NR-327 Exam 1 Practice Questions: Maternal-Child Nursing 2026
|Chamberlain College
1. A client is 12 weeks pregnant and reports her last menstrual period began on
May 10th. Using Nagele’s Rule, what is her estimated date of delivery (EDD)?
A. February 10th
B. March 17th
C. February 3rd
D. February 17th
Answer: D
Rationale: Nagele’s Rule is calculated by subtracting 3 months from the first day of the last
menstrual period and adding 7 days and 1 year. May 10 minus 3 months is February 10,
plus 7 days is February 17.
2. Which of the following is considered a ‘Positive’ sign of pregnancy?
A. Amenorrhea
B. Positive pregnancy test
C. Braxton Hicks contractions
D. Fetal heart tones heard via Doppler
Answer: D
Rationale: Positive signs of pregnancy are those that can only be attributed to the fetus,
such as fetal heart tones, ultrasound visualization, or fetal movement felt by a provider.
Amenorrhea is presumptive; tests and contractions are probable.
,3. A nurse is assessing a client at 20 weeks gestation. Where should the nurse
expect to find the fundus?
A. At the symphysis pubis
B. At the level of the umbilicus
C. Halfway between the symphysis and the umbilicus
D. At the xiphoid process
Answer: B
Rationale: At 20 weeks gestation, the fundus is typically located at the level of the
umbilicus. It reaches the xiphoid process at 36 weeks.
4. A client presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 32 weeks
gestation. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Abruptio placentae
B. Preterm labor
C. Placenta previa
D. Ectopic pregnancy
Answer: C
Rationale: Placenta previa is classically characterized by painless, bright red vaginal
bleeding in the second or third trimester. Abruptio placentae usually involves painful, dark
red bleeding.
5. What is the primary purpose of administering Magnesium Sulfate to a client
with severe preeclampsia?
A. To lower blood pressure
B. To increase urine output
C. To prevent seizures
D. To stimulate fetal lung maturity
Answer: C
, Rationale: Magnesium Sulfate is an anticonvulsant used in preeclampsia to prevent
eclamptic seizures by depressing the central nervous system. It is not primarily used as an
antihypertensive.
6. A nurse notes late decelerations on the fetal heart rate monitor. What is the
priority nursing action?
A. Increase the Oxytocin infusion rate
B. Apply oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 10 L/min
C. Assist the client into a supine position
D. Perform a vaginal exam to check for cord prolapse
Answer: B
Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Priority interventions
include turning the patient to a lateral position, applying oxygen, and discontinuing
Oxytocin.
7. A newborn has a heart rate of 110, a slow/weak cry, some flexion of
extremities, grimace when stimulated, and a pink body with blue hands and
feet. What is the Apgar score?
A. 6
B. 5
C. 7
D. 8
Answer: A
Rationale: HR >100 (2), slow cry (1), flexion (1), grimace (1), acrocyanosis (1) = Total 6.
|Chamberlain College
1. A client is 12 weeks pregnant and reports her last menstrual period began on
May 10th. Using Nagele’s Rule, what is her estimated date of delivery (EDD)?
A. February 10th
B. March 17th
C. February 3rd
D. February 17th
Answer: D
Rationale: Nagele’s Rule is calculated by subtracting 3 months from the first day of the last
menstrual period and adding 7 days and 1 year. May 10 minus 3 months is February 10,
plus 7 days is February 17.
2. Which of the following is considered a ‘Positive’ sign of pregnancy?
A. Amenorrhea
B. Positive pregnancy test
C. Braxton Hicks contractions
D. Fetal heart tones heard via Doppler
Answer: D
Rationale: Positive signs of pregnancy are those that can only be attributed to the fetus,
such as fetal heart tones, ultrasound visualization, or fetal movement felt by a provider.
Amenorrhea is presumptive; tests and contractions are probable.
,3. A nurse is assessing a client at 20 weeks gestation. Where should the nurse
expect to find the fundus?
A. At the symphysis pubis
B. At the level of the umbilicus
C. Halfway between the symphysis and the umbilicus
D. At the xiphoid process
Answer: B
Rationale: At 20 weeks gestation, the fundus is typically located at the level of the
umbilicus. It reaches the xiphoid process at 36 weeks.
4. A client presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 32 weeks
gestation. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Abruptio placentae
B. Preterm labor
C. Placenta previa
D. Ectopic pregnancy
Answer: C
Rationale: Placenta previa is classically characterized by painless, bright red vaginal
bleeding in the second or third trimester. Abruptio placentae usually involves painful, dark
red bleeding.
5. What is the primary purpose of administering Magnesium Sulfate to a client
with severe preeclampsia?
A. To lower blood pressure
B. To increase urine output
C. To prevent seizures
D. To stimulate fetal lung maturity
Answer: C
, Rationale: Magnesium Sulfate is an anticonvulsant used in preeclampsia to prevent
eclamptic seizures by depressing the central nervous system. It is not primarily used as an
antihypertensive.
6. A nurse notes late decelerations on the fetal heart rate monitor. What is the
priority nursing action?
A. Increase the Oxytocin infusion rate
B. Apply oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 10 L/min
C. Assist the client into a supine position
D. Perform a vaginal exam to check for cord prolapse
Answer: B
Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Priority interventions
include turning the patient to a lateral position, applying oxygen, and discontinuing
Oxytocin.
7. A newborn has a heart rate of 110, a slow/weak cry, some flexion of
extremities, grimace when stimulated, and a pink body with blue hands and
feet. What is the Apgar score?
A. 6
B. 5
C. 7
D. 8
Answer: A
Rationale: HR >100 (2), slow cry (1), flexion (1), grimace (1), acrocyanosis (1) = Total 6.
