POSTPARTUM & NEWBORN NURSING
NUR 272
Postpartum & Newborn
Nursing Practice
Care of Childbearing / Childrearing Family
Medgar Evers College, CUNY
Original postpartum and newborn clinical scenarios covering recovery, hemorrhage,
infection, feeding, newborn transition, safety, complications, and priority nursing
decisions.
100 A-D 100
Practice questions Single best answer Explained answers
ASSESS / PRIORITIZE / APPLY
Answers and explanations after every question
Focused practice. Clear reasoning. Confident review.
, NUR 272 | POSTPARTUM & NEWBORN NURSING PASSPOINT PRO
Your practice guide
Work through 100 original single-best-answer questions. Each item is followed by its answer and explanation so you can
connect postpartum and newborn clinical cues to the safest nursing decision.
Choose one answer, A-D, before uncovering the answer panel.
Review the reasoning even when you select the correct option.
Use the topic map to identify weak postpartum and newborn content areas.
Record missed questions and revisit the clinical concept before another attempt.
Topic map and review tracker
SET FOCUS ITEMS SCORE
01 Maternal postpartum assessment & recovery 1-20 ___ / 20
02 Postpartum complications & psychosocial care 21-40 ___ / 20
03 Infant feeding & parent teaching 41-60 ___ / 20
04 Normal newborn transition & routine care 61-80 ___ / 20
05 Newborn complications, safety & priority care 81-100 ___ / 20
Total correct: _____ / 100 Questions to revisit: __________________
Coverage is aligned to NUR 272 Childbearing/Childrearing Family and emphasizes postpartum recovery, newborn care, safety,
clinical judgment, and family teaching.
, NUR 272 | POSTPARTUM & NEWBORN NURSING PASSPOINT PRO
01 Maternal postpartum assessment & recovery
FUNDAL ASSESSMENT
1
Two hours after a vaginal birth, the nurse finds the uterus boggy and above the umbilicus. What should
the nurse do first?
A Massage the fundus until firm
B Place the client flat and reassess in 30 minutes
C Apply an ice pack to the perineum
D Encourage the client to sleep
Answer: A. Massage the fundus until firm
Explanation: A boggy uterus suggests uterine atony, a major cause of early postpartum hemorrhage. Fundal massage is an
immediate nursing action to stimulate contraction while the nurse continues to assess bleeding and contributing factors.
Additional interventions such as bladder emptying and uterotonic medication may be needed.
BLADDER DISTENTION
2
A postpartum client has a firm uterus displaced to the right of midline. Which action is most
appropriate?
A Assist the client to empty the bladder
B Massage the uterus continuously
C Increase oral sugar intake
D Place the client in Trendelenburg position
Answer: A. Assist the client to empty the bladder
Explanation: A full bladder can displace the uterus and interfere with effective uterine contraction. Assisting the client to
void can help the fundus return to midline and reduce bleeding risk. The uterus should be reassessed after bladder
emptying.
LOCHIA
3
Which lochia finding is expected during the first several postpartum days?
A Lochia rubra that gradually decreases
B Foul-smelling green discharge
C A return to heavy bright-red bleeding after it had nearly stopped
D Large clots with dizziness
Answer: A. Lochia rubra that gradually decreases
Explanation: Lochia rubra is expected early after birth and should gradually decrease. Foul odor, increasing bleeding, large
clots, or systemic symptoms may indicate infection or hemorrhage. The nurse should assess amount, color, odor, and trend
rather than a single finding alone.
PassPoint Pro | Original practice questions
, NUR 272 | POSTPARTUM & NEWBORN NURSING PASSPOINT PRO
01 Maternal postpartum assessment & recovery
LOCHIA PROGRESSION
4
Which sequence correctly describes the usual progression of postpartum lochia?
A Rubra, serosa, alba
B Alba, rubra, serosa
C Serosa, alba, rubra
D Rubra, alba, serosa
Answer: A. Rubra, serosa, alba
Explanation: Lochia typically progresses from rubra to serosa and then to alba as healing occurs. The amount and color
should generally become lighter over time. A return to heavy bright-red bleeding can require evaluation for delayed
hemorrhage or retained tissue.
PERINEAL CARE
5
Which intervention is most appropriate for perineal swelling during the first 24 hours after vaginal birth?
A Apply a wrapped cold pack intermittently
B Use a heating pad continuously
C Massage the swollen tissue vigorously
D Avoid all hygiene until swelling resolves
Answer: A. Apply a wrapped cold pack intermittently
Explanation: Cold therapy during the early postpartum period can reduce edema and discomfort. Ice should be wrapped
and used intermittently to protect skin. Later, warmth such as a sitz bath may support comfort and circulation when
appropriate.
AFTERPAINS
6
A multiparous client reports cramping that becomes stronger during breastfeeding. What is the best
explanation?
A Oxytocin released with breastfeeding stimulates uterine contractions
B Breastfeeding causes uterine infection
C The bladder is always overfilled during feeding
D The cramps indicate retained placenta in every case
Answer: A. Oxytocin released with breastfeeding stimulates uterine contractions
Explanation: Breastfeeding triggers oxytocin release, which promotes uterine contraction and milk ejection. These
contractions can produce afterpains, especially in multiparous clients. The nurse should still evaluate pain that is severe,
localized, or accompanied by abnormal bleeding or fever.
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