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NUR 2513 Maternal Child Nursing Exam 1
2025/2026 | Actual Exam | Foundational
Maternal-Child
This comprehensive practice exam is designed to prepare you for the NUR 2513 Maternal Child Nursing
Exam 1. It covers essential foundational topics including preconception health, fetal development,
prenatal care, common discomforts of pregnancy, prenatal screening, labor and delivery basics,
postpartum assessment, and newborn care. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed
rationale to reinforce key concepts.
SECTION 1: PRECONCEPTION & FAMILY PLANNING
1. A woman of childbearing age is considering pregnancy. Which of the following supplements is most
important to recommend to reduce the risk of neural tube defects?
A) Iron
B) Calcium
C) Folic acid
D) Vitamin D
✔✔ Answer✔✔ C
Rationale: Folic acid supplementation (400-800 mcg daily) before conception and during the first
trimester significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Iron prevents anemia; calcium supports
bone health; vitamin D is important for calcium absorption.
2. A couple is planning a pregnancy. The woman asks about her immunization status. Which vaccine is
contraindicated during pregnancy and should be given preconception if needed?
A) Tdap
B) Influenza (inactivated)
C) MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
D) Hepatitis B
✔✔ Answer✔✔ C
Rationale: MMR is a live vaccine and is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risk to the
fetus. It should be administered at least 1 month before conception. Tdap, inactivated influenza, and
hepatitis B are safe during pregnancy.
,2
3. The nurse is teaching a couple about optimizing fertility. Which of the following statements
indicates correct understanding?
A) “We should have intercourse every day during ovulation.”
B) “Fertility is highest in the 5 days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation.”
C) “Basal body temperature rises just before ovulation.”
D) “Ovulation occurs exactly 14 days after the last menstrual period for all women.”
✔✔ Answer✔✔ B
Rationale: The fertile window is the 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation. Daily intercourse
is not necessary; every other day is sufficient. Basal body temperature rises after ovulation, not before.
Ovulation timing varies among women.
SECTION 2: FETAL DEVELOPMENT & PHYSIOLOGY
4. A nurse is explaining fetal circulation to a student. Which structure allows blood to bypass the
lungs?
A) Ductus arteriosus
B) Foramen ovale
C) Ductus venosus
D) Umbilical vein
✔✔ Answer✔✔ B
Rationale: The foramen ovale is an opening between the atria that allows blood to bypass the
non-functioning fetal lungs. The ductus arteriosus connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta; the
ductus venosus bypasses the liver; the umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the
fetus.
5. The nurse is assessing a pregnant client at 12 weeks gestation. Which of the following findings
indicates normal fetal development?
A) Fetal heart rate 180 beats per minute
B) Quickening felt by the mother
C) Fundal height at the umbilicus
D) Lanugo covering the body
✔✔ Answer✔✔ A
,3
Rationale: Normal fetal heart rate at 12 weeks is 120-180 bpm; 180 is within normal range. Quickening
(first fetal movements) is typically felt at 16-20 weeks. Fundal height at the umbilicus occurs at 20-22
weeks. Lanugo is present at 20 weeks but not yet at 12 weeks.
6. A client asks the nurse when the baby’s heart will be audible with a Doppler device. The nurse
should respond:
A) “Between 6-8 weeks”
B) “Between 10-12 weeks”
C) “Between 14-16 weeks”
D) “Between 18-20 weeks”
✔✔ Answer✔✔ B
Rationale: Fetal heart tones can usually be detected with a Doppler device at 10-12 weeks gestation.
With a stethoscope, they are audible later (18-20 weeks).
7. The nurse is teaching a prenatal class about fetal development. Which statement is accurate
regarding the amniotic fluid?
A) It cushions the fetus and allows for movement.
B) It is produced entirely by the mother.
C) It decreases in volume as pregnancy progresses.
D) It contains no fetal cells.
✔✔ Answer✔✔ A
Rationale: Amniotic fluid cushions the fetus, allows movement, maintains temperature, and prevents
cord compression. It is produced by fetal urine and maternal plasma; volume increases until term; it
contains fetal cells used for genetic testing.
