NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | 2026/2027 Update | Galen College of Nursing 100% Correct Verified
NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1
Questions and Answers | 2026/2027 Update | 100% Correct
Galen College of Nursing — Maternal-Newborn Nursing
Total Questions: 75 (multiple choice, single best answer) | Cognitive Distribution: 30% Recall, 50%
Application, 20% Analysis | Format: NCLEX-style with rationales and test-taking strategy
Aligned with: 2026/2027 ACOG Guidelines, AWHONN Standards of Practice, NCSBN Clinical Judgment
Measurement Model (CJMM), and Galen NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 course objectives.
Section 1: Maternal-Newborn Nursing Foundations (Q1–Q10)
Topics: Professional roles and scope, family-centered care, advocacy, and cultural considerations in maternity
care.
Q1: A postpartum nurse is planning care for a client who recently delivered a healthy
newborn. Which action by the nurse best demonstrates the principle of family-centered
maternal care?
A. Encouraging the mother to room-in with her newborn to promote bonding and
facilitate family involvement in care [CORRECT]
B. Limiting visiting hours so the mother can rest without family interruption
C. Making all care decisions for the newborn to reduce parental anxiety
D. Restricting siblings from visiting to maintain a quiet unit environment
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Family-centered care emphasizes collaboration between nurses, the mother, and
her support system, and views pregnancy and birth as family events. Encouraging
rooming-in and including the family in newborn care fosters bonding, supports the family
unit, and respects the parents' central role in decision-making. The other options reflect
paternalistic models that exclude or restrict the family, which contradicts the AWHONN and
ACOG standards for family-centered maternity care.
Verification note: Verified against Galen NUR 230 Module 1 — AWHONN family-centered care
framework.
Page 1 | NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | Galen College of Nursing
,NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | 2026/2027 Update | Galen College of Nursing 100% Correct Verified
Q2: A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who follows Mexican cultural traditions
and requests a warm beverage and avoidance of cold fluids. Which response by the
nurse demonstrates cultural competence?
A. Explain that cold water is medically better after birth and provide ice water only
B. Provide the client with warm beverages such as tea or broth and respect her
preference as a culturally meaningful practice [CORRECT]
C. Notify the provider that the client is refusing prescribed fluids
D. Document the client as noncompliant with fluid intake orders
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Many Hispanic cultures follow the 'hot-cold' theory of health, in which the
postpartum period is considered a 'cold' state and warm foods and beverages restore
balance. Culturally competent care respects the client's beliefs when they do not harm the
mother or infant. Providing warm beverages supports the cultural practice and improves
fluid intake. Labeling the client noncompliant or forcing cold fluids violates the principles of
cultural humility and patient-centered care.
Verification note: Verified against Galen NUR 230 cultural considerations content — Purnell model.
Q3: A primigravida client at 38 weeks' gestation tells the nurse she feels pressured by
her family to deliver vaginally without pain medication because 'natural birth is best.'
The client expresses uncertainty about her preferences. Which nursing action best
demonstrates patient advocacy?
A. Notify the provider that the family is interfering with the birth plan
B. Inform the family that the nurse will make all final decisions regarding pain
management
C. Privately explore the client's preferences, provide unbiased information about all
pain relief options, and support her autonomous choice [CORRECT]
D. Document the client's statement and take no further action
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Advocacy in maternal-newborn nursing means protecting the client's autonomy,
right to informed consent, and right to make decisions free of coercion. The nurse should
privately assess the client's values and preferences, offer balanced information about all
pain management options (pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic), and support her choice.
Escalating to the provider prematurely or overriding the family unit ignores the client's
central role; documenting without action fails the advocacy obligation.
Verification note: Verified against ANA Code of Ethics and ACOG patient autonomy standards taught in
NUR 230.
Page 2 | NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | Galen College of Nursing
,NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | 2026/2027 Update | Galen College of Nursing 100% Correct Verified
Q4: Which statement best describes the scope of practice of a maternal-newborn nurse
within the interdisciplinary team?
A. Performing surgical deliveries independently when the provider is unavailable
B. Providing holistic antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn nursing care
within the RN scope, including assessment, education, advocacy, and coordination
with the interdisciplinary team [CORRECT]
C. Prescribing prenatal vitamins and ordering routine prenatal ultrasounds
D. Diagnosing high-risk conditions such as placenta previa and initiating independent
treatment plans
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The RN scope in maternal-newborn practice includes holistic assessment, health
promotion, patient education, advocacy, and care coordination within an interdisciplinary
team. RNs do not perform surgical deliveries, independently diagnose obstetric conditions,
or prescribe medications (including prenatal vitamins) — these fall under the provider's
scope. The RN collaborates with obstetric providers, lactation consultants, social workers,
and others, but functions autonomously within the nursing scope.
Verification note: Verified against ANA Scope and Standards of Practice for Maternal-Child Nursing.
Q5: A Muslim client in active labor requests that only female staff provide her care.
