,NSG3500/NSG 3500 Exam 1 | Nursing Practice:
Maternal Health | Galen College | Q & A |
2026/2027 Edition (PDF)
1. What is the primary function of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?
A) To transport the ovum to the uterus
B) To produce ova and secrete female sex hormones
C) To serve as the site of fertilization
D) To receive sperm and direct them toward the uterus
Correct Answer: B) To produce ova and secrete female sex hormones
Rationale: The ovaries are the female gonads responsible for producing ova (gametes) and secreting the
female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. The fallopian tubes transport the ovum and serve as
the typical site of fertilization, while the vagina receives sperm.
2. Where does fertilization typically occur in the female reproductive tract?
A) Ovary
B) Uterus
C) Fallopian tube
D) Cervix
Correct Answer: C) Fallopian tube
Rationale: Fertilization typically takes place in the ampulla of the fallopian tube. The ovary releases the
ovum, the uterus is the site of implantation, and the cervix connects the uterus to the vagina but is not
the site of fertilization.
3. Which of the following is the normal size of a non-pregnant uterus?
A) Approximately the size of a grapefruit
,B) Approximately the size of a fist
C) Approximately the size of a walnut
D) Approximately the size of a melon
Correct Answer: B) Approximately the size of a fist
Rationale: A non-pregnant uterus is roughly the size of a fist, measuring about 3 inches by 2 inches, and
is tucked underneath the pelvic bone. It enlarges significantly during pregnancy to accommodate the
growing fetus.
4. What is the anatomical definition of the perineum?
A) The external female genitalia
B) The area between the vagina and the anus
C) The lower portion of the uterus
D) The passageway for menstrual flow and childbirth
Correct Answer: B) The area between the vagina and the anus
Rationale: The perineum is the skin-covered region of fibromuscular tissue located between the vagina
and the anus. It supports the pelvic floor structures and is an important landmark during childbirth.
5. A nursing instructor is explaining the menstrual cycle. Which hormone is responsible for the surge
that triggers ovulation?
A) Estrogen
B) Luteinizing hormone (LH)
C) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
D) Progesterone
Correct Answer: B) Luteinizing hormone (LH)
, Rationale: A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) causes the mature follicle to rupture and release the
ovum approximately 24–36 hours later. High estrogen levels trigger the LH surge, but LH is the direct
cause of ovulation.
6. What is the primary role of estrogen in the menstrual cycle?
A) It maintains the uterine lining during early pregnancy
B) It stimulates the proliferation of the uterine lining
C) It causes the uterine lining to shed
D) It inhibits the release of FSH and LH
Correct Answer: B) It stimulates the proliferation of the uterine lining
Rationale: Estrogen stimulates the proliferation (thickening) of the uterine lining (endometrium) during
the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is primarily responsible for maintaining the
uterine lining for implantation.
7. What is the primary role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle?
A) To stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles
B) To trigger ovulation
C) To build the uterine lining and prepare it for implantation
D) To cause the regression of the corpus luteum
Correct Answer: C) To build the uterine lining and prepare it for implantation
Rationale: Progesterone builds the uterine lining, prepares the uterus for implantation, and decreases
uterine motility and contractility. It is essential for maintaining early pregnancy.
8. What is the function of prostaglandins in the reproductive system?
A) To stimulate the release of FSH and LH
B) To stimulate uterine contractions
Maternal Health | Galen College | Q & A |
2026/2027 Edition (PDF)
1. What is the primary function of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?
A) To transport the ovum to the uterus
B) To produce ova and secrete female sex hormones
C) To serve as the site of fertilization
D) To receive sperm and direct them toward the uterus
Correct Answer: B) To produce ova and secrete female sex hormones
Rationale: The ovaries are the female gonads responsible for producing ova (gametes) and secreting the
female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. The fallopian tubes transport the ovum and serve as
the typical site of fertilization, while the vagina receives sperm.
2. Where does fertilization typically occur in the female reproductive tract?
A) Ovary
B) Uterus
C) Fallopian tube
D) Cervix
Correct Answer: C) Fallopian tube
Rationale: Fertilization typically takes place in the ampulla of the fallopian tube. The ovary releases the
ovum, the uterus is the site of implantation, and the cervix connects the uterus to the vagina but is not
the site of fertilization.
3. Which of the following is the normal size of a non-pregnant uterus?
A) Approximately the size of a grapefruit
,B) Approximately the size of a fist
C) Approximately the size of a walnut
D) Approximately the size of a melon
Correct Answer: B) Approximately the size of a fist
Rationale: A non-pregnant uterus is roughly the size of a fist, measuring about 3 inches by 2 inches, and
is tucked underneath the pelvic bone. It enlarges significantly during pregnancy to accommodate the
growing fetus.
4. What is the anatomical definition of the perineum?
A) The external female genitalia
B) The area between the vagina and the anus
C) The lower portion of the uterus
D) The passageway for menstrual flow and childbirth
Correct Answer: B) The area between the vagina and the anus
Rationale: The perineum is the skin-covered region of fibromuscular tissue located between the vagina
and the anus. It supports the pelvic floor structures and is an important landmark during childbirth.
5. A nursing instructor is explaining the menstrual cycle. Which hormone is responsible for the surge
that triggers ovulation?
A) Estrogen
B) Luteinizing hormone (LH)
C) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
D) Progesterone
Correct Answer: B) Luteinizing hormone (LH)
, Rationale: A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) causes the mature follicle to rupture and release the
ovum approximately 24–36 hours later. High estrogen levels trigger the LH surge, but LH is the direct
cause of ovulation.
6. What is the primary role of estrogen in the menstrual cycle?
A) It maintains the uterine lining during early pregnancy
B) It stimulates the proliferation of the uterine lining
C) It causes the uterine lining to shed
D) It inhibits the release of FSH and LH
Correct Answer: B) It stimulates the proliferation of the uterine lining
Rationale: Estrogen stimulates the proliferation (thickening) of the uterine lining (endometrium) during
the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is primarily responsible for maintaining the
uterine lining for implantation.
7. What is the primary role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle?
A) To stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles
B) To trigger ovulation
C) To build the uterine lining and prepare it for implantation
D) To cause the regression of the corpus luteum
Correct Answer: C) To build the uterine lining and prepare it for implantation
Rationale: Progesterone builds the uterine lining, prepares the uterus for implantation, and decreases
uterine motility and contractility. It is essential for maintaining early pregnancy.
8. What is the function of prostaglandins in the reproductive system?
A) To stimulate the release of FSH and LH
B) To stimulate uterine contractions
