ESTUDYR
FA DAVIS MATERNITY FINAL MOST TESTED QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS GRADED A+ WITH RATIONALES
1. Question 1: While assisting the physician with a physical examination, which sign is most
definitive for confirming a diagnosis of pregnancy?
a. Chadwick’s sign (bluish discoloration of cervix and vagina)
b. Goodell’s sign (softening of the cervix)
c. Hegar’s sign (softening of the uterus)
d. Positive urine hCG test
e. Auscultation of fetal heart sounds
Rationale: Auscultation of fetal heart tones (usually by Doppler around 10–12 weeks) is a “positive”
(diagnostic) sign of pregnancy. Other signs (Chadwick’s, Goodell’s, Hegar’s) are presumptive or probable.
2. Question 2: Which nursing assessment finding alone indicates the need for further testing
before a diagnosis of pregnancy can be confirmed?
a. Breast tenderness
b. Amenorrhea
c. Nausea and vomiting
d. Positive home pregnancy test
e. Quickening (fetal movement)
Rationale: Amenorrhea (absence of menses) is a common presumptive sign but can have other causes
(stress, endocrine disorders), so further testing (e.g., hCG levels, ultrasound) is required.
3. Question 3: The nurse caring for a woman who is beginning her second trimester recognizes the
need for further assessment if the client reports which change?
a. Mild backache relieved by rest
b. Leg cramps at night
c. Nasal congestion
d. Round ligament pain with movement
e. Increased salivation
Rationale: Nasal congestion during pregnancy is common due to increased estrogen—but severe or
persistent congestion could signal rhinitis medicamentosa or infection. However, given the question’s
wording (“need for further assessment”), check for allergic/infectious causes rather than assume normal
rhinitis of pregnancy.
4. Question 4: A woman in her third trimester reports burning on urination. The nurse suspects a
urinary tract infection (UTI) based on this symptom. Which additional finding would strengthen
that suspicion?
a. Increased fetal movements
b. Mild leg edema
,ESTUDYR
c. Cloudy, foul-smelling urine on dipstick
d. Occasional Braxton Hicks contractions
e. Painless vaginal spotting
Rationale: Dysuria (burning) plus cloudy/foul-smelling urine are typical UTI indicators. Leg edema and
Braxton Hicks are common in late pregnancy; spotting requires vaginal assessment, not UTI.
5. Question 5: A pregnant woman tells the nurse she feels very clumsy. Which teaching should the
nurse provide?
a. “Practice yoga to strengthen your core.”
b. “Avoid all physical activity to prevent falls.”
c. “Wear low-heeled shoes and use good body mechanics.”
d. “Use a belly support band to correct your balance.”
e. “Sit down whenever you feel dizzy.”
Rationale: As the center of gravity shifts, pregnant women become more unsteady. Low-heeled shoes
and proper posture/body mechanics help prevent falls.
6. Question 6: When a pregnant patient expresses concern about darkened areolas, linea nigra,
and melasma, which response by the nurse is best?
a. “You should use makeup to hide these changes.”
b. “These changes mean you need extra vitamin C.”
c. “These changes normally go away after you have the baby.”
d. “You’ll need laser therapy postpartum to fix them.”
e. “Try bleaching creams to reduce pigmentation now.”
Rationale: Hyperpigmentation (dark areolas, linea nigra, chloasma) is common due to hormonal changes
and usually fades postpartum. Immediate cosmetic treatments are not recommended during pregnancy.
7. Question 7: The nurse notes a pregnant patient’s lab values show a reduced red blood cell count
and hemoglobin level. Which symptom reported by the patient results from these findings?
a. Shortness of breath at rest
b. Leg cramps
c. Fatigue
d. Frequent headaches
e. Excessive thirst
Rationale: Physiologic anemia of pregnancy—hemodilution with expanded plasma volume—leads to
mild reductions in RBC count and Hgb, causing fatigue.
