Maternal-Newborn Nursing Exam
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A pregnant client asks when the fetal heart can usually first be
detected with a Doppler device. Which response by the nurse is
most accurate?
A. 4 weeks
B. 8 weeks
C. 10–12 weeks
D. 20 weeks
C. 10–12 weeks
The fetal heart rate can often be detected by Doppler around 10–12
weeks of gestation. Earlier detection may be possible with transvaginal
ultrasound, while a fetoscope generally detects fetal heart sounds later.
2. Which finding is considered a positive sign of pregnancy?
A. Amenorrhea
B. Breast tenderness
C. Fetal movement felt by the examiner
D. Positive pregnancy test
C. Fetal movement felt by the examiner
Positive signs are findings that directly confirm pregnancy. Fetal
movement palpated by a trained examiner, fetal heart activity, and
visualization of the fetus by ultrasound are positive signs.
, 3. A client is at 20 weeks of gestation. Where should the nurse expect
the uterine fundus to be located?
A. At the symphysis pubis
B. Halfway between the symphysis and umbilicus
C. At the level of the umbilicus
D. At the xiphoid process
C. At the level of the umbilicus
At approximately 20 weeks of gestation, the uterine fundus is normally
at the level of the umbilicus. Fundal height thereafter roughly
corresponds to gestational age in centimeters until late pregnancy.
4. Which nutritional instruction is most appropriate during
pregnancy?
A. Avoid all fish
B. Increase folic acid intake
C. Eliminate carbohydrates
D. Restrict calcium intake
B. Increase folic acid intake
Folic acid is essential for fetal neural tube development. Adequate
intake before conception and during early pregnancy reduces the risk
of neural tube defects.
5. A pregnant client reports persistent vomiting, inability to retain
fluids, and weight loss. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Normal morning sickness
B. Hyperemesis gravidarum
C. Gestational hypertension
D. Placenta previa
,B. Hyperemesis gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe nausea and vomiting during
pregnancy that can cause dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities,
ketonuria, and weight loss and may require hospitalization.
6. Which assessment finding in a pregnant client requires immediate
follow-up?
A. Mild urinary frequency
B. Increased vaginal discharge without odor
C. Severe headache with visual disturbances
D. Mild ankle edema at the end of the day
C. Severe headache with visual disturbances
Severe headache and visual changes can indicate severe preeclampsia.
These findings require prompt assessment because they may precede
seizures, stroke, or other maternal complications.
7. Which blood pressure finding is most concerning during
pregnancy?
A. 108/64 mm Hg
B. 116/72 mm Hg
C. 124/78 mm Hg
D. 150/96 mm Hg
D. 150/96 mm Hg
A blood pressure of 150/96 mm Hg is abnormally elevated during
pregnancy and requires further evaluation for hypertensive disorders,
particularly when associated with proteinuria or symptoms.
8. Which test is commonly used to screen for gestational diabetes
during pregnancy?
, A. Nonstress test
B. Oral glucose tolerance testing
C. Kleihauer-Betke test
D. Biophysical profile
B. Oral glucose tolerance testing
Pregnant clients are commonly screened for gestational diabetes
during the second trimester using glucose screening followed, when
indicated, by an oral glucose tolerance test.
9. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a pregnant client
taking an iron supplement?
A. Take it with milk
B. Take it with orange juice
C. Take it with an antacid
D. Take it only when nausea occurs
B. Take it with orange juice
Vitamin C enhances iron absorption. Iron is generally better absorbed
away from calcium-containing products and antacids, which can
reduce absorption.
10. Which finding is commonly associated with normal
pregnancy?
A. Severe vaginal bleeding
B. Mild urinary frequency
C. Persistent high fever
D. Severe abdominal pain
B. Mild urinary frequency
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A pregnant client asks when the fetal heart can usually first be
detected with a Doppler device. Which response by the nurse is
most accurate?
A. 4 weeks
B. 8 weeks
C. 10–12 weeks
D. 20 weeks
C. 10–12 weeks
The fetal heart rate can often be detected by Doppler around 10–12
weeks of gestation. Earlier detection may be possible with transvaginal
ultrasound, while a fetoscope generally detects fetal heart sounds later.
2. Which finding is considered a positive sign of pregnancy?
A. Amenorrhea
B. Breast tenderness
C. Fetal movement felt by the examiner
D. Positive pregnancy test
C. Fetal movement felt by the examiner
Positive signs are findings that directly confirm pregnancy. Fetal
movement palpated by a trained examiner, fetal heart activity, and
visualization of the fetus by ultrasound are positive signs.
, 3. A client is at 20 weeks of gestation. Where should the nurse expect
the uterine fundus to be located?
A. At the symphysis pubis
B. Halfway between the symphysis and umbilicus
C. At the level of the umbilicus
D. At the xiphoid process
C. At the level of the umbilicus
At approximately 20 weeks of gestation, the uterine fundus is normally
at the level of the umbilicus. Fundal height thereafter roughly
corresponds to gestational age in centimeters until late pregnancy.
4. Which nutritional instruction is most appropriate during
pregnancy?
A. Avoid all fish
B. Increase folic acid intake
C. Eliminate carbohydrates
D. Restrict calcium intake
B. Increase folic acid intake
Folic acid is essential for fetal neural tube development. Adequate
intake before conception and during early pregnancy reduces the risk
of neural tube defects.
5. A pregnant client reports persistent vomiting, inability to retain
fluids, and weight loss. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Normal morning sickness
B. Hyperemesis gravidarum
C. Gestational hypertension
D. Placenta previa
,B. Hyperemesis gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe nausea and vomiting during
pregnancy that can cause dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities,
ketonuria, and weight loss and may require hospitalization.
6. Which assessment finding in a pregnant client requires immediate
follow-up?
A. Mild urinary frequency
B. Increased vaginal discharge without odor
C. Severe headache with visual disturbances
D. Mild ankle edema at the end of the day
C. Severe headache with visual disturbances
Severe headache and visual changes can indicate severe preeclampsia.
These findings require prompt assessment because they may precede
seizures, stroke, or other maternal complications.
7. Which blood pressure finding is most concerning during
pregnancy?
A. 108/64 mm Hg
B. 116/72 mm Hg
C. 124/78 mm Hg
D. 150/96 mm Hg
D. 150/96 mm Hg
A blood pressure of 150/96 mm Hg is abnormally elevated during
pregnancy and requires further evaluation for hypertensive disorders,
particularly when associated with proteinuria or symptoms.
8. Which test is commonly used to screen for gestational diabetes
during pregnancy?
, A. Nonstress test
B. Oral glucose tolerance testing
C. Kleihauer-Betke test
D. Biophysical profile
B. Oral glucose tolerance testing
Pregnant clients are commonly screened for gestational diabetes
during the second trimester using glucose screening followed, when
indicated, by an oral glucose tolerance test.
9. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a pregnant client
taking an iron supplement?
A. Take it with milk
B. Take it with orange juice
C. Take it with an antacid
D. Take it only when nausea occurs
B. Take it with orange juice
Vitamin C enhances iron absorption. Iron is generally better absorbed
away from calcium-containing products and antacids, which can
reduce absorption.
10. Which finding is commonly associated with normal
pregnancy?
A. Severe vaginal bleeding
B. Mild urinary frequency
C. Persistent high fever
D. Severe abdominal pain
B. Mild urinary frequency
