MCN Exam Questions with 100%
Correct Answers Latest Versions 2025 top
rated A+
at what point in gestation should urine cultures be obtained and what are they screening
for?
12-16 weeks; asymptomatic bacteruria
at what point in gestation should a vaginal and rectal swab be done to detect Group B
streptococcus (GBS)?
35-37 weeks
what is the recommended schedule for prenatal visits in an uncomplicated pregnancy?
conception to 28 weeks (every 4 weeks); 29 to 36 weeks (every two weeks); 37 weeks
to birth (weekly)
list the routine assessments made at each prenatal visit
review of known risk factors and assessment for new ones; vital signs; weight to
determine if pattern of gain is normal; urinalysis for protein, glucose, and ketone levels;
blood glucose screening (between 24-28 weeks of gestation); fundal height (to
determine if the fetus is growing as expected and the volume of amniotic fluid is
appropriate); Leopold's maneuvers (to assess the presentation and position of the fetus
by abdominal palpation, usually at 36 weeks); fetal heart rate (in early pregnancy, with a
Doppler transducer and in late pregnancy with a fetoscope); review of nutrition;
discomforts or problems that have arisen since last visit
what is the average duration of term pregnancy?
40 weeks (280 days) after the first day of the LNMP
state Nagele's rule to determine the estimated date of delivery (EDD)
determine the first day of the LNMP, count backward 3 months, add 7 days, and correct
the year if necessary
what are presumptive signs of pregnancy?
those from which a definite diagnosis of pregnancy cannot be made (signs and
symptoms common in pregnancy but can often be caused by other conditions):
amenorrhea, nausea, breast tenderness, deepening pigmentation, urinary frequency,
and quickening
amenorrhea
the cessation of menses; can also be caused by strenuous exercise, changes in
metabolism and endocrine dysfunction, chronic disease, certain medications, anorexia
nervosa, early menopause, or serious psychological disturbances
what could nausea and vomiting result from other than gestation?
emotional problems or GI upset
describe the duration of "morning sickness"
,the nausea begins abut 4 weeks after the LNMP and usually improves by the end of the
twentieth week
why are there breast changes (tenderness and tingling) during pregnancy?
hormones from the placenta stimulate growth of the ductal system in preparation for
breastfeeding; similar changes occur premenstrually
describe pigmentation changes occurring during pregnancy
occur primarily in dark-skinned women; includes chloasma (increased pigmentation of
face), breasts (darkening of areolae), and abdomen (linea nigra, a line extending in the
midline of the abdomen from above umbilicus to symphysis pubis)
why does urinary frequency occur in pregnancy?
the enlarging uterus, along with increased blood supply to the pelvic area, exerts
pressure n the bladder
what is the believed cause as to why women feel fatigue early in pregnancy?
increased metabolic needs of the woman and fetus
what is quickening?
fetal movement felt by the mother, first perceived at 16-20 weeks as a faint fluttering in
the lower abdomen; marks the midpoint of the pregnancy
what are probable signs of pregnancy?
provide stronger evidence: goodell's sign, chadwick's sign, hegar's sign, mcdonald's
sign, abdominal enlargement, braxton hicks contractions, ballottement, striae, and
positive pregnancy test
Goodell's sign
the softening of the cervix and the vagina caused by increased vascular congestion
Chadwick's sign
the purplish or bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva caused by increased
vascular congestion
what could also cause Goodell's or Chadwick's sign (unrelated to pregnancy)?
hormonal imbalance or infection
Hegar's sign
a softening of the lower uterine segment
McDonald's sign
the ease of flexing the body of the uterus against the cervix because of Hegar's sign
Braxton Hick's contractions
irregular, painless uterine contractions that begin in the second trimester; give the
sensation of the abdomen being hard and tense; they become progressively more
noticeable as term approaches and are more pronounced in multiparas; uterine fibroids
(benign tumors) could also cause these
ballotteement
a maneuver by which the fetal part is displaced by a light tap of the examining finger on
the cervix, and then the part rebounds quickly; uterine or cervical polyps (small tumors)
could also cause the sensation
fetal outline
may be identified by palpation after the 24th week; it is possible to mistake a tumor for a
fetus
abdominal striae
, stretch marks; fine, pinkish white or purplish gray lines that some women develop when
the elastic tissue of the skin has been stretched to its capacity; increased amounts of
estrogen cause a rise in adrenal gland activity and stretching are thought to be the
cause of breakdown and atrophy of the underlying connective tissue in the skin
pregnancy tests
use maternal urine or blood to determine the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin
(hCG), a hormone produced by the choionic villi of the placenta; a highly reliable test is
the radioimmunoassay (RIA)
which factors can interfere with the accuracy of pregnancy tests?
