NUR 257 FINAL EXAM - MATERNAL-
NEWBORN NURSING QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | 2026/2027 UPDATE | 100%
CORRECT-GALEN.
1. A client at 34 weeks gestation is admitted with a diagnosis of preeclampsia. Which
assessment finding is most concerning to the nurse?
A. 1+ pedal edema
B. Proteinuria of 2+
C. Blood pressure of 142/92 mmHg
D. Epigastric pain
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Epigastric pain is a late sign of severe preeclampsia, indicating
liver involvement (Glisson’s capsule distension) and may precede a seizure or hepatic
rupture.
2. The nurse is monitoring a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing and notes a pattern of late
decelerations. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Increase the rate of the intravenous Pitocin infusion
B. Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 10 L/min
,C. Perform a sterile vaginal exam to check for cord prolapse
D. Assist the mother to a supine position
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The
priority is to maximize oxygenation to the fetus by giving oxygen and turning the mother to
her side.
3. A patient receiving Magnesium Sulfate for preeclampsia shows a respiratory rate of 10
breaths/min and absent deep tendon reflexes (DTRs). Which medication should the nurse
prepare?
A. Naloxone
B. Terbutaline
C. Calcium gluconate
D. Hydralazine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Calcium gluconate is the specific antidote for Magnesium Sulfate
toxicity, which presents with respiratory depression and loss of DTRs.
4. A nurse is assessing a newborn and notes a swelling on the head that does not cross the
suture lines. This should be documented as:
A. Caput succedaneum
, B. Molding
C. Craniosynostosis
D. Cephalohematoma
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A cephalohematoma is a collection of blood between the
periosteum and the skull bone; it does not cross suture lines, unlike caput succedaneum.
5. Which finding is characteristic of the ‘Transition’ phase of the first stage of labor?
A. Dilation of 0 to 3 cm
B. Contractions every 5 to 30 minutes
C. Dilation of 8 to 10 cm and feelings of loss of control
D. The urge to push (Ferguson reflex)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Transition is the final phase of the first stage (8-10 cm), often
marked by irritability, nausea, and intense contractions.
6. A client at 32 weeks gestation reports sudden, painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. The
nurse should suspect:
A. Placental abruption
B. Cervical ripening
NEWBORN NURSING QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | 2026/2027 UPDATE | 100%
CORRECT-GALEN.
1. A client at 34 weeks gestation is admitted with a diagnosis of preeclampsia. Which
assessment finding is most concerning to the nurse?
A. 1+ pedal edema
B. Proteinuria of 2+
C. Blood pressure of 142/92 mmHg
D. Epigastric pain
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Epigastric pain is a late sign of severe preeclampsia, indicating
liver involvement (Glisson’s capsule distension) and may precede a seizure or hepatic
rupture.
2. The nurse is monitoring a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing and notes a pattern of late
decelerations. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Increase the rate of the intravenous Pitocin infusion
B. Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 10 L/min
,C. Perform a sterile vaginal exam to check for cord prolapse
D. Assist the mother to a supine position
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The
priority is to maximize oxygenation to the fetus by giving oxygen and turning the mother to
her side.
3. A patient receiving Magnesium Sulfate for preeclampsia shows a respiratory rate of 10
breaths/min and absent deep tendon reflexes (DTRs). Which medication should the nurse
prepare?
A. Naloxone
B. Terbutaline
C. Calcium gluconate
D. Hydralazine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Calcium gluconate is the specific antidote for Magnesium Sulfate
toxicity, which presents with respiratory depression and loss of DTRs.
4. A nurse is assessing a newborn and notes a swelling on the head that does not cross the
suture lines. This should be documented as:
A. Caput succedaneum
, B. Molding
C. Craniosynostosis
D. Cephalohematoma
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A cephalohematoma is a collection of blood between the
periosteum and the skull bone; it does not cross suture lines, unlike caput succedaneum.
5. Which finding is characteristic of the ‘Transition’ phase of the first stage of labor?
A. Dilation of 0 to 3 cm
B. Contractions every 5 to 30 minutes
C. Dilation of 8 to 10 cm and feelings of loss of control
D. The urge to push (Ferguson reflex)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Transition is the final phase of the first stage (8-10 cm), often
marked by irritability, nausea, and intense contractions.
6. A client at 32 weeks gestation reports sudden, painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. The
nurse should suspect:
A. Placental abruption
B. Cervical ripening
