NSG 3500 EXAM 2 – NURSING PRACTICE:
MATERNAL HEALTH (GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING)
2025–2026 ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
NSG 3500 Exam 2 – Maternal Health Nursing Practice Questions
PART 1: ANTEPARTUM – MATERNAL ADAPTATIONS & ASSESSMENT
1. A client at 12 weeks gestation asks the nurse about the changes occurring in her body. The
nurse understands that which of the following is an expected cardiovascular adaptation
during pregnancy?
A) Decreased heart rate
B) Decreased cardiac output
C) Increased blood volume
D) Increased peripheral vascular resistance
Correct Answer: C) Increased blood volume
Rationale: Plasma volume increases up to 40-50% during pregnancy, with total blood volume
increasing by 30-50% . This is a normal adaptation to meet the demands of the growing fetus.
2. A pregnant client reports darkening of the skin on her face, particularly on the cheeks and
forehead. The nurse recognizes this as:
A) Linea nigra
B) Striae gravidarum
C) Chloasma (melasma)
D) Spider angiomas
Correct Answer: C) Chloasma (melasma)
,Rationale: Chloasma (melasma), the "mask of pregnancy," is a darkening of the skin on the face
caused by increased melanocyte-stimulating hormone . It typically fades after delivery.
3. Which of the following is a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A) Positive pregnancy test
B) Fetal heart rate heard on Doppler
C) Goodell's sign
D) Nausea and vomiting
Correct Answer: D) Nausea and vomiting
Rationale: Presumptive signs of pregnancy are subjective and include nausea/vomiting, breast
tenderness, amenorrhea, and fatigue . They are not definitive and can be caused by other
conditions .
4. A nurse is assessing a client at 36 weeks gestation. Which finding should be reported to the
healthcare provider immediately?
A) Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg
B) Swelling of the hands and face
C) Heartburn after eating spicy foods
D) Braxton Hicks contractions
Correct Answer: B) Swelling of the hands and face
Rationale: Swelling of the hands and face can be a sign of preeclampsia and should be reported
immediately . Other findings such as mild edema in the lower extremities may be normal.
5. A client at 32 weeks gestation reports feeling dizzy and lightheaded when lying flat on her
back. The nurse recognizes this is likely due to:
A) Anemia
B) Supine hypotensive syndrome
C) Dehydration
D) Hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: B) Supine hypotensive syndrome
,Rationale: Supine hypotensive syndrome occurs when the gravid uterus compresses the inferior
vena cava, reducing venous return and cardiac output. Symptoms include dizziness,
lightheadedness, nausea, and tachycardia. The client should be turned to her left side to relieve
compression .
6. A client at 8 weeks gestation reports breast tenderness, fatigue, and frequent urination.
The nurse explains that the frequent urination is most likely due to:
A) Urinary tract infection
B) Increased fluid intake
C) Enlarging uterus pressing on the bladder
D) Decreased renal function
Correct Answer: C) Enlarging uterus pressing on the bladder
Rationale: During the first trimester, the growing uterus presses on the bladder, causing
increased urinary frequency . This is a common discomfort in early pregnancy.
7. A pregnant client asks about exercise during pregnancy. Which recommendation should the
nurse provide?
A) Avoid all exercise during pregnancy
B) Engage in low-impact activities such as walking and swimming
C) Only exercise during the first trimester
D) Maintain the same exercise routine without modifications
Correct Answer: B) Engage in low-impact activities such as walking and swimming
Rationale: Moderate exercise is encouraged during pregnancy. Women who were active prior to
pregnancy can continue their routine with modifications . Walking, swimming, and prenatal
yoga are generally safe .
8. At what gestational age is fetal heart tone typically first audible with a Doppler ultrasound?
A) 6-8 weeks
B) 10-12 weeks
C) 14-16 weeks
D) 18-20 weeks
Correct Answer: B) 10-12 weeks
, Rationale: Fetal heart tones can be detected using a Doppler ultrasound at approximately 10-12
weeks gestation . With a fetoscope, fetal heart tones can be heard at 18-20 weeks.
9. A pregnant client reports that she is experiencing constipation. Which intervention should
the nurse recommend?
A) Increase dietary fiber and fluid intake
B) Take a stimulant laxative daily
C) Decrease physical activity
D) Avoid all fruits and vegetables
Correct Answer: A) Increase dietary fiber and fluid intake
Rationale: Constipation is a common discomfort during pregnancy due to increased
progesterone slowing gastrointestinal motility . Increasing fiber and fluid intake is a safe first-line
intervention .
10. The nurse is assessing a client at 20 weeks gestation. Which finding is consistent with the
expected uterine fundal height?
A) At the level of the umbilicus
B) 2 cm above the umbilicus
C) 4 cm below the umbilicus
D) At the xiphoid process
Correct Answer: A) At the level of the umbilicus
Rationale: At 20 weeks gestation, the uterine fundus is typically located at the level of the
umbilicus . Fundal height in cm generally corresponds to weeks of gestation.
