RNSG 1517 A Maternity Exam | Complete Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Rationales - Latest Update 2026
1. At what point during pregnancy does the fundal height typically reach the umbilicus?
• A) 12 weeks
• B) 16 weeks
• C) 20 weeks
• D) 24 weeks
• Answer: C) 20 weeks
• Rationale: At 20 weeks gestation, the fundus reaches the umbilicus. Fundal height
measured in centimeters from the symphysis pubis to the top of the fundus typically
correlates with the number of weeks of gestation (plus or minus 2 cm) from 20-36
weeks.
2. The nurse is assessing a client at 12 weeks gestation. Which finding is consistent with
normal pregnancy at this stage?
• A) Fundus palpable at the umbilicus
• B) Fundus palpable just above the symphysis pubis
• C) Quickening reported by the client
• D) Braxton Hicks contractions noted
• Answer: B) Fundus palpable just above the symphysis pubis
• Rationale: At 12 weeks, the fundus is palpable just above the symphysis pubis. The
fundus reaches the umbilicus at 20 weeks. Quickening (fetal movement) is typically felt
at 16-20 weeks. Braxton Hicks contractions may occur in the second and third trimesters.
3. A client at 8 weeks gestation reports nausea and vomiting, especially in the morning. The
nurse should recommend:
• A) Avoid fluids with meals
• B) Drink fluids between meals
• C) Eat a heavy meal before bedtime
• D) Skip breakfast
• Answer: B) Drink fluids between meals
,RNSG 1517 A Maternity Exam | Complete Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Rationales - Latest Update 2026
• Rationale: To manage nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, clients should drink fluids
between meals rather than with meals to avoid gastric distension. Eating small, frequent
meals and avoiding fatty/spicy foods is also recommended.
4. Chadwick's sign in pregnancy refers to:
• A) Softening of the cervix
• B) Bluish-purple discoloration of the vaginal mucosa and cervix
• C) Palpable uterine contractions
• D) Fetal movement felt by the examiner
• Answer: B) Bluish-purple discoloration of the vaginal mucosa and cervix
• Rationale: Chadwick's sign is the bluish-purple coloration of the vaginal mucosa and
cervix due to increased vascularity. It is a probable sign of pregnancy. Goodell's sign is
softening of the cervix. Hegar's sign is softening of the lower uterine segment.
5. A client at 16 weeks gestation asks if she should be feeling fetal movement. The nurse
should respond:
• A) "Most women feel movement by 12 weeks."
• B) "You should feel movement by now; we should assess the fetus."
• C) "Primigravidas often feel movement at 18-20 weeks."
• D) "You won't feel movement until the third trimester."
• Answer: C) "Primigravidas often feel movement at 18-20 weeks."
• Rationale: Quickening (first fetal movement) is typically felt by primigravidas at 18-20
weeks and by multigravidas at 16-18 weeks. Reassuring the client with this information
is appropriate.
6. Preconception counseling should include folic acid supplementation at what dose?
• A) 0.2 mg/day
• B) 0.4 mg/day
• C) 0.8 mg/day
• D) 4.0 mg/day
• Answer: B) 0.4 mg/day
,RNSG 1517 A Maternity Exam | Complete Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Rationales - Latest Update 2026
• Rationale: The CDC recommends 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid daily for all women of
childbearing age to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Higher doses (4.0 mg) are
recommended for women with a history of neural tube defects.
7. Nagele's rule is used to:
• A) Determine fetal position
• B) Estimate the expected date of delivery
• C) Calculate weight gain during pregnancy
8. Which of the following describes the correct formula for Nagele's rule?
• A) Add 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) and subtract 3 months
• B) Subtract 7 days from the LMP and add 9 months
• C) Add 14 days to the LMP and subtract 3 months
• D) Add 9 months to the estimated date of conception
• Answer: A) Add 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) and subtract
3 months
• Rationale: Nagele's rule is used to estimate the expected date of delivery (EDD) by
taking the first day of the client's last menstrual period, adding 7 days, and subtracting 3
months (adjusting the year as necessary).