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Explain that staff assignments cannot be changed based on gender
B. Inform the client that the on-call provider is male and she must accept his care
C. Respect the client's request by arranging for female clinicians to provide care
whenever possible and clearly communicate the plan [CORRECT]
D. Document the request but provide care without changing assignments
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Modesty requirements are an important aspect of culturally competent care for
many Muslim women. The nurse should respect this preference and arrange female
caregivers whenever possible, communicating clearly with the team and client. Refusing the
request or ignoring it violates the patient's autonomy and the ethical principle of respect for
persons. If a male provider is essential for safety, the nurse should explain the situation,
request permission, and ensure a female chaperone is present.
Verification note: Verified against Purnell and Campinha-Bacote cultural competence models used in
NUR 230.
Page 3 | NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | Galen College of Nursing
, NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | 2026/2027 Update | Galen College of Nursing 100% Correct Verified
Q6: A nurse is implementing family-centered care for a client in labor. Which
intervention best supports the partner's role as a labor coach?
A. Encourage the partner to remain in the waiting room until delivery
B. Provide the partner with simple, concrete coaching techniques such as breathing
prompts, back rubs, and reassurance, and explain each procedure as it occurs
[CORRECT]
C. Ask the partner to leave during vaginal examinations to protect the client's privacy
D. Direct the partner to stay quiet so the nurse can focus on the monitor
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In family-centered maternity care, partners are integral members of the birth
team and should be included, educated, and supported. Providing concrete, simple coaching
strategies and explaining procedures empowers the partner, reduces anxiety, and
strengthens the family unit. Excluding the partner during routine care, sending them to the
waiting room, or silencing them violates the principles of family-centered care and may
increase client anxiety.
Verification note: Verified against AWHONN family-centered care guidelines taught in NUR 230.
Q7: A postpartum client from a Southeast Asian culture asks the nurse to avoid
showering for the first month postpartum. What is the nurse's best response?
A. Insist the client shower daily to prevent infection
B. Explain that bathing is unsafe during the postpartum period and the client's request is
appropriate
C. Assess the client's understanding, respect the cultural belief where possible, and
offer alternatives such as warm sponge baths to maintain hygiene [CORRECT]
D. Notify social services about unsafe hygiene practices
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Many Southeast Asian cultures observe a postpartum 'lying-in' period during
which the mother avoids bathing or exposure to cold to restore balance. As long as the
practice does not pose a health risk, the nurse should respect it and negotiate alternatives
that meet hygiene needs (e.g., warm sponge baths, perineal care, hand hygiene). Forcing
Western hygiene practices or involving social services is culturally insensitive and
inappropriate.
Verification note: Verified against Galen NUR 230 cultural considerations content.
Page 4 | NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | Galen College of Nursing
NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1
Questions and Answers | 2026/2027 Update | 100% Correct
Galen College of Nursing — Maternal-Newborn Nursing
Total Questions: 75 (multiple choice, single best answer) | Cognitive Distribution: 30% Recall, 50%
Application, 20% Analysis | Format: NCLEX-style with rationales and test-taking strategy
Aligned with: 2026/2027 ACOG Guidelines, AWHONN Standards of Practice, NCSBN Clinical Judgment
Measurement Model (CJMM), and Galen NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 course objectives.
Section 1: Maternal-Newborn Nursing Foundations (Q1–Q10)
Topics: Professional roles and scope, family-centered care, advocacy, and cultural considerations in maternity
care.
Q1: A postpartum nurse is planning care for a client who recently delivered a healthy
newborn. Which action by the nurse best demonstrates the principle of family-centered
maternal care?
A. Encouraging the mother to room-in with her newborn to promote bonding and
facilitate family involvement in care [CORRECT]
B. Limiting visiting hours so the mother can rest without family interruption
C. Making all care decisions for the newborn to reduce parental anxiety
D. Restricting siblings from visiting to maintain a quiet unit environment
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Family-centered care emphasizes collaboration between nurses, the mother, and
her support system, and views pregnancy and birth as family events. Encouraging
rooming-in and including the family in newborn care fosters bonding, supports the family
unit, and respects the parents' central role in decision-making. The other options reflect
paternalistic models that exclude or restrict the family, which contradicts the AWHONN and
ACOG standards for family-centered maternity care.
Verification note: Verified against Galen NUR 230 Module 1 — AWHONN family-centered care
framework.
Page 1 | NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | Galen College of Nursing
,NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | 2026/2027 Update | Galen College of Nursing 100% Correct Verified
Q2: A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who follows Mexican cultural traditions
and requests a warm beverage and avoidance of cold fluids. Which response by the
nurse demonstrates cultural competence?
A. Explain that cold water is medically better after birth and provide ice water only
B. Provide the client with warm beverages such as tea or broth and respect her
preference as a culturally meaningful practice [CORRECT]
C. Notify the provider that the client is refusing prescribed fluids
D. Document the client as noncompliant with fluid intake orders
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Many Hispanic cultures follow the 'hot-cold' theory of health, in which the
postpartum period is considered a 'cold' state and warm foods and beverages restore
balance. Culturally competent care respects the client's beliefs when they do not harm the
mother or infant. Providing warm beverages supports the cultural practice and improves
fluid intake. Labeling the client noncompliant or forcing cold fluids violates the principles of
cultural humility and patient-centered care.