8. Question 8: After assessing the cardiovascular system of a pregnant woman, the nurse
recognizes the need to report which finding to the provider?
a. Heart rate of 90 bpm
b. Mild systolic murmur grade 1/6
,ESTUDYR
c. Blood pressure of 152/94 mm Hg
d. Flattened T waves on EKG
e. Increased jugular venous distention
Rationale: A blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg in pregnancy suggests hypertension (preexisting or
gestational) and requires immediate evaluation.
9. Question 9: Which symptom reported by a pregnant patient needs immediate attention and
should be brought to the health-care provider?
a. Mild itching after applying lotion
b. Occasional ankle edema in evening
c. Decreased fetal movement for one day
d. Vaginal itching
e. Leg cramps at night
Rationale: Vaginal itching can signify infection (e.g., yeast, bacterial vaginosis) requiring prompt
treatment to avoid complications. Decreased fetal movement is also concerning but requires a count,
while nocturnal leg cramps and mild itching are common.
10. Question 10: The nurse reviews a patient’s laboratory findings and suspects anemia when
noting which result?
a. White blood cell count 12,000/mm³
b. Platelet count 180,000/mm³
c. Hematocrit 41%
d. Red blood cell count 4.1 × 10⁶/µL
e. Hemoglobin 13.0 g/dL
Rationale: Normal RBC count in pregnancy is roughly 4.2–5.4 million/µL. A count of 4.1 is mildly low
(anemia), whereas Hgb/Hct within mid-pregnancy range would be lower (Hgb <11 g/dL more definitive).
11. Question 11: Which finding does the nurse recognize as a normal hematologic change during
pregnancy?
a. Elevated total cholesterol
b. Reduced platelet count
c. Decreased fibrinogen levels
d. Increased prothrombin time
e. Increased RBC viscosity
Rationale: Pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state: platelet count often mildly decreases (gestational
thrombocytopenia), fibrinogen rises, and PT is slightly shortened—not increased.
12. Question 12: The nurse reviews lab values showing:
– Hemoglobin: 12.2 g/dL
– Hematocrit: 42.8%
, ESTUDYR
– BUN: 18 mg/dL
– Creatinine: 0.68 mg/dL
– ALT: 8 units/L
– AST: 12 units/L
– ALP: 108 IU/mL
– LDH: 635 units/L
Which conclusion does the nurse draw?
a. The patient has preeclampsia.
b. The patient’s liver function is severely compromised.
c. The patient is iron deficient.
d. The patient has rhabdomyolysis.
e. The patient is dehydrated.
Rationale: Elevated LDH with normal AST/ALT and a slightly elevated BUN:Cr suggests
hemoconcentration from dehydration. ALP normally rises in pregnancy.
13. Question 13: During her first prenatal visit, a woman repeats many recommendations she heard
from friends about maintaining health in pregnancy. According to Reva Rubin’s maternal tasks,
this woman is demonstrating which task?
a. Seeking safe passage for herself and her fetus
b. Securing acceptance of herself and her fetus by others
c. Attaining a maternal role identity
d. Learning to give of herself
e. Developing a nest for the infant
Rationale: Gathering information and advice to ensure safety in pregnancy reflects the “seeking safe
passage” task per Rubin.
14. Question 14: A pregnant patient who lost her mother as a teenager is likely to have difficulty
with which of Reva Rubin’s four maternal tasks?
a. Seeking safe passage for herself and fetus
b. Securing acceptance for herself as a mother and for her fetus
c. Attaining a maternal role identity
d. Learning to give of herself
e. Developing an attachment to the fetus
Rationale: Without a maternal role model, a woman may struggle to gain confidence and acceptance in
her new mother role (Rubin’s “acceptance” task).