9. Which of the following is classified as a positive sign of pregnancy?
• A) Amenorrhea and morning sickness
• B) Positive serum hCG test
• C) Visualization of the fetus on ultrasound
• D) Softening of the lower uterine segment (Hegar's sign)
• Answer: C) Visualization of the fetus on ultrasound
• Rationale: Positive signs of pregnancy are definitive objective findings that can only be
attributed to a fetus: fetal heartbeat, fetal movement felt by the examiner, and visual
confirmation by ultrasound. Amenorrhea and morning sickness are presumptive; hCG
and Hegar's sign are probable signs.
, RNSG 1517 A Maternity Exam | Complete Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Rationales - Latest Update 2026
10. A client at 28 weeks gestation reports sudden lightheadedness and faintness while lying
flat on her back. What is the nurse's best action?
• A) Administer high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask
• B) Position the client on her left side
• C) Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees
• D) Check the client's blood glucose level
• Answer: B) Position the client on her left side
• Rationale: In the supine position, the weight of the gravid uterus compresses the
inferior vena cava, decreasing venous return to the heart and causing supine
hypotensive syndrome. Turning the client onto her side relieves pressure and restores
cardiac output.
11. A pregnant client's prenatal lab work indicates she is Rh-negative. At what gestational age
should she routinely receive Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM)?
• A) 12 weeks
• B) 28 weeks
• C) 36 weeks
• D) Immediately after admission in active labor
• Answer: B) 28 weeks
• Rationale: Prophylactic Rho(D) immune globulin is routinely administered to
unsensitized Rh-negative pregnant clients at 28 weeks gestation and within 72 hours
post-delivery if the newborn is Rh-positive.
12. Which physical finding is considered Goodell's sign?
• A) Softening of the cervix
• B) Softening of the lower uterine segment
• C) Bluish hue of the vagina
• D) Passive movement of the unengaged fetus (ballottement)
• Answer: A) Softening of the cervix
Rationales - Latest Update 2026
1. At what point during pregnancy does the fundal height typically reach the umbilicus?
• A) 12 weeks
• B) 16 weeks
• C) 20 weeks
• D) 24 weeks
• Answer: C) 20 weeks
• Rationale: At 20 weeks gestation, the fundus reaches the umbilicus. Fundal height
measured in centimeters from the symphysis pubis to the top of the fundus typically
correlates with the number of weeks of gestation (plus or minus 2 cm) from 20-36
weeks.
2. The nurse is assessing a client at 12 weeks gestation. Which finding is consistent with
normal pregnancy at this stage?
• A) Fundus palpable at the umbilicus
• B) Fundus palpable just above the symphysis pubis
• C) Quickening reported by the client
• D) Braxton Hicks contractions noted
• Answer: B) Fundus palpable just above the symphysis pubis
• Rationale: At 12 weeks, the fundus is palpable just above the symphysis pubis. The
fundus reaches the umbilicus at 20 weeks. Quickening (fetal movement) is typically felt
at 16-20 weeks. Braxton Hicks contractions may occur in the second and third trimesters.
3. A client at 8 weeks gestation reports nausea and vomiting, especially in the morning. The
nurse should recommend:
• A) Avoid fluids with meals
• B) Drink fluids between meals
• C) Eat a heavy meal before bedtime
• D) Skip breakfast
• Answer: B) Drink fluids between meals
,RNSG 1517 A Maternity Exam | Complete Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Rationales - Latest Update 2026
• Rationale: To manage nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, clients should drink fluids
between meals rather than with meals to avoid gastric distension. Eating small, frequent
meals and avoiding fatty/spicy foods is also recommended.
