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MATERNAL AND NEWBORN NURSING EXAM –
LABOR, DELIVERY & POSTPARTUM CARE (2026-27
LATEST VERSION)
1. A patient in labor is experiencing contractions every 2
minutes, lasting 90 seconds. Fetal heart rate is 150 bpm. What
is the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage patient to ambulate
B. Assess maternal vitals and fetal status; prepare for possible
emergency
C. Document contractions
D. Give analgesics immediately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Frequent, prolonged contractions may indicate
hyperstimulation, risking fetal hypoxia. Immediate assessment
is critical.
2. Which fetal heart rate pattern is most concerning during
labor?
A. Baseline 140 bpm with moderate variability
B. Late decelerations after contraction
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C. Early decelerations with contractions
D. Accelerations with fetal movement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency,
requiring immediate intervention.
3. A patient is receiving oxytocin for labor induction. Which
nursing action is priority?
A. Check maternal heart rate only
B. Monitor contraction frequency, duration, and fetal heart
rate
C. Document only
D. Encourage rest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Oxytocin can cause hyperstimulation; continuous monitoring
ensures maternal and fetal safety.
4. Which is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient
immediately postpartum with excessive vaginal bleeding?
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A. Risk for infection
B. Risk for hemorrhage
C. Acute pain
D. Anxiety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Postpartum hemorrhage can be life-threatening; early
recognition and intervention are critical.
5. Which intervention reduces risk of postpartum
hemorrhage?
A. Encourage early ambulation
B. Administer uterotonic medications as prescribed
C. Limit fluid intake
D. Delay fundal massage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Uterotonics (e.g., oxytocin) promote uterine contraction and
reduce bleeding risk.
6. A newborn has respiratory rate 60/min with mild grunting
and nasal flaring. Nursing action?
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A. Document and observe
B. Provide oxygen and monitor closely
C. Give IV fluids
D. Encourage breastfeeding
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Signs indicate respiratory distress; immediate intervention
prevents hypoxia.
7. A postpartum patient reports severe perineal pain, redness,
and foul-smelling discharge. Priority nursing action?
A. Encourage ambulation
B. Assess for perineal infection and notify provider
C. Document only
D. Apply ice pack only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
These are signs of infection; prompt evaluation and treatment
are necessary.
8. During labor, the patient exhibits variable decelerations.
Best nursing intervention?
MATERNAL AND NEWBORN NURSING EXAM –
LABOR, DELIVERY & POSTPARTUM CARE (2026-27
LATEST VERSION)
1. A patient in labor is experiencing contractions every 2
minutes, lasting 90 seconds. Fetal heart rate is 150 bpm. What
is the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage patient to ambulate
B. Assess maternal vitals and fetal status; prepare for possible
emergency
C. Document contractions
D. Give analgesics immediately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Frequent, prolonged contractions may indicate
hyperstimulation, risking fetal hypoxia. Immediate assessment
is critical.
2. Which fetal heart rate pattern is most concerning during
labor?
A. Baseline 140 bpm with moderate variability
B. Late decelerations after contraction
,2
C. Early decelerations with contractions
D. Accelerations with fetal movement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency,
requiring immediate intervention.
3. A patient is receiving oxytocin for labor induction. Which
nursing action is priority?
A. Check maternal heart rate only
B. Monitor contraction frequency, duration, and fetal heart
rate
C. Document only
D. Encourage rest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Oxytocin can cause hyperstimulation; continuous monitoring
ensures maternal and fetal safety.
4. Which is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient
immediately postpartum with excessive vaginal bleeding?
,3
A. Risk for infection
B. Risk for hemorrhage
C. Acute pain
D. Anxiety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Postpartum hemorrhage can be life-threatening; early
recognition and intervention are critical.
5. Which intervention reduces risk of postpartum
hemorrhage?
A. Encourage early ambulation
B. Administer uterotonic medications as prescribed
C. Limit fluid intake
D. Delay fundal massage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Uterotonics (e.g., oxytocin) promote uterine contraction and
reduce bleeding risk.
6. A newborn has respiratory rate 60/min with mild grunting
and nasal flaring. Nursing action?
, 4
A. Document and observe
B. Provide oxygen and monitor closely
C. Give IV fluids
D. Encourage breastfeeding
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Signs indicate respiratory distress; immediate intervention
prevents hypoxia.
7. A postpartum patient reports severe perineal pain, redness,
and foul-smelling discharge. Priority nursing action?
A. Encourage ambulation
B. Assess for perineal infection and notify provider
C. Document only
D. Apply ice pack only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
These are signs of infection; prompt evaluation and treatment
are necessary.
8. During labor, the patient exhibits variable decelerations.
Best nursing intervention?