medications such as antianxiety, anticonvulsant drugs, blood in the urine, malignant
tumors, or premature menopause
what are the positive signs of pregnancy?
only a developing fetus can cause these, includes: demonstration of fetal heart activity,
fetal movements felt by an examiner, and visualization of the fetus with ultrasound
fetal heart beat
may be detected as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy using the Doppler device; it can be
detected during the 18-20th week if the examiner uses a fetoscope
what is the fetal heart rate range at term?
between a low of 110-120 beats/min and a high of 150-160 beats/min; the rate is higher
in early gestation and slows as term approaches
uterine souffle
a soft blowing sound heard over the uterus during auscultation; synchronous with the
mother's pulse and is caused by blood entering the dilated arteries of the uterus
funic souffle
a soft swishing sound heard as the blood passes through the umbilical cord vessels
what is the earliest positive sign of pregnancy? how soon can it be done?
ultrasound photography; possible as early as 4-5 weeks of gestation with 100%
reliability; often performed around the 12th week
how does the endocrine system change during pregnancy?
there is an increase in hormones and the placenta is added as a temporary endocrine
organ that produces large amounts of estrogen and progesterone to maintain
pregnancy (as well as hPL and hCG)
how does the reproductive system change during pregnancy? (uterus, cervix, ovaries,
vagina, breasts)
at term, the uterus reaches the woman's xiphoid process and weighs about 1000g
(2.2lb) and its capacity is about 5000mL (5 quarts); the cervix changes
color/consistency and secretes a thick mucus that leads to formation of the mucus plug;
the ovaries no longer produce ova; the vaginal blood supply increases, the vaginal
mucosa thickens, rugae become prominent, connective tissue softens, secretions
increase, and the vaginal pH becomes more acidic; high levels of
estrogen/progesterone prepare the breasts for lactation, areolae become pigmented,
tubercles of Montgomery secrete lubrication for nipples)
what is colostrum?
a thin yellow fluid that may be expressed from the breasts in the last few months of
pregnancy and for the first 2-3 days after birth in breastfeeding women; "premilk" that is
Correct Answers Latest Versions 2025 top
rated A+
at what point in gestation should urine cultures be obtained and what are they screening
for?
12-16 weeks; asymptomatic bacteruria
at what point in gestation should a vaginal and rectal swab be done to detect Group B
streptococcus (GBS)?
35-37 weeks
what is the recommended schedule for prenatal visits in an uncomplicated pregnancy?
conception to 28 weeks (every 4 weeks); 29 to 36 weeks (every two weeks); 37 weeks
to birth (weekly)
list the routine assessments made at each prenatal visit
review of known risk factors and assessment for new ones; vital signs; weight to
determine if pattern of gain is normal; urinalysis for protein, glucose, and ketone levels;
blood glucose screening (between 24-28 weeks of gestation); fundal height (to
determine if the fetus is growing as expected and the volume of amniotic fluid is
appropriate); Leopold's maneuvers (to assess the presentation and position of the fetus
by abdominal palpation, usually at 36 weeks); fetal heart rate (in early pregnancy, with a
Doppler transducer and in late pregnancy with a fetoscope); review of nutrition;
discomforts or problems that have arisen since last visit
what is the average duration of term pregnancy?
40 weeks (280 days) after the first day of the LNMP
state Nagele's rule to determine the estimated date of delivery (EDD)
determine the first day of the LNMP, count backward 3 months, add 7 days, and correct
the year if necessary
what are presumptive signs of pregnancy?
those from which a definite diagnosis of pregnancy cannot be made (signs and
symptoms common in pregnancy but can often be caused by other conditions):
amenorrhea, nausea, breast tenderness, deepening pigmentation, urinary frequency,
and quickening
amenorrhea
the cessation of menses; can also be caused by strenuous exercise, changes in
metabolism and endocrine dysfunction, chronic disease, certain medications, anorexia
nervosa, early menopause, or serious psychological disturbances
what could nausea and vomiting result from other than gestation?
emotional problems or GI upset
describe the duration of "morning sickness"
,the nausea begins abut 4 weeks after the LNMP and usually improves by the end of the
twentieth week
why are there breast changes (tenderness and tingling) during pregnancy?
