2026/2027 Jersey College
Q1. Which finding best indicates normal uterine involution during
the early postpartum period?
A) The fundus remains above the umbilicus for one week
B) The uterus gradually becomes smaller and descends in the abdomen each
day
C) The uterus becomes progressively softer throughout the first week
D) Fundal height increases as lochia decreases
Correct Answer: B) The uterus gradually becomes smaller and descends in
the abdomen each day
Rationale: Involution is the progressive return of the uterus toward its
prepregnancy size. The fundus normally becomes firmer, smaller, and
descends over the postpartum period.
Q2. A postpartum client has a boggy uterus that is displaced to the
right. Which problem should the nurse suspect first?
A) A distended bladder
B) Placental abruption
C) Cervical insufficiency
D) Pulmonary embolism
Correct Answer: A) A distended bladder
Rationale: A full bladder can displace the uterus upward and laterally and
interfere with effective uterine contraction, increasing the risk for bleeding.
Q3. Which lochia finding is expected during the first several
postpartum days?
A) Creamy white discharge from the first hour after birth
B) Bright-red bleeding for six weeks
C) Dark-red lochia that gradually decreases in amount
D) Foul-smelling green discharge
Correct Answer: C) Dark-red lochia that gradually decreases in amount
Rationale: Lochia rubra is expected during the early postpartum period and
consists primarily of blood and decidual tissue. It should gradually decrease
rather than become heavier.
, Q4. A client had progressed to lochia serosa but now reports a
return to persistent bright-red bleeding. What is the most
appropriate interpretation?
A) It is always expected after breastfeeding
B) It may indicate abnormal postpartum bleeding and requires assessment
C) It confirms normal uterine involution
D) It indicates the onset of menstruation in every client
Correct Answer: B) It may indicate abnormal postpartum bleeding and
requires assessment
Rationale: Reappearance or persistence of bright-red bleeding after lochia
has lightened may indicate excessive activity, subinvolution, retained tissue,
or another source of postpartum bleeding.
Q5. Which physiologic change contributes to increased urinary
output during the early postpartum period?
A) Postpartum diuresis removes excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy
B) Renal filtration stops temporarily after birth
C) Antidiuretic hormone permanently decreases after delivery
D) The bladder loses the ability to retain urine
Correct Answer: A) Postpartum diuresis removes excess fluid accumulated
during pregnancy
Rationale: Mobilization of extracellular fluid accumulated during pregnancy
contributes to increased urine production during the early postpartum
period.
Q6. A postpartum client experiences diaphoresis during sleep. What
is the nurse's best interpretation?
A) The client is developing postpartum hemorrhage
B) The finding always indicates infection
C) It may be part of normal postpartum fluid elimination
D) It confirms hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: C) It may be part of normal postpartum fluid elimination
Rationale: Increased sweating commonly accompanies postpartum diuresis
as the body eliminates excess fluid retained during pregnancy.
Q7. Which hormonal change helps initiate milk production after
delivery of the placenta?