11. A client asks the nurse about ways to relieve back pain during pregnancy. The nurse
should recommend:
A) High-heeled shoes to improve posture
B) Sleeping flat on the back
C) Pelvic tilt exercises
D) Tightly binding the abdomen
Correct Answer: C) Pelvic tilt exercises
MATERNAL HEALTH (GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING)
2025–2026 ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
NSG 3500 Exam 2 – Maternal Health Nursing Practice Questions
PART 1: ANTEPARTUM – MATERNAL ADAPTATIONS & ASSESSMENT
1. A client at 12 weeks gestation asks the nurse about the changes occurring in her body. The
nurse understands that which of the following is an expected cardiovascular adaptation
during pregnancy?
A) Decreased heart rate
B) Decreased cardiac output
C) Increased blood volume
D) Increased peripheral vascular resistance
Correct Answer: C) Increased blood volume
Rationale: Plasma volume increases up to 40-50% during pregnancy, with total blood volume
increasing by 30-50% . This is a normal adaptation to meet the demands of the growing fetus.
2. A pregnant client reports darkening of the skin on her face, particularly on the cheeks and
forehead. The nurse recognizes this as:
A) Linea nigra
B) Striae gravidarum
C) Chloasma (melasma)
D) Spider angiomas
Correct Answer: C) Chloasma (melasma)
,Rationale: Chloasma (melasma), the "mask of pregnancy," is a darkening of the skin on the face
caused by increased melanocyte-stimulating hormone . It typically fades after delivery.
3. Which of the following is a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A) Positive pregnancy test
B) Fetal heart rate heard on Doppler
C) Goodell's sign
D) Nausea and vomiting
Correct Answer: D) Nausea and vomiting
Rationale: Presumptive signs of pregnancy are subjective and include nausea/vomiting, breast
tenderness, amenorrhea, and fatigue . They are not definitive and can be caused by other
conditions .
4. A nurse is assessing a client at 36 weeks gestation. Which finding should be reported to the
healthcare provider immediately?
A) Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg
B) Swelling of the hands and face
C) Heartburn after eating spicy foods
D) Braxton Hicks contractions
Correct Answer: B) Swelling of the hands and face
Rationale: Swelling of the hands and face can be a sign of preeclampsia and should be reported
immediately . Other findings such as mild edema in the lower extremities may be normal.
5. A client at 32 weeks gestation reports feeling dizzy and lightheaded when lying flat on her
back. The nurse recognizes this is likely due to:
A) Anemia
B) Supine hypotensive syndrome
C) Dehydration
D) Hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: B) Supine hypotensive syndrome
,Rationale: Supine hypotensive syndrome occurs when the gravid uterus compresses the inferior
vena cava, reducing venous return and cardiac output. Symptoms include dizziness,
lightheadedness, nausea, and tachycardia. The client should be turned to her left side to relieve
compression .
6. A client at 8 weeks gestation reports breast tenderness, fatigue, and frequent urination.
The nurse explains that the frequent urination is most likely due to:
A) Urinary tract infection
B) Increased fluid intake
C) Enlarging uterus pressing on the bladder
D) Decreased renal function
Correct Answer: C) Enlarging uterus pressing on the bladder
Rationale: During the first trimester, the growing uterus presses on the bladder, causing
increased urinary frequency . This is a common discomfort in early pregnancy.
7. A pregnant client asks about exercise during pregnancy. Which recommendation should the
nurse provide?
A) Avoid all exercise during pregnancy
B) Engage in low-impact activities such as walking and swimming
C) Only exercise during the first trimester
D) Maintain the same exercise routine without modifications
Correct Answer: B) Engage in low-impact activities such as walking and swimming
Rationale: Moderate exercise is encouraged during pregnancy. Women who were active prior to
pregnancy can continue their routine with modifications . Walking, swimming, and prenatal
yoga are generally safe .
8. At what gestational age is fetal heart tone typically first audible with a Doppler ultrasound?
A) 6-8 weeks
B) 10-12 weeks
C) 14-16 weeks
D) 18-20 weeks
Correct Answer: B) 10-12 weeks
, Rationale: Fetal heart tones can be detected using a Doppler ultrasound at approximately 10-12
weeks gestation . With a fetoscope, fetal heart tones can be heard at 18-20 weeks.
9. A pregnant client reports that she is experiencing constipation. Which intervention should
the nurse recommend?
A) Increase dietary fiber and fluid intake
B) Take a stimulant laxative daily
C) Decrease physical activity
D) Avoid all fruits and vegetables
Correct Answer: A) Increase dietary fiber and fluid intake
Rationale: Constipation is a common discomfort during pregnancy due to increased
progesterone slowing gastrointestinal motility . Increasing fiber and fluid intake is a safe first-line
intervention .
10. The nurse is assessing a client at 20 weeks gestation. Which finding is consistent with the
expected uterine fundal height?
A) At the level of the umbilicus
B) 2 cm above the umbilicus
C) 4 cm below the umbilicus
D) At the xiphoid process
Correct Answer: A) At the level of the umbilicus
Rationale: At 20 weeks gestation, the uterine fundus is typically located at the level of the
umbilicus . Fundal height in cm generally corresponds to weeks of gestation.
11. A client asks the nurse about ways to relieve back pain during pregnancy. The nurse
should recommend:
A) High-heeled shoes to improve posture
B) Sleeping flat on the back
C) Pelvic tilt exercises
D) Tightly binding the abdomen
Correct Answer: C) Pelvic tilt exercises