SECTION 3: PRENATAL CARE & NUTRITION
8. A pregnant client at 28 weeks gestation has a hemoglobin of 10.2 g/dL. Which of the following is
the most likely cause?
A) Physiologic anemia of pregnancy
B) Iron deficiency anemia
C) Sickle cell trait
D) Folate deficiency
✔✔ Answer✔✔ A
, 4
Rationale: Physiologic anemia of pregnancy is caused by increased plasma volume that dilutes red blood
cells; hemoglobin <11 g/dL is common in the second trimester. Iron deficiency is also possible but the
most common cause at this stage is hemodilution.
9. The nurse is reviewing recommended weight gain during pregnancy for a woman with a normal
pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5-24.9). Which range is appropriate?
A) 11-20 pounds
B) 15-25 pounds
C) 25-35 pounds
D) 28-40 pounds
✔✔ Answer✔✔ C
Rationale: For women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI, recommended weight gain is 25-35 pounds.
Underweight women should gain 28-40 lbs; overweight women 15-25 lbs; obese women 11-20 lbs.
10. A pregnant client asks about foods to avoid during pregnancy. Which of the following should the
nurse include?
A) Pasteurized dairy products
B) Raw fish (sushi)
C) Well-cooked eggs
D) Washed fruits and vegetables
✔✔ Answer✔✔ B
Rationale: Raw fish may contain parasites or bacteria (Listeria) and high mercury levels, and should be
avoided. Pasteurized dairy, well-cooked eggs, and washed produce are safe.
11. The nurse is teaching a client about the importance of folic acid. Which of the following is a rich
dietary source of folic acid?
A) Red meat
B) Leafy green vegetables
C) Dairy products
D) Whole grains
✔✔ Answer✔✔ B
Rationale: Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale), legumes, and fortified cereals are rich in folate. Red
meat is a source of iron; dairy provides calcium; whole grains provide fiber.
SECTION 4: PRENATAL SCREENING & DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
NUR 2513 Maternal Child Nursing Exam 1
2025/2026 | Actual Exam | Foundational
Maternal-Child
This comprehensive practice exam is designed to prepare you for the NUR 2513 Maternal Child Nursing
Exam 1. It covers essential foundational topics including preconception health, fetal development,
prenatal care, common discomforts of pregnancy, prenatal screening, labor and delivery basics,
postpartum assessment, and newborn care. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed
rationale to reinforce key concepts.
SECTION 1: PRECONCEPTION & FAMILY PLANNING
1. A woman of childbearing age is considering pregnancy. Which of the following supplements is most
important to recommend to reduce the risk of neural tube defects?
A) Iron
B) Calcium
C) Folic acid
D) Vitamin D
✔✔ Answer✔✔ C
Rationale: Folic acid supplementation (400-800 mcg daily) before conception and during the first
trimester significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Iron prevents anemia; calcium supports
bone health; vitamin D is important for calcium absorption.
2. A couple is planning a pregnancy. The woman asks about her immunization status. Which vaccine is
contraindicated during pregnancy and should be given preconception if needed?
A) Tdap
B) Influenza (inactivated)
C) MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
D) Hepatitis B
✔✔ Answer✔✔ C
Rationale: MMR is a live vaccine and is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risk to the
fetus. It should be administered at least 1 month before conception. Tdap, inactivated influenza, and
hepatitis B are safe during pregnancy.
,2
3. The nurse is teaching a couple about optimizing fertility. Which of the following statements
indicates correct understanding?
A) “We should have intercourse every day during ovulation.”
B) “Fertility is highest in the 5 days before ovulation and on the day of ovulation.”
C) “Basal body temperature rises just before ovulation.”
D) “Ovulation occurs exactly 14 days after the last menstrual period for all women.”
✔✔ Answer✔✔ B
Rationale: The fertile window is the 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation. Daily intercourse
is not necessary; every other day is sufficient. Basal body temperature rises after ovulation, not before.
Ovulation timing varies among women.