Verification note: Verified against Galen NUR 230 cultural considerations content — Purnell model.
Q3: A primigravida client at 38 weeks' gestation tells the nurse she feels pressured by
her family to deliver vaginally without pain medication because 'natural birth is best.'
The client expresses uncertainty about her preferences. Which nursing action best
demonstrates patient advocacy?
A. Notify the provider that the family is interfering with the birth plan
B. Inform the family that the nurse will make all final decisions regarding pain
management
C. Privately explore the client's preferences, provide unbiased information about all
pain relief options, and support her autonomous choice [CORRECT]
D. Document the client's statement and take no further action
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Advocacy in maternal-newborn nursing means protecting the client's autonomy,
right to informed consent, and right to make decisions free of coercion. The nurse should
privately assess the client's values and preferences, offer balanced information about all
pain management options (pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic), and support her choice.
Escalating to the provider prematurely or overriding the family unit ignores the client's
central role; documenting without action fails the advocacy obligation.
Verification note: Verified against ANA Code of Ethics and ACOG patient autonomy standards taught in
NUR 230.
Page 2 | NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | Galen College of Nursing
,NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | 2026/2027 Update | Galen College of Nursing 100% Correct Verified
Q4: Which statement best describes the scope of practice of a maternal-newborn nurse
within the interdisciplinary team?
A. Performing surgical deliveries independently when the provider is unavailable
B. Providing holistic antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn nursing care
within the RN scope, including assessment, education, advocacy, and coordination
with the interdisciplinary team [CORRECT]
C. Prescribing prenatal vitamins and ordering routine prenatal ultrasounds
D. Diagnosing high-risk conditions such as placenta previa and initiating independent
treatment plans
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The RN scope in maternal-newborn practice includes holistic assessment, health
promotion, patient education, advocacy, and care coordination within an interdisciplinary
team. RNs do not perform surgical deliveries, independently diagnose obstetric conditions,
or prescribe medications (including prenatal vitamins) — these fall under the provider's
scope. The RN collaborates with obstetric providers, lactation consultants, social workers,
and others, but functions autonomously within the nursing scope.
Verification note: Verified against ANA Scope and Standards of Practice for Maternal-Child Nursing.
Q5: A Muslim client in active labor requests that only female staff provide her care.
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Explain that staff assignments cannot be changed based on gender
B. Inform the client that the on-call provider is male and she must accept his care
C. Respect the client's request by arranging for female clinicians to provide care
whenever possible and clearly communicate the plan [CORRECT]
D. Document the request but provide care without changing assignments
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Modesty requirements are an important aspect of culturally competent care for
many Muslim women. The nurse should respect this preference and arrange female
caregivers whenever possible, communicating clearly with the team and client. Refusing the
request or ignoring it violates the patient's autonomy and the ethical principle of respect for
persons. If a male provider is essential for safety, the nurse should explain the situation,
request permission, and ensure a female chaperone is present.
Verification note: Verified against Purnell and Campinha-Bacote cultural competence models used in
NUR 230.
Page 3 | NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | Galen College of Nursing
, NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | 2026/2027 Update | Galen College of Nursing 100% Correct Verified
Q6: A nurse is implementing family-centered care for a client in labor. Which
intervention best supports the partner's role as a labor coach?
A. Encourage the partner to remain in the waiting room until delivery
B. Provide the partner with simple, concrete coaching techniques such as breathing
prompts, back rubs, and reassurance, and explain each procedure as it occurs
[CORRECT]
C. Ask the partner to leave during vaginal examinations to protect the client's privacy
D. Direct the partner to stay quiet so the nurse can focus on the monitor
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In family-centered maternity care, partners are integral members of the birth
team and should be included, educated, and supported. Providing concrete, simple coaching
strategies and explaining procedures empowers the partner, reduces anxiety, and
strengthens the family unit. Excluding the partner during routine care, sending them to the
waiting room, or silencing them violates the principles of family-centered care and may
increase client anxiety.
Verification note: Verified against AWHONN family-centered care guidelines taught in NUR 230.
Q7: A postpartum client from a Southeast Asian culture asks the nurse to avoid
showering for the first month postpartum. What is the nurse's best response?
A. Insist the client shower daily to prevent infection
B. Explain that bathing is unsafe during the postpartum period and the client's request is
appropriate
C. Assess the client's understanding, respect the cultural belief where possible, and
offer alternatives such as warm sponge baths to maintain hygiene [CORRECT]
D. Notify social services about unsafe hygiene practices
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Many Southeast Asian cultures observe a postpartum 'lying-in' period during
which the mother avoids bathing or exposure to cold to restore balance. As long as the
practice does not pose a health risk, the nurse should respect it and negotiate alternatives
that meet hygiene needs (e.g., warm sponge baths, perineal care, hand hygiene). Forcing
Western hygiene practices or involving social services is culturally insensitive and
inappropriate.
Verification note: Verified against Galen NUR 230 cultural considerations content.
Page 4 | NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 | Galen College of Nursing