4. Chadwick's sign in pregnancy refers to:
• A) Softening of the cervix
• B) Bluish-purple discoloration of the vaginal mucosa and cervix
• C) Palpable uterine contractions
• D) Fetal movement felt by the examiner
• Answer: B) Bluish-purple discoloration of the vaginal mucosa and cervix
• Rationale: Chadwick's sign is the bluish-purple coloration of the vaginal mucosa and
cervix due to increased vascularity. It is a probable sign of pregnancy. Goodell's sign is
softening of the cervix. Hegar's sign is softening of the lower uterine segment.
5. A client at 16 weeks gestation asks if she should be feeling fetal movement. The nurse
should respond:
• A) "Most women feel movement by 12 weeks."
• B) "You should feel movement by now; we should assess the fetus."
• C) "Primigravidas often feel movement at 18-20 weeks."
• D) "You won't feel movement until the third trimester."
• Answer: C) "Primigravidas often feel movement at 18-20 weeks."
• Rationale: Quickening (first fetal movement) is typically felt by primigravidas at 18-20
weeks and by multigravidas at 16-18 weeks. Reassuring the client with this information
is appropriate.
6. Preconception counseling should include folic acid supplementation at what dose?
• A) 0.2 mg/day
• B) 0.4 mg/day
• C) 0.8 mg/day
• D) 4.0 mg/day
• Answer: B) 0.4 mg/day
,RNSG 1517 A Maternity Exam | Complete Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Rationales - Latest Update 2026
• Rationale: The CDC recommends 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid daily for all women of
childbearing age to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Higher doses (4.0 mg) are
recommended for women with a history of neural tube defects.
7. Nagele's rule is used to:
• A) Determine fetal position
• B) Estimate the expected date of delivery
• C) Calculate weight gain during pregnancy
8. Which of the following describes the correct formula for Nagele's rule?
• A) Add 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) and subtract 3 months
• B) Subtract 7 days from the LMP and add 9 months
• C) Add 14 days to the LMP and subtract 3 months
• D) Add 9 months to the estimated date of conception
• Answer: A) Add 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) and subtract
3 months
• Rationale: Nagele's rule is used to estimate the expected date of delivery (EDD) by
taking the first day of the client's last menstrual period, adding 7 days, and subtracting 3
months (adjusting the year as necessary).
9. Which of the following is classified as a positive sign of pregnancy?
• A) Amenorrhea and morning sickness
• B) Positive serum hCG test
• C) Visualization of the fetus on ultrasound
• D) Softening of the lower uterine segment (Hegar's sign)
• Answer: C) Visualization of the fetus on ultrasound
• Rationale: Positive signs of pregnancy are definitive objective findings that can only be
attributed to a fetus: fetal heartbeat, fetal movement felt by the examiner, and visual
confirmation by ultrasound. Amenorrhea and morning sickness are presumptive; hCG
and Hegar's sign are probable signs.
, RNSG 1517 A Maternity Exam | Complete Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Rationales - Latest Update 2026
10. A client at 28 weeks gestation reports sudden lightheadedness and faintness while lying
flat on her back. What is the nurse's best action?
• A) Administer high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask
• B) Position the client on her left side
• C) Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees
• D) Check the client's blood glucose level
• Answer: B) Position the client on her left side
• Rationale: In the supine position, the weight of the gravid uterus compresses the
inferior vena cava, decreasing venous return to the heart and causing supine
hypotensive syndrome. Turning the client onto her side relieves pressure and restores
cardiac output.
11. A pregnant client's prenatal lab work indicates she is Rh-negative. At what gestational age
should she routinely receive Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM)?
• A) 12 weeks
• B) 28 weeks
• C) 36 weeks
• D) Immediately after admission in active labor
• Answer: B) 28 weeks
• Rationale: Prophylactic Rho(D) immune globulin is routinely administered to
unsensitized Rh-negative pregnant clients at 28 weeks gestation and within 72 hours
post-delivery if the newborn is Rh-positive.
12. Which physical finding is considered Goodell's sign?
• A) Softening of the cervix
• B) Softening of the lower uterine segment
• C) Bluish hue of the vagina
• D) Passive movement of the unengaged fetus (ballottement)
• Answer: A) Softening of the cervix
