NURS 230 Maternal Exam 1: 50 Verified Questions & Answers:
Latest Updated A+ Score Solution
Question 1
The nurse is preparing to teach a client about the cardiovascular changes that
occur during pregnancy. Which of the following decreases or remains
unchanged?
• a. Heart rate.
• b. Blood pressure.
• c. Cardiac output.
• d. Blood volume.
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Blood pressure typically stays the same during pregnancy, showing
slight or no increase. In contrast, maternal heart rate increases by 15–20 beats per
minute, cardiac output rises by 30–50%, and blood volume expands by 40–50%.
Question 2
The nurse has provided dietary teaching for a pregnant client who has iron
deficiency anemia. Which of the following meal options selected by the client
indicates that teaching has been effective?
• a. Grilled steak, creamed spinach, and an apple.
• b. Baked chicken breast and macaroni salad.
• c. Oatmeal, whole-wheat toast, and jelly.
• d. Grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup.
Correct Answer: a
,Rationale: To combat anemia, the diet should be high in iron-rich foods like red
meats and green leafy vegetables such as spinach. Furthermore, iron needs to be
taken with Vitamin C (found in apples) to enhance absorption.
Question 3
The nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant. The first day of the last
menstrual period (LMP) was October 11. Using Naegele's rule, the nurse
calculates the estimated date of delivery (EDD) to be:
• a. June 4.
• b. July 4.
• c. July 18.
• d. June 18.
Correct Answer: c
Rationale: According to Naegele's Rule, the estimated due date is calculated by
taking the first day of the last menstrual period, subtracting 3 months, and adding
7 days. Subtracting 3 months from October yields July, and adding 7 days to 11
results in 18.
Question 4
The nurse is caring for a pregnant client who is recently diagnosed with pica.
Which of the following hemoglobin (Hgb) levels should the nurse expect to find
in the client's chart?
• a. 37 g/dL.
• b. 9 g/dL.
• c. 12 g/dL.
• d. 16 g/dL.
, Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Pica refers to craving substances with no nutritional value and is
strongly associated with iron deficiency anemia. A hemoglobin level of 9 g/dL is
expected because anemic values during pregnancy are defined as an Hgb < 11
g/dL.
Question 5
The nurse is caring for a client who is at 38 weeks gestation and in a supine
position for a pelvic examination. The client reports feeling dizzy and nauseated,
and upon assessment her skin feels damp and cool. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
• a. Turn the client on her side.
• b. Elevate the client's legs 20 degrees above her hips.
• c. Take the client's blood pressure (BP).
• d. Assess the client's respiratory rate (RR).
Correct Answer: a
Rationale: This client is experiencing inferior vena cava syndrome (supine
hypotension), which occurs when the heavy gravid uterus compresses the vena
cava. The priority action is to immediately turn the client onto her side (preferably
the left side) to relieve the pressure and restore normal venous return and cardiac
output.
Question 6
The nurse is caring for a client who is a primigravida in her third trimester and is
experiencing shortness of breath when walking up stairs. Which of the following
statements by the nurse is appropriate?
• a. "You will feel much better once the baby is born."
Latest Updated A+ Score Solution
Question 1
The nurse is preparing to teach a client about the cardiovascular changes that
occur during pregnancy. Which of the following decreases or remains
unchanged?
• a. Heart rate.
• b. Blood pressure.
• c. Cardiac output.
• d. Blood volume.
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Blood pressure typically stays the same during pregnancy, showing
slight or no increase. In contrast, maternal heart rate increases by 15–20 beats per
minute, cardiac output rises by 30–50%, and blood volume expands by 40–50%.
Question 2
The nurse has provided dietary teaching for a pregnant client who has iron
deficiency anemia. Which of the following meal options selected by the client
indicates that teaching has been effective?
• a. Grilled steak, creamed spinach, and an apple.
• b. Baked chicken breast and macaroni salad.
• c. Oatmeal, whole-wheat toast, and jelly.
• d. Grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup.
Correct Answer: a
,Rationale: To combat anemia, the diet should be high in iron-rich foods like red
meats and green leafy vegetables such as spinach. Furthermore, iron needs to be
taken with Vitamin C (found in apples) to enhance absorption.
Question 3
The nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant. The first day of the last
menstrual period (LMP) was October 11. Using Naegele's rule, the nurse
calculates the estimated date of delivery (EDD) to be:
• a. June 4.
• b. July 4.
• c. July 18.
• d. June 18.
Correct Answer: c
Rationale: According to Naegele's Rule, the estimated due date is calculated by
taking the first day of the last menstrual period, subtracting 3 months, and adding
7 days. Subtracting 3 months from October yields July, and adding 7 days to 11
results in 18.
Question 4
The nurse is caring for a pregnant client who is recently diagnosed with pica.
Which of the following hemoglobin (Hgb) levels should the nurse expect to find
in the client's chart?
• a. 37 g/dL.
• b. 9 g/dL.
• c. 12 g/dL.
• d. 16 g/dL.
, Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Pica refers to craving substances with no nutritional value and is
strongly associated with iron deficiency anemia. A hemoglobin level of 9 g/dL is
expected because anemic values during pregnancy are defined as an Hgb < 11
g/dL.
Question 5
The nurse is caring for a client who is at 38 weeks gestation and in a supine
position for a pelvic examination. The client reports feeling dizzy and nauseated,
and upon assessment her skin feels damp and cool. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
• a. Turn the client on her side.
• b. Elevate the client's legs 20 degrees above her hips.
• c. Take the client's blood pressure (BP).
• d. Assess the client's respiratory rate (RR).
Correct Answer: a
Rationale: This client is experiencing inferior vena cava syndrome (supine
hypotension), which occurs when the heavy gravid uterus compresses the vena
cava. The priority action is to immediately turn the client onto her side (preferably
the left side) to relieve the pressure and restore normal venous return and cardiac
output.
Question 6
The nurse is caring for a client who is a primigravida in her third trimester and is
experiencing shortness of breath when walking up stairs. Which of the following
statements by the nurse is appropriate?
• a. "You will feel much better once the baby is born."
