NSG 3500
Exam 4 Maternal Health Comprehensive Study Guide
Exam 4 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Nursing Program
NSG 3500
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NSG 3500 Exam 4 Maternal Health Comprehensive Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient at 32 weeks gestation presents with sudden, painless vaginal bleeding. Which
condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placental abruption
B. Placenta previa
C. Uterine rupture
D. Cervical insufficiency
Answer: B
Rationale: Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the third trimester is the hallmark sign
of placenta previa. Placental abruption is typically associated with painful bleeding and
board-like abdominal rigidity.
2. Which laboratory finding is most indicative of HELLP syndrome in a patient with severe
preeclampsia?
A. Elevated serum creatinine
B. Decreased hemoglobin
C. Low platelet count (< 100,000/mm³)
D. Elevated white blood cell count
, Answer: C
Rationale: HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets. A
platelet count below 100,000/mm³ is a diagnostic criterion for this severe complication of
pregnancy-induced hypertension.
3. A nurse is monitoring a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing and notes late decelerations. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
B. Increase the rate of the intravenous oxytocin infusion
C. Reposition the mother to the left side-lying position
D. Perform a sterile vaginal exam
Answer: C
Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The priority is to
maximize blood flow to the placenta, which is best achieved by repositioning the mother to
the side (usually left) to relieve pressure on the vena cava.
4. Magnesium sulfate is being administered to a patient for seizure prophylaxis. Which
finding would necessitate the immediate administration of calcium gluconate?
A. Absent deep tendon reflexes (DTRs)
B. Urinary output of 40 mL/hr
C. A blood pressure of 150/100 mmHg
Exam 4 Maternal Health Comprehensive Study Guide
Exam 4 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Nursing Program
NSG 3500
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NSG 3500 Exam 4 Maternal Health Comprehensive Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient at 32 weeks gestation presents with sudden, painless vaginal bleeding. Which
condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placental abruption
B. Placenta previa
C. Uterine rupture
D. Cervical insufficiency
Answer: B
Rationale: Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the third trimester is the hallmark sign
of placenta previa. Placental abruption is typically associated with painful bleeding and
board-like abdominal rigidity.
2. Which laboratory finding is most indicative of HELLP syndrome in a patient with severe
preeclampsia?
A. Elevated serum creatinine
B. Decreased hemoglobin
C. Low platelet count (< 100,000/mm³)
D. Elevated white blood cell count
, Answer: C
Rationale: HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets. A
platelet count below 100,000/mm³ is a diagnostic criterion for this severe complication of
pregnancy-induced hypertension.
3. A nurse is monitoring a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing and notes late decelerations. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
B. Increase the rate of the intravenous oxytocin infusion
C. Reposition the mother to the left side-lying position
D. Perform a sterile vaginal exam
Answer: C
Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The priority is to
maximize blood flow to the placenta, which is best achieved by repositioning the mother to
the side (usually left) to relieve pressure on the vena cava.
4. Magnesium sulfate is being administered to a patient for seizure prophylaxis. Which
finding would necessitate the immediate administration of calcium gluconate?
A. Absent deep tendon reflexes (DTRs)
B. Urinary output of 40 mL/hr
C. A blood pressure of 150/100 mmHg
