Actual Questions And Correct Answers With Rationale Latest
2026/2027 Already Graded A+ Assured Pass
NSG 3500 MATERNAL HEALTH — COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM
GENERAL MATERNAL-HEALTH KNOWLEDGE | 200 MULTIPLE-CHOICE
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALES
Table of Contents
Module / Topic Questions Distribution
Antepartum Assessment & Prenatal Care 1–25 25
Pregnancy Physiology & Fetal Development 26–45 20
Labor & Birth 46–75 30
Fetal Assessment & Electronic Monitoring 76–95 20
Postpartum Nursing Care 96–120 25
Newborn Assessment & Adaptation 121–140 20
Pregnancy Complications 141–165 25
Obstetric Emergencies 166–180 15
Medications & Maternal-Newborn Pharmacology 181–190 10
Patient Education, Ethics & Safety 191–200 10
Total 200 200 questions
Module 1: Antepartum Assessment & Prenatal Care
Question 1
A client presents for her first prenatal visit and reports that her last menstrual period began on
March 10. Assuming a regular 28-day cycle, which date is the estimated date of delivery?
,A. December 3
B. December 17
C. January 10
D. November 17
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Naegele's rule estimates the due date by subtracting three months from the first day
of the LMP and adding seven days, producing December 17. The other dates do not correctly
apply the calculation.
Question 2
Which finding during the first trimester is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A. Positive fetal heart tones
B. Visualization of the fetus by ultrasound
C. Amenorrhea
D. Palpable fetal movement by the examiner
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Amenorrhea is a presumptive sign because it can occur for reasons other than
pregnancy. Fetal heart tones and visualization of the fetus are positive signs because they directly
demonstrate the presence of a fetus.
Question 3
A pregnant client asks why folic acid is emphasized before conception and during early
pregnancy. Which response is most appropriate?
A. "It prevents gestational diabetes."
B. "It decreases the risk of neural tube defects."
C. "It prevents all congenital abnormalities."
D. "It eliminates the need for prenatal vitamins."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adequate folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy reduces the risk of
neural tube defects. It does not prevent all congenital abnormalities or replace comprehensive
prenatal nutrition.
Question 4
Which assessment finding in a pregnant client requires the most immediate follow-up?
A. Mild urinary frequency during the first trimester
B. Increased breast tenderness
,C. Vaginal bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain
D. Mild fatigue after physical activity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Vaginal bleeding with abdominal pain can indicate miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or
another potentially serious complication. The other findings are commonly associated with
normal pregnancy changes.
Question 5
A client at 24 weeks' gestation asks about the purpose of the oral glucose challenge test. The
nurse should explain that it is primarily used to screen for:
A. Preeclampsia
B. Gestational diabetes
C. Iron-deficiency anemia
D. Rh incompatibility
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Screening for gestational diabetes commonly occurs during the second trimester,
often between 24 and 28 weeks. The other conditions require different screening or assessment
strategies.
Question 6
Which maternal finding is most consistent with a normal physiologic adaptation to pregnancy?
A. Persistent severe hypertension
B. Mild increase in heart rate
C. Severe proteinuria
D. Persistent hypoxemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Maternal cardiac output and heart rate normally increase during pregnancy to meet
increased metabolic demands. Severe hypertension, proteinuria, and hypoxemia are not expected
physiologic adaptations.
Question 7
A pregnant client reports constipation. Which teaching is most appropriate?
A. Restrict fluid intake
B. Increase fiber and fluids
C. Avoid physical activity
D. Use stimulant laxatives routinely
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased dietary fiber, adequate hydration, and appropriate physical activity can
reduce constipation during pregnancy. Routine stimulant laxative use is not the first-line
approach.
Question 8
Which symptom during pregnancy should be reported promptly because it may indicate
preeclampsia?
A. Mild ankle edema at the end of the day
B. Occasional urinary frequency
C. Severe headache with visual disturbances
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Severe headache and visual disturbances can indicate significant hypertension and
cerebral involvement associated with preeclampsia. Mild dependent edema can occur normally
during pregnancy.
Question 9
A pregnant client asks why she should avoid alcohol. Which response is most accurate?
A. "Alcohol is associated with fetal growth and neurodevelopmental problems."
B. "Alcohol only becomes harmful after 30 weeks."
C. "Small amounts are always proven safe."
D. "Alcohol affects only the maternal liver."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders involving
growth, neurologic development, and behavior. There is no established amount of alcohol known
to be completely safe during pregnancy.
Question 10
Which nutrient is particularly important for preventing maternal anemia during pregnancy?
A. Iron
B. Sodium
C. Vitamin K
D. Fluoride
Correct Answer: A