SECTION 2: FETAL DEVELOPMENT & PHYSIOLOGY
4. A nurse is explaining fetal circulation to a student. Which structure allows blood to bypass the
lungs?
A) Ductus arteriosus
B) Foramen ovale
C) Ductus venosus
D) Umbilical vein
✔✔ Answer✔✔ B
Rationale: The foramen ovale is an opening between the atria that allows blood to bypass the
non-functioning fetal lungs. The ductus arteriosus connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta; the
ductus venosus bypasses the liver; the umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the
fetus.
5. The nurse is assessing a pregnant client at 12 weeks gestation. Which of the following findings
indicates normal fetal development?
A) Fetal heart rate 180 beats per minute
B) Quickening felt by the mother
C) Fundal height at the umbilicus
D) Lanugo covering the body
✔✔ Answer✔✔ A
,3
Rationale: Normal fetal heart rate at 12 weeks is 120-180 bpm; 180 is within normal range. Quickening
(first fetal movements) is typically felt at 16-20 weeks. Fundal height at the umbilicus occurs at 20-22
weeks. Lanugo is present at 20 weeks but not yet at 12 weeks.
6. A client asks the nurse when the baby’s heart will be audible with a Doppler device. The nurse
should respond:
A) “Between 6-8 weeks”
B) “Between 10-12 weeks”
C) “Between 14-16 weeks”
D) “Between 18-20 weeks”
✔✔ Answer✔✔ B
Rationale: Fetal heart tones can usually be detected with a Doppler device at 10-12 weeks gestation.
With a stethoscope, they are audible later (18-20 weeks).
7. The nurse is teaching a prenatal class about fetal development. Which statement is accurate
regarding the amniotic fluid?
A) It cushions the fetus and allows for movement.
B) It is produced entirely by the mother.
C) It decreases in volume as pregnancy progresses.
D) It contains no fetal cells.
✔✔ Answer✔✔ A
Rationale: Amniotic fluid cushions the fetus, allows movement, maintains temperature, and prevents
cord compression. It is produced by fetal urine and maternal plasma; volume increases until term; it
contains fetal cells used for genetic testing.
SECTION 3: PRENATAL CARE & NUTRITION
8. A pregnant client at 28 weeks gestation has a hemoglobin of 10.2 g/dL. Which of the following is
the most likely cause?
A) Physiologic anemia of pregnancy
B) Iron deficiency anemia
C) Sickle cell trait
D) Folate deficiency
✔✔ Answer✔✔ A
, 4
Rationale: Physiologic anemia of pregnancy is caused by increased plasma volume that dilutes red blood
cells; hemoglobin <11 g/dL is common in the second trimester. Iron deficiency is also possible but the
most common cause at this stage is hemodilution.
9. The nurse is reviewing recommended weight gain during pregnancy for a woman with a normal
pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5-24.9). Which range is appropriate?
A) 11-20 pounds
B) 15-25 pounds
C) 25-35 pounds
D) 28-40 pounds
✔✔ Answer✔✔ C
Rationale: For women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI, recommended weight gain is 25-35 pounds.
Underweight women should gain 28-40 lbs; overweight women 15-25 lbs; obese women 11-20 lbs.
10. A pregnant client asks about foods to avoid during pregnancy. Which of the following should the
nurse include?
A) Pasteurized dairy products
B) Raw fish (sushi)
C) Well-cooked eggs
D) Washed fruits and vegetables
✔✔ Answer✔✔ B
Rationale: Raw fish may contain parasites or bacteria (Listeria) and high mercury levels, and should be
avoided. Pasteurized dairy, well-cooked eggs, and washed produce are safe.
11. The nurse is teaching a client about the importance of folic acid. Which of the following is a rich
dietary source of folic acid?
A) Red meat
B) Leafy green vegetables
C) Dairy products
D) Whole grains
✔✔ Answer✔✔ B
Rationale: Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale), legumes, and fortified cereals are rich in folate. Red
meat is a source of iron; dairy provides calcium; whole grains provide fiber.
SECTION 4: PRENATAL SCREENING & DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
