RNSG 1517 A Maternity Exam | Complete
Questions with Correct Answers and
Detailed Rationales - Latest Update 2026
EXAM OVERVIEW
RNSG 1517 Maternity Nursing Exam covers comprehensive maternal-newborn
concepts including antepartum care, prenatal complications, intrapartum labor
stages and fetal monitoring, intrapartum complications, maternity pharmacology,
postpartum care and complications, newborn assessment and complications,
breastfeeding and nutrition, and high-risk pregnancy and psychosocial
considerations.
SECTION 1: ANTEPARTUM CARE & ASSESSMENT (Questions 1–20)
1. Naegele's rule is used to calculate the estimated date of delivery by:
A. Adding 3 months and 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period, then
subtracting 1 year
,B. Adding 9 months to the date of conception only
C. Counting 280 days from the date of the first missed period
D. Adding 6 months to the last menstrual period
Answer: A. Adding 3 months and 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual
period, then subtracting 1 year
Rationale: Naegele's rule takes the first day of the last menstrual period, subtracts
3 months, and adds 7 days (and 1 year if needed), producing an estimated 280-day
gestation from LMP.
2. Fundal height measurement in centimeters correlates approximately with
gestational age in weeks between which weeks of pregnancy?
A. 12 to 16 weeks
B. 20 to 34 weeks
C. 36 to 40 weeks only
D. It never correlates with gestational age
Answer: B. 20 to 34 weeks
Rationale: Between approximately 20 and 34 weeks, fundal height in centimeters
roughly equals gestational age in weeks, making it a useful screening tool for fetal
growth.
3. Quickening refers to:
,A. The mother's first perception of fetal movement
B. The moment of implantation
C. The onset of true labor contractions
D. Rupture of membranes
Answer: A. The mother's first perception of fetal movement
Rationale: Quickening is the maternal sensation of first fetal movement, typically
felt between 16 and 20 weeks gestation, and is considered a probable sign of
pregnancy.
4. Which of the following is classified as a presumptive sign of pregnancy
rather than a probable or positive sign?
A. Positive serum hCG
B. Ballottement
C. Amenorrhea and nausea
D. Visualization of the fetus via ultrasound
Answer: C. Amenorrhea and nausea
Rationale: Presumptive signs (amenorrhea, nausea, breast changes) are subjective
and can have other causes; probable signs (hCG, Ballottement) are more objective;
positive signs (fetal heartbeat, ultrasound visualization, palpation of fetal
movement by examiner) confirm pregnancy.
5. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening is primarily used to
assess risk for:
, A. Neural tube defects and certain chromosomal abnormalities
B. Preterm labor only
C. Postpartum hemorrhage risk
D. Maternal cardiac disease
Answer: A. Neural tube defects and certain chromosomal abnormalities
Rationale: Elevated MSAFP is associated with neural tube defects (e.g., spina
bifida, anencephaly) and abdominal wall defects. Low MSAFP is associated with
Down syndrome and trisomy 18.
6. A pregnant client at 30 weeks presents with a blood pressure of 150/98
mmHg and 2+ proteinuria on two occasions. This presentation is most
consistent with:
A. Chronic hypertension
B. Preeclampsia
C. Gestational diabetes
D. Normal pregnancy-induced changes
Answer: B. Preeclampsia
Rationale: New-onset hypertension after 20 weeks gestation accompanied by
proteinuria is diagnostic of preeclampsia and requires close monitoring and
management.
7. Magnesium sulfate is administered to a client with severe preeclampsia
primarily to:
Questions with Correct Answers and
Detailed Rationales - Latest Update 2026
EXAM OVERVIEW
RNSG 1517 Maternity Nursing Exam covers comprehensive maternal-newborn
concepts including antepartum care, prenatal complications, intrapartum labor
stages and fetal monitoring, intrapartum complications, maternity pharmacology,
postpartum care and complications, newborn assessment and complications,
breastfeeding and nutrition, and high-risk pregnancy and psychosocial
considerations.
SECTION 1: ANTEPARTUM CARE & ASSESSMENT (Questions 1–20)
1. Naegele's rule is used to calculate the estimated date of delivery by:
A. Adding 3 months and 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period, then
subtracting 1 year
,B. Adding 9 months to the date of conception only
C. Counting 280 days from the date of the first missed period
D. Adding 6 months to the last menstrual period
Answer: A. Adding 3 months and 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual
period, then subtracting 1 year
Rationale: Naegele's rule takes the first day of the last menstrual period, subtracts
3 months, and adds 7 days (and 1 year if needed), producing an estimated 280-day
gestation from LMP.
2. Fundal height measurement in centimeters correlates approximately with
gestational age in weeks between which weeks of pregnancy?
A. 12 to 16 weeks
B. 20 to 34 weeks
C. 36 to 40 weeks only
D. It never correlates with gestational age
Answer: B. 20 to 34 weeks
Rationale: Between approximately 20 and 34 weeks, fundal height in centimeters
roughly equals gestational age in weeks, making it a useful screening tool for fetal
growth.
3. Quickening refers to:
,A. The mother's first perception of fetal movement
B. The moment of implantation
C. The onset of true labor contractions
D. Rupture of membranes
Answer: A. The mother's first perception of fetal movement
Rationale: Quickening is the maternal sensation of first fetal movement, typically
felt between 16 and 20 weeks gestation, and is considered a probable sign of
pregnancy.
4. Which of the following is classified as a presumptive sign of pregnancy
rather than a probable or positive sign?
A. Positive serum hCG
B. Ballottement
C. Amenorrhea and nausea
D. Visualization of the fetus via ultrasound
Answer: C. Amenorrhea and nausea
Rationale: Presumptive signs (amenorrhea, nausea, breast changes) are subjective
and can have other causes; probable signs (hCG, Ballottement) are more objective;
positive signs (fetal heartbeat, ultrasound visualization, palpation of fetal
movement by examiner) confirm pregnancy.
5. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening is primarily used to
assess risk for:
, A. Neural tube defects and certain chromosomal abnormalities
B. Preterm labor only
C. Postpartum hemorrhage risk
D. Maternal cardiac disease
Answer: A. Neural tube defects and certain chromosomal abnormalities
Rationale: Elevated MSAFP is associated with neural tube defects (e.g., spina
bifida, anencephaly) and abdominal wall defects. Low MSAFP is associated with
Down syndrome and trisomy 18.
6. A pregnant client at 30 weeks presents with a blood pressure of 150/98
mmHg and 2+ proteinuria on two occasions. This presentation is most
consistent with:
A. Chronic hypertension
B. Preeclampsia
C. Gestational diabetes
D. Normal pregnancy-induced changes
Answer: B. Preeclampsia
Rationale: New-onset hypertension after 20 weeks gestation accompanied by
proteinuria is diagnostic of preeclampsia and requires close monitoring and
management.
7. Magnesium sulfate is administered to a client with severe preeclampsia
primarily to:
