Maternal-Newborn Nursing Practice Questions and Answers Updated
2026 | Complete Maternity & Neonatal Nursing Study Guide with Verified
Questions, Detailed Rationales, Antepartum Care, Labor & Delivery,
Postpartum Nursing, Newborn Assessment, High-Risk Pregnancy, Fetal
Monitoring, Obstetric Emergencies, Breastfeeding Support & NGN NCLEX-
RN/PN Exam Prep
Question 1: Which hormone is primarily responsible for the maintenance of the
uterine lining during early pregnancy?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
D. Prolactin
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Progesterone
Rationale: Progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum in early pregnancy and later by
the placenta, maintains the endometrial lining to support implantation and prevent
menstruation. It also suppresses uterine contractions to sustain pregnancy.
Question 2: What is the most reliable early sign of pregnancy confirmed by clinical
testing?
A. Missed menstrual period
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Positive serum hCG test
D. Breast tenderness
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Positive serum hCG test
Rationale: While subjective symptoms like missed periods or nausea may suggest
pregnancy, a positive serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test provides
objective, biochemical confirmation of pregnancy as hCG is produced by the
developing placenta shortly after implantation.
Question 3: During which trimester does organogenesis primarily occur?
A. First trimester
B. Second trimester
C. Third trimester
D. Organogenesis occurs throughout pregnancy
CORRECT ANSWER: A. First trimester
Rationale: Organogenesis—the formation of major organs and structures—occurs
predominantly between weeks 3 and 8 of gestation, which falls within the first trimester.
This period is critical and highly susceptible to teratogenic influences.
Question 4: What is the recommended weight gain range for a woman with a normal
pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5–24.9)?
,A. 11–20 pounds
B. 15–25 pounds
C. 25–35 pounds
D. 28–40 pounds
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 25–35 pounds
Rationale: According to guidelines from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), women with a
normal pre-pregnancy BMI should gain between 25 and 35 pounds to support healthy
fetal growth and maternal tissue expansion without excessive risk.
Question 5: Which of the following is a danger sign of pregnancy that requires
immediate evaluation?
A. Mild ankle edema in the third trimester
B. Occasional Braxton Hicks contractions
C. Vaginal bleeding at any gestational age
D. Increased urinary frequency
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Vaginal bleeding at any gestational age
Rationale: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can indicate serious complications such
as placenta previa, abruptio placentae, or ectopic pregnancy. It always warrants prompt
clinical assessment regardless of gestational age.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of administering Rho(D) immune globulin
(RhoGAM) to an Rh-negative mother?
A. To enhance fetal hemoglobin production
B. To prevent maternal sensitization to Rh-positive fetal blood
C. To treat neonatal jaundice
D. To stimulate uterine contractions
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To prevent maternal sensitization to Rh-positive fetal blood
Rationale: RhoGAM prevents the Rh-negative mother’s immune system from producing
antibodies against Rh-positive fetal red blood cells, which could cause hemolytic
disease in current or future pregnancies if sensitization occurs.
Question 7: Which fetal heart rate pattern is considered a reassuring sign of fetal
well-being during labor?
A. Late decelerations
B. Variable decelerations
C. Accelerations with fetal movement
D. Prolonged bradycardia
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Accelerations with fetal movement
, Rationale: Fetal heart rate accelerations (transient increases of ≥15 bpm lasting ≥15
seconds) in response to fetal movement are indicators of adequate oxygenation and
central nervous system integrity, reflecting fetal well-being.
Question 8: What is the priority nursing action immediately after delivery of the
newborn?
A. Administer vitamin K injection
B. Clamp and cut the umbilical cord
C. Dry and stimulate the newborn to initiate breathing
D. Weigh the newborn
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Dry and stimulate the newborn to initiate breathing
Rationale: Immediate drying and gentle stimulation help prevent hypothermia and
promote spontaneous respirations, which are critical for successful transition to
extrauterine life. This takes precedence over other routine procedures.
Question 9: Which condition is characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and
generalized edema after 20 weeks of gestation?
A. Gestational diabetes
B. Preeclampsia
C. Eclampsia
D. Chronic hypertension
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Preeclampsia
Rationale: Preeclampsia is defined by new-onset hypertension (≥140/90 mm Hg) and
proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive woman, often
accompanied by edema and end-organ dysfunction.
Question 10: What is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage?
A. Lacerations
B. Uterine atony
C. Retained placental fragments
D. Coagulopathy
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Uterine atony
Rationale: Uterine atony—failure of the uterus to contract adequately after delivery—is
the leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage, accounting for approximately 70–80% of
cases. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential.
Question 11: Which maternal position is recommended during labor to optimize
fetal oxygenation?