hormones from the placenta stimulate growth of the ductal system in preparation for
breastfeeding; similar changes occur premenstrually
describe pigmentation changes occurring during pregnancy
occur primarily in dark-skinned women; includes chloasma (increased pigmentation of
face), breasts (darkening of areolae), and abdomen (linea nigra, a line extending in the
midline of the abdomen from above umbilicus to symphysis pubis)
why does urinary frequency occur in pregnancy?
the enlarging uterus, along with increased blood supply to the pelvic area, exerts
pressure n the bladder
what is the believed cause as to why women feel fatigue early in pregnancy?
increased metabolic needs of the woman and fetus
what is quickening?
fetal movement felt by the mother, first perceived at 16-20 weeks as a faint fluttering in
the lower abdomen; marks the midpoint of the pregnancy
what are probable signs of pregnancy?
provide stronger evidence: goodell's sign, chadwick's sign, hegar's sign, mcdonald's
sign, abdominal enlargement, braxton hicks contractions, ballottement, striae, and
positive pregnancy test
Goodell's sign
the softening of the cervix and the vagina caused by increased vascular congestion
Chadwick's sign
the purplish or bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva caused by increased
vascular congestion
what could also cause Goodell's or Chadwick's sign (unrelated to pregnancy)?
hormonal imbalance or infection
Hegar's sign
a softening of the lower uterine segment
McDonald's sign
the ease of flexing the body of the uterus against the cervix because of Hegar's sign
Braxton Hick's contractions
irregular, painless uterine contractions that begin in the second trimester; give the
sensation of the abdomen being hard and tense; they become progressively more
noticeable as term approaches and are more pronounced in multiparas; uterine fibroids
(benign tumors) could also cause these
ballotteement
a maneuver by which the fetal part is displaced by a light tap of the examining finger on
the cervix, and then the part rebounds quickly; uterine or cervical polyps (small tumors)
could also cause the sensation
fetal outline
may be identified by palpation after the 24th week; it is possible to mistake a tumor for a
fetus
abdominal striae
, stretch marks; fine, pinkish white or purplish gray lines that some women develop when
the elastic tissue of the skin has been stretched to its capacity; increased amounts of
estrogen cause a rise in adrenal gland activity and stretching are thought to be the
cause of breakdown and atrophy of the underlying connective tissue in the skin
pregnancy tests
use maternal urine or blood to determine the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin
(hCG), a hormone produced by the choionic villi of the placenta; a highly reliable test is
the radioimmunoassay (RIA)
which factors can interfere with the accuracy of pregnancy tests?
medications such as antianxiety, anticonvulsant drugs, blood in the urine, malignant
tumors, or premature menopause
what are the positive signs of pregnancy?
only a developing fetus can cause these, includes: demonstration of fetal heart activity,
fetal movements felt by an examiner, and visualization of the fetus with ultrasound
fetal heart beat
may be detected as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy using the Doppler device; it can be
detected during the 18-20th week if the examiner uses a fetoscope
what is the fetal heart rate range at term?
between a low of 110-120 beats/min and a high of 150-160 beats/min; the rate is higher
in early gestation and slows as term approaches
uterine souffle
a soft blowing sound heard over the uterus during auscultation; synchronous with the
mother's pulse and is caused by blood entering the dilated arteries of the uterus
funic souffle
a soft swishing sound heard as the blood passes through the umbilical cord vessels
what is the earliest positive sign of pregnancy? how soon can it be done?
ultrasound photography; possible as early as 4-5 weeks of gestation with 100%
reliability; often performed around the 12th week
how does the endocrine system change during pregnancy?
there is an increase in hormones and the placenta is added as a temporary endocrine
organ that produces large amounts of estrogen and progesterone to maintain
pregnancy (as well as hPL and hCG)
how does the reproductive system change during pregnancy? (uterus, cervix, ovaries,
vagina, breasts)
at term, the uterus reaches the woman's xiphoid process and weighs about 1000g
(2.2lb) and its capacity is about 5000mL (5 quarts); the cervix changes
color/consistency and secretes a thick mucus that leads to formation of the mucus plug;
the ovaries no longer produce ova; the vaginal blood supply increases, the vaginal
mucosa thickens, rugae become prominent, connective tissue softens, secretions
increase, and the vaginal pH becomes more acidic; high levels of
estrogen/progesterone prepare the breasts for lactation, areolae become pigmented,
tubercles of Montgomery secrete lubrication for nipples)
what is colostrum?
a thin yellow fluid that may be expressed from the breasts in the last few months of
pregnancy and for the first 2-3 days after birth in breastfeeding women; "premilk" that is