15. Question 15: Upon examining a woman in late second trimester, the nurse notes circular bruises
around each wrist and above the umbilicus. What should the nurse suspect?
a. Normal striae gravidarum
b. Erythema nodosum
FA DAVIS MATERNITY FINAL MOST TESTED QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS GRADED A+ WITH RATIONALES
1. Question 1: While assisting the physician with a physical examination, which sign is most
definitive for confirming a diagnosis of pregnancy?
a. Chadwick’s sign (bluish discoloration of cervix and vagina)
b. Goodell’s sign (softening of the cervix)
c. Hegar’s sign (softening of the uterus)
d. Positive urine hCG test
e. Auscultation of fetal heart sounds
Rationale: Auscultation of fetal heart tones (usually by Doppler around 10–12 weeks) is a “positive”
(diagnostic) sign of pregnancy. Other signs (Chadwick’s, Goodell’s, Hegar’s) are presumptive or probable.
2. Question 2: Which nursing assessment finding alone indicates the need for further testing
before a diagnosis of pregnancy can be confirmed?
a. Breast tenderness
b. Amenorrhea
c. Nausea and vomiting
d. Positive home pregnancy test
e. Quickening (fetal movement)
Rationale: Amenorrhea (absence of menses) is a common presumptive sign but can have other causes
(stress, endocrine disorders), so further testing (e.g., hCG levels, ultrasound) is required.
3. Question 3: The nurse caring for a woman who is beginning her second trimester recognizes the
need for further assessment if the client reports which change?
a. Mild backache relieved by rest
b. Leg cramps at night
c. Nasal congestion
d. Round ligament pain with movement
e. Increased salivation
Rationale: Nasal congestion during pregnancy is common due to increased estrogen—but severe or
persistent congestion could signal rhinitis medicamentosa or infection. However, given the question’s
wording (“need for further assessment”), check for allergic/infectious causes rather than assume normal
rhinitis of pregnancy.
4. Question 4: A woman in her third trimester reports burning on urination. The nurse suspects a
urinary tract infection (UTI) based on this symptom. Which additional finding would strengthen
that suspicion?
a. Increased fetal movements
b. Mild leg edema
,ESTUDYR
c. Cloudy, foul-smelling urine on dipstick
d. Occasional Braxton Hicks contractions
e. Painless vaginal spotting
Rationale: Dysuria (burning) plus cloudy/foul-smelling urine are typical UTI indicators. Leg edema and
Braxton Hicks are common in late pregnancy; spotting requires vaginal assessment, not UTI.
5. Question 5: A pregnant woman tells the nurse she feels very clumsy. Which teaching should the
nurse provide?
a. “Practice yoga to strengthen your core.”
b. “Avoid all physical activity to prevent falls.”
c. “Wear low-heeled shoes and use good body mechanics.”
d. “Use a belly support band to correct your balance.”
e. “Sit down whenever you feel dizzy.”
Rationale: As the center of gravity shifts, pregnant women become more unsteady. Low-heeled shoes
and proper posture/body mechanics help prevent falls.
6. Question 6: When a pregnant patient expresses concern about darkened areolas, linea nigra,
and melasma, which response by the nurse is best?
a. “You should use makeup to hide these changes.”
b. “These changes mean you need extra vitamin C.”
c. “These changes normally go away after you have the baby.”
d. “You’ll need laser therapy postpartum to fix them.”
e. “Try bleaching creams to reduce pigmentation now.”
Rationale: Hyperpigmentation (dark areolas, linea nigra, chloasma) is common due to hormonal changes
and usually fades postpartum. Immediate cosmetic treatments are not recommended during pregnancy.
7. Question 7: The nurse notes a pregnant patient’s lab values show a reduced red blood cell count
and hemoglobin level. Which symptom reported by the patient results from these findings?
a. Shortness of breath at rest
b. Leg cramps
c. Fatigue
d. Frequent headaches
e. Excessive thirst
Rationale: Physiologic anemia of pregnancy—hemodilution with expanded plasma volume—leads to
mild reductions in RBC count and Hgb, causing fatigue.
