NU 170
Exam 3 Maternal-Child Nursing Advanced Study
Guide
Exam 3 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NU 170
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NU 170 Exam 3: Maternal-Child Nursing Advanced Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATED – Galen
1. A nurse is monitoring a client in labor and observes a fetal heart rate pattern with late
decelerations. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
A. Increase the rate of the maintenance IV fluid infusion.
B. Administer oxygen at 8 to 10 L/min via nonrebreather mask.
C. Reposition the client to a lateral position.
D. Prepare the client for an immediate cesarean section.
Answer: C
Rationale: Repositioning the client to a lateral (side-lying) position is the first action to
improve uteroplacental blood flow when late decelerations occur due to placental
insufficiency.
2. A client is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which assessment finding should
the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Urine output of 40 mL per hour.
B. Blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg.
C. Presence of 2+ deep tendon reflexes.
D. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute.
, Answer: D
Rationale: A respiratory rate below 12 per minute is a sign of magnesium toxicity and
requires immediate intervention, including stopping the infusion and possibly
administering calcium gluconate.
3. Which clinical finding is most indicative of the transition phase of the first stage of labor?
A. Cervical dilation of 3 to 5 cm.
B. Client statement of feeling an urge to push or ‘losing control’.
C. Contractions occurring every 5 to 7 minutes.
D. Rupture of membranes with clear fluid.
Answer: B
Rationale: The transition phase (8-10 cm) is characterized by intense contractions,
irritability, and often a strong urge to push as the fetus descends.
4. 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. Assist the client to the bathroom to void.
B. Notify the healthcare provider.
C. Perform fundal massage.
D. Increase the IV oxytocin infusion rate.
Answer: A
Exam 3 Maternal-Child Nursing Advanced Study
Guide
Exam 3 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NU 170
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NU 170 Exam 3: Maternal-Child Nursing Advanced Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATED – Galen
1. A nurse is monitoring a client in labor and observes a fetal heart rate pattern with late
decelerations. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
A. Increase the rate of the maintenance IV fluid infusion.
B. Administer oxygen at 8 to 10 L/min via nonrebreather mask.
C. Reposition the client to a lateral position.
D. Prepare the client for an immediate cesarean section.
Answer: C
Rationale: Repositioning the client to a lateral (side-lying) position is the first action to
improve uteroplacental blood flow when late decelerations occur due to placental
insufficiency.
2. A client is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which assessment finding should
the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Urine output of 40 mL per hour.
B. Blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg.
C. Presence of 2+ deep tendon reflexes.
D. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute.
, Answer: D
Rationale: A respiratory rate below 12 per minute is a sign of magnesium toxicity and
requires immediate intervention, including stopping the infusion and possibly
administering calcium gluconate.
3. Which clinical finding is most indicative of the transition phase of the first stage of labor?
A. Cervical dilation of 3 to 5 cm.
B. Client statement of feeling an urge to push or ‘losing control’.
C. Contractions occurring every 5 to 7 minutes.
D. Rupture of membranes with clear fluid.
Answer: B
Rationale: The transition phase (8-10 cm) is characterized by intense contractions,
irritability, and often a strong urge to push as the fetus descends.
4. 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. Assist the client to the bathroom to void.
B. Notify the healthcare provider.
C. Perform fundal massage.
D. Increase the IV oxytocin infusion rate.
Answer: A
