infant
C. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position
D. Instruct the patient to use pant-blow breathing techniques
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Pushing before the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm) can cause
cervical edema or lacerations. Pant-blow breathing helps the client resist the urge to push.
3. Which of the following fetal heart rate patterns is most indicative of uteroplacental
insufficiency?
A. Early decelerations
B. Accelerations
C. Late decelerations
D. Variable decelerations
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency
and are considered non-reassuring, requiring immediate intervention.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client at 32 weeks gestation who has a total placenta previa. Which
of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
B. Rigid, board-like abdomen
C. Severe abdominal pain
D. Intermittent uterine contractions
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Placenta previa is characterized by painless, bright red bleeding.
Painful bleeding and a rigid abdomen are signs of abruptio placentae.
5. What is the primary rationale for administering Betamethasone to a client in preterm labor
at 30 weeks gestation?
A. To stop uterine contractions
B. To prevent neonatal group B strep infection
C. To stimulate fetal surfactant production
D. To increase maternal blood glucose levels
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Betamethasone is a corticosteroid given to enhance fetal lung
maturity by stimulating surfactant production in anticipation of a preterm birth.
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which
of the following findings should the nurse prioritize as an early sign of magnesium toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate of 14/min
B. Urinary output of 40 mL/hr
C. Diminished deep tendon reflexes
D. Blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Loss or diminution of deep tendon reflexes is one of the earliest
signs of magnesium toxicity. Respiratory depression and decreased output occur as levels
continue to rise.
,2. A patient in the transition phase of labor reports feeling a strong urge to push. The nurse
performs a vaginal exam and finds the cervix is 9 cm dilated. What is the most appropriate
nursing action?
A. Encourage the patient to push with the next contraction
B. Prepare for immediate delivery of the infant
C. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position
D. Instruct the patient to use pant-blow breathing techniques
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Pushing before the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm) can cause
cervical edema or lacerations. Pant-blow breathing helps the client resist the urge to push.
3. Which of the following fetal heart rate patterns is most indicative of uteroplacental
insufficiency?
A. Early decelerations
B. Accelerations
C. Late decelerations
D. Variable decelerations
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency
and are considered non-reassuring, requiring immediate intervention.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client at 32 weeks gestation who has a total placenta previa. Which
of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
B. Rigid, board-like abdomen
C. Severe abdominal pain
D. Intermittent uterine contractions
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Placenta previa is characterized by painless, bright red bleeding.
Painful bleeding and a rigid abdomen are signs of abruptio placentae.
5. What is the primary rationale for administering Betamethasone to a client in preterm labor
at 30 weeks gestation?
A. To stop uterine contractions
B. To prevent neonatal group B strep infection
C. To stimulate fetal surfactant production
D. To increase maternal blood glucose levels
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Betamethasone is a corticosteroid given to enhance fetal lung
maturity by stimulating surfactant production in anticipation of a preterm birth.