8. Question 8: After assessing the cardiovascular system of a pregnant woman, the nurse
recognizes the need to report which finding to the provider?
a. Heart rate of 90 bpm
b. Mild systolic murmur grade 1/6
,ESTUDYR
c. Blood pressure of 152/94 mm Hg
d. Flattened T waves on EKG
e. Increased jugular venous distention
Rationale: A blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg in pregnancy suggests hypertension (preexisting or
gestational) and requires immediate evaluation.
9. Question 9: Which symptom reported by a pregnant patient needs immediate attention and
should be brought to the health-care provider?
a. Mild itching after applying lotion
b. Occasional ankle edema in evening
c. Decreased fetal movement for one day
d. Vaginal itching
e. Leg cramps at night
Rationale: Vaginal itching can signify infection (e.g., yeast, bacterial vaginosis) requiring prompt
treatment to avoid complications. Decreased fetal movement is also concerning but requires a count,
while nocturnal leg cramps and mild itching are common.
10. Question 10: The nurse reviews a patient’s laboratory findings and suspects anemia when
noting which result?
a. White blood cell count 12,000/mm³
b. Platelet count 180,000/mm³
c. Hematocrit 41%
d. Red blood cell count 4.1 × 10⁶/µL
e. Hemoglobin 13.0 g/dL
Rationale: Normal RBC count in pregnancy is roughly 4.2–5.4 million/µL. A count of 4.1 is mildly low
(anemia), whereas Hgb/Hct within mid-pregnancy range would be lower (Hgb <11 g/dL more definitive).
11. Question 11: Which finding does the nurse recognize as a normal hematologic change during
pregnancy?
a. Elevated total cholesterol
b. Reduced platelet count
c. Decreased fibrinogen levels
d. Increased prothrombin time
e. Increased RBC viscosity
Rationale: Pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state: platelet count often mildly decreases (gestational
thrombocytopenia), fibrinogen rises, and PT is slightly shortened—not increased.
12. Question 12: The nurse reviews lab values showing:
– Hemoglobin: 12.2 g/dL
– Hematocrit: 42.8%
, ESTUDYR
– BUN: 18 mg/dL
– Creatinine: 0.68 mg/dL
– ALT: 8 units/L
– AST: 12 units/L
– ALP: 108 IU/mL
– LDH: 635 units/L
Which conclusion does the nurse draw?
a. The patient has preeclampsia.
b. The patient’s liver function is severely compromised.
c. The patient is iron deficient.
d. The patient has rhabdomyolysis.
e. The patient is dehydrated.
Rationale: Elevated LDH with normal AST/ALT and a slightly elevated BUN:Cr suggests
hemoconcentration from dehydration. ALP normally rises in pregnancy.
13. Question 13: During her first prenatal visit, a woman repeats many recommendations she heard
from friends about maintaining health in pregnancy. According to Reva Rubin’s maternal tasks,
this woman is demonstrating which task?
a. Seeking safe passage for herself and her fetus
b. Securing acceptance of herself and her fetus by others
c. Attaining a maternal role identity
d. Learning to give of herself
e. Developing a nest for the infant
Rationale: Gathering information and advice to ensure safety in pregnancy reflects the “seeking safe
passage” task per Rubin.
14. Question 14: A pregnant patient who lost her mother as a teenager is likely to have difficulty
with which of Reva Rubin’s four maternal tasks?
a. Seeking safe passage for herself and fetus
b. Securing acceptance for herself as a mother and for her fetus
c. Attaining a maternal role identity
d. Learning to give of herself
e. Developing an attachment to the fetus
Rationale: Without a maternal role model, a woman may struggle to gain confidence and acceptance in
her new mother role (Rubin’s “acceptance” task).
15. Question 15: Upon examining a woman in late second trimester, the nurse notes circular bruises
around each wrist and above the umbilicus. What should the nurse suspect?
a. Normal striae gravidarum
b. Erythema nodosum
