,Arizona College NUR 335 Exam 2 | Maternal Health
Theory & Application (2026) Q&A
1. A client at 39 weeks gestation reports a sudden burst of energy and an urge to clean the
house. Which interpretation of this finding is most accurate?
A) This indicates the onset of active labor.
B) This is a sign that labor is imminent.
C) This suggests a complication of pregnancy.
D) This is unrelated to the labor process.
Correct Answer: This is a sign that labor is imminent.
Rationale: Nesting, characterized by a sudden burst of energy and the urge to prepare
the home, is a normal sign that labor may be approaching. The nurse should reassure the
client while encouraging rest and pacing activities to conserve energy. This is a recognized
preliminary sign of labor.
2. A nurse is assessing a client in the latent phase of the first stage of labor. Which cervical
dilation should the nurse expect to find?
A) 0 to 3 cm
B) 4 to 7 cm
C) 8 to 10 cm
D) 10 cm
Correct Answer: 0 to 3 cm
,Rationale: The latent phase is the early and slower part of labor, with cervical dilation
from 0 to 3 cm and effacement from 0% to 40%. The active phase is 4 to 7 cm, and the
transition phase is 8 to 10 cm. This knowledge guides assessment and support.
3. Which maternal factor is responsible for triggering the onset of labor?
A) Decreased fetal cortisol levels
B) Increased progesterone production
C) Release of prostaglandins and oxytocin
D) Reduced pressure on the cervix
Correct Answer: Release of prostaglandins and oxytocin
Rationale: Uterine muscle stretching leads to the release of prostaglandins and oxytocin,
which stimulate contractions. Estrogen increases, stimulating the uterine response, while
progesterone is withdrawn. Fetal cortisol rises and acts on the placenta to reduce
progesterone and increase prostaglandins.
4. A nurse is monitoring a fetal heart rate tracing and notes a baseline of 135 beats per
minute with moderate variability and accelerations. How should the nurse classify this
tracing?
A) Category I
B) Category II
C) Category III
D) Non-reassuring
Correct Answer: Category I
Rationale: A Category I tracing is normal and includes a baseline of 110 to 160 beats per
minute, moderate variability, and accelerations. No interventions are required. Category II
, includes tachy or brady and prolonged decelerations. Category III includes absent
variability and late decelerations.
5. Which finding on a fetal heart rate tracing is associated with chorioamnionitis?
A) Fetal bradycardia
B) Fetal tachycardia
C) Late decelerations
D) Variable decelerations
Correct Answer: Fetal tachycardia
Rationale: Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the amniotic sac that commonly causes
maternal fever, which in turn leads to fetal tachycardia (heart rate above 160 beats per
minute). Prompt recognition and treatment are essential to prevent neonatal sepsis.
6. A nurse performs a vaginal exam after a client's membranes have ruptured and palpates
the umbilical cord in the vagina. What is the priority intervention?
A) Clamp the cord immediately
B) Keep the hand in the vagina and lift the presenting part
C) Prepare for an immediate cesarean delivery
D) Administer oxygen to the mother
Correct Answer: Keep the hand in the vagina and lift the presenting part
Rationale: Umbilical cord prolapse is an obstetric emergency. The priority is to keep the
hand in the vagina and lift the presenting part off the cord to relieve compression until an
emergency cesarean delivery can be performed. This action preserves fetal oxygenation.
Theory & Application (2026) Q&A
1. A client at 39 weeks gestation reports a sudden burst of energy and an urge to clean the
house. Which interpretation of this finding is most accurate?
A) This indicates the onset of active labor.
B) This is a sign that labor is imminent.
C) This suggests a complication of pregnancy.
D) This is unrelated to the labor process.
Correct Answer: This is a sign that labor is imminent.
Rationale: Nesting, characterized by a sudden burst of energy and the urge to prepare
the home, is a normal sign that labor may be approaching. The nurse should reassure the
client while encouraging rest and pacing activities to conserve energy. This is a recognized
preliminary sign of labor.
2. A nurse is assessing a client in the latent phase of the first stage of labor. Which cervical
dilation should the nurse expect to find?
A) 0 to 3 cm
B) 4 to 7 cm
C) 8 to 10 cm
D) 10 cm
Correct Answer: 0 to 3 cm
,Rationale: The latent phase is the early and slower part of labor, with cervical dilation
from 0 to 3 cm and effacement from 0% to 40%. The active phase is 4 to 7 cm, and the
transition phase is 8 to 10 cm. This knowledge guides assessment and support.
3. Which maternal factor is responsible for triggering the onset of labor?
A) Decreased fetal cortisol levels
B) Increased progesterone production
C) Release of prostaglandins and oxytocin
D) Reduced pressure on the cervix
Correct Answer: Release of prostaglandins and oxytocin
Rationale: Uterine muscle stretching leads to the release of prostaglandins and oxytocin,
which stimulate contractions. Estrogen increases, stimulating the uterine response, while
progesterone is withdrawn. Fetal cortisol rises and acts on the placenta to reduce
progesterone and increase prostaglandins.
4. A nurse is monitoring a fetal heart rate tracing and notes a baseline of 135 beats per
minute with moderate variability and accelerations. How should the nurse classify this
tracing?
A) Category I
B) Category II
C) Category III
D) Non-reassuring
Correct Answer: Category I
Rationale: A Category I tracing is normal and includes a baseline of 110 to 160 beats per
minute, moderate variability, and accelerations. No interventions are required. Category II
, includes tachy or brady and prolonged decelerations. Category III includes absent
variability and late decelerations.
5. Which finding on a fetal heart rate tracing is associated with chorioamnionitis?
A) Fetal bradycardia
B) Fetal tachycardia
C) Late decelerations
D) Variable decelerations
Correct Answer: Fetal tachycardia
Rationale: Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the amniotic sac that commonly causes
maternal fever, which in turn leads to fetal tachycardia (heart rate above 160 beats per
minute). Prompt recognition and treatment are essential to prevent neonatal sepsis.
6. A nurse performs a vaginal exam after a client's membranes have ruptured and palpates
the umbilical cord in the vagina. What is the priority intervention?
A) Clamp the cord immediately
B) Keep the hand in the vagina and lift the presenting part
C) Prepare for an immediate cesarean delivery
D) Administer oxygen to the mother
Correct Answer: Keep the hand in the vagina and lift the presenting part
Rationale: Umbilical cord prolapse is an obstetric emergency. The priority is to keep the
hand in the vagina and lift the presenting part off the cord to relieve compression until an
emergency cesarean delivery can be performed. This action preserves fetal oxygenation.