A. Supine
B. Lithotomy
2026 | Complete Maternity & Neonatal Nursing Study Guide with Verified
Questions, Detailed Rationales, Antepartum Care, Labor & Delivery,
Postpartum Nursing, Newborn Assessment, High-Risk Pregnancy, Fetal
Monitoring, Obstetric Emergencies, Breastfeeding Support & NGN NCLEX-
RN/PN Exam Prep
Question 1: Which hormone is primarily responsible for the maintenance of the
uterine lining during early pregnancy?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
D. Prolactin
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Progesterone
Rationale: Progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum in early pregnancy and later by
the placenta, maintains the endometrial lining to support implantation and prevent
menstruation. It also suppresses uterine contractions to sustain pregnancy.
Question 2: What is the most reliable early sign of pregnancy confirmed by clinical
testing?
A. Missed menstrual period
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Positive serum hCG test
D. Breast tenderness
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Positive serum hCG test
Rationale: While subjective symptoms like missed periods or nausea may suggest
pregnancy, a positive serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test provides
objective, biochemical confirmation of pregnancy as hCG is produced by the
developing placenta shortly after implantation.
Question 3: During which trimester does organogenesis primarily occur?
A. First trimester
B. Second trimester
C. Third trimester
D. Organogenesis occurs throughout pregnancy
CORRECT ANSWER: A. First trimester
Rationale: Organogenesis—the formation of major organs and structures—occurs
predominantly between weeks 3 and 8 of gestation, which falls within the first trimester.
This period is critical and highly susceptible to teratogenic influences.
Question 4: What is the recommended weight gain range for a woman with a normal
pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5–24.9)?
,A. 11–20 pounds
B. 15–25 pounds
C. 25–35 pounds
D. 28–40 pounds
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 25–35 pounds
Rationale: According to guidelines from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), women with a
normal pre-pregnancy BMI should gain between 25 and 35 pounds to support healthy
fetal growth and maternal tissue expansion without excessive risk.
Question 5: Which of the following is a danger sign of pregnancy that requires
immediate evaluation?
A. Mild ankle edema in the third trimester
B. Occasional Braxton Hicks contractions
C. Vaginal bleeding at any gestational age
D. Increased urinary frequency
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Vaginal bleeding at any gestational age
Rationale: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can indicate serious complications such
as placenta previa, abruptio placentae, or ectopic pregnancy. It always warrants prompt
clinical assessment regardless of gestational age.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of administering Rho(D) immune globulin
(RhoGAM) to an Rh-negative mother?
A. To enhance fetal hemoglobin production
B. To prevent maternal sensitization to Rh-positive fetal blood
C. To treat neonatal jaundice
D. To stimulate uterine contractions
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To prevent maternal sensitization to Rh-positive fetal blood
Rationale: RhoGAM prevents the Rh-negative mother’s immune system from producing
antibodies against Rh-positive fetal red blood cells, which could cause hemolytic
disease in current or future pregnancies if sensitization occurs.
Question 7: Which fetal heart rate pattern is considered a reassuring sign of fetal
well-being during labor?
A. Late decelerations
B. Variable decelerations
C. Accelerations with fetal movement
D. Prolonged bradycardia
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Accelerations with fetal movement
, Rationale: Fetal heart rate accelerations (transient increases of ≥15 bpm lasting ≥15
seconds) in response to fetal movement are indicators of adequate oxygenation and
central nervous system integrity, reflecting fetal well-being.
Question 8: What is the priority nursing action immediately after delivery of the
newborn?
A. Administer vitamin K injection
B. Clamp and cut the umbilical cord
C. Dry and stimulate the newborn to initiate breathing
D. Weigh the newborn
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Dry and stimulate the newborn to initiate breathing
Rationale: Immediate drying and gentle stimulation help prevent hypothermia and
promote spontaneous respirations, which are critical for successful transition to
extrauterine life. This takes precedence over other routine procedures.
Question 9: Which condition is characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and
generalized edema after 20 weeks of gestation?
A. Gestational diabetes
B. Preeclampsia
C. Eclampsia
D. Chronic hypertension
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Preeclampsia
Rationale: Preeclampsia is defined by new-onset hypertension (≥140/90 mm Hg) and
proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive woman, often
accompanied by edema and end-organ dysfunction.
Question 10: What is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage?
A. Lacerations
B. Uterine atony
C. Retained placental fragments
D. Coagulopathy
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Uterine atony
Rationale: Uterine atony—failure of the uterus to contract adequately after delivery—is
the leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage, accounting for approximately 70–80% of
cases. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential.
Question 11: Which maternal position is recommended during labor to optimize
fetal oxygenation?
A. Supine
B. Lithotomy
