NUR 231 EXAM 1 – MATERNAL NURSING
(2026) MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALES
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SECTION 1: Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology (Questions 1–30)
1. A nursing student is reviewing the anatomy of the female reproductive
system. Which structure is responsible for producing ova and secreting
estrogen and progesterone?
A) Fallopian tubes
B) Uterus
C) Ovaries
D) Cervix
Answer: C) Ovaries
Rationale: The ovaries are the primary reproductive organs in females,
responsible for producing ova (eggs) and secreting the hormones estrogen
and progesterone. The fallopian tubes transport the ovum, the uterus houses
the developing fetus, and the cervix is the lower portion of the uterus.
2. A nurse is teaching a class on female reproductive anatomy. Which
statement accurately describes the function of the fallopian tubes?
A) They produce estrogen and progesterone
B) They serve as the site of fertilization
C) They house the developing fetus
,D) They dilate during labor
Answer: B) They serve as the site of fertilization
Rationale: The fallopian tubes (oviducts) are the site where fertilization
typically occurs. The ovaries produce hormones, the uterus houses the fetus,
and the cervix dilates during labor.
3. A patient asks the nurse about the menstrual cycle. The nurse correctly
explains that ovulation typically occurs:
A) 7 days before the next menstruation
B) 14 days before the next menstruation
C) 7 days after the last menstruation
D) 14 days after the last menstruation
Answer: B) 14 days before the next menstruation
Rationale: Ovulation occurs approximately 14 days before the next
menstruation in a regular 28-day cycle. The mature egg lives for 12–24 hours
after ovulation, and sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up
to 5 days.
4. A nurse is educating a patient about conception. How long can sperm
survive in the female reproductive system?
A) 12–24 hours
B) Up to 3 days
C) Up to 5 days
D) Up to 7 days
,Answer: C) Up to 5 days
Rationale: Sperm can live in the female reproductive system for up to 5 days.
The mature egg lives for 12–24 hours then begins to degenerate.
5. A nursing student is studying the ovarian cycle. The mature ovum remains
viable for fertilization for approximately:
A) 6–12 hours
B) 12–24 hours
C) 24–48 hours
D) 48–72 hours
Answer: B) 12–24 hours
Rationale: The mature egg lives for approximately 12–24 hours after
ovulation before it begins to degenerate. This is why timing of intercourse is
critical for conception.
6. A nurse is reviewing the phases of the sexual response cycle. Which phase is
characterized by the release of sexual tension and resolution of physical
changes?
A) Excitement phase
B) Plateau phase
C) Orgasmic phase
D) Resolution phase
Answer: D) Resolution phase
Rationale: The four phases of the sexual response cycle are excitement,
plateau, orgasmic, and resolution. The resolution phase involves the release of
sexual tension and the return of the body to its pre-excitement state.
, 7. A patient asks the nurse about menopause. The nurse correctly states that
menopause is defined as:
A) The cessation of menstruation for 6 months
B) The cessation of menstruation for 12 months
C) The onset of hot flashes
D) The decline in ovarian function
Answer: B) The cessation of menstruation for 12 months
Rationale: Menopause is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12
consecutive months. The average age of menopause is 51 years, with a range
of 35–60 years. Hormonal changes (hot flashes) often begin 10 years before
periods stop.
8. A nurse is teaching about the transitional phase leading to menopause. This
phase is characterized by:
A) Increased ovarian function
B) Decline in ovarian function and hormone production
C) Complete cessation of all hormones
D) Return of regular menstrual cycles
Answer: B) Decline in ovarian function and hormone production
Rationale: The transitional phase (perimenopause) is characterized by the
decline of ovarian function and hormone production. This phase leads to the
eventual cessation of menstruation.
9. A patient asks the nurse what hormone is used to test for pregnancy. The
nurse correctly responds:
(2026) MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALES
---
SECTION 1: Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology (Questions 1–30)
1. A nursing student is reviewing the anatomy of the female reproductive
system. Which structure is responsible for producing ova and secreting
estrogen and progesterone?
A) Fallopian tubes
B) Uterus
C) Ovaries
D) Cervix
Answer: C) Ovaries
Rationale: The ovaries are the primary reproductive organs in females,
responsible for producing ova (eggs) and secreting the hormones estrogen
and progesterone. The fallopian tubes transport the ovum, the uterus houses
the developing fetus, and the cervix is the lower portion of the uterus.
2. A nurse is teaching a class on female reproductive anatomy. Which
statement accurately describes the function of the fallopian tubes?
A) They produce estrogen and progesterone
B) They serve as the site of fertilization
C) They house the developing fetus
,D) They dilate during labor
Answer: B) They serve as the site of fertilization
Rationale: The fallopian tubes (oviducts) are the site where fertilization
typically occurs. The ovaries produce hormones, the uterus houses the fetus,
and the cervix dilates during labor.
3. A patient asks the nurse about the menstrual cycle. The nurse correctly
explains that ovulation typically occurs:
A) 7 days before the next menstruation
B) 14 days before the next menstruation
C) 7 days after the last menstruation
D) 14 days after the last menstruation
Answer: B) 14 days before the next menstruation
Rationale: Ovulation occurs approximately 14 days before the next
menstruation in a regular 28-day cycle. The mature egg lives for 12–24 hours
after ovulation, and sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up
to 5 days.
4. A nurse is educating a patient about conception. How long can sperm
survive in the female reproductive system?
A) 12–24 hours
B) Up to 3 days
C) Up to 5 days
D) Up to 7 days
,Answer: C) Up to 5 days
Rationale: Sperm can live in the female reproductive system for up to 5 days.
The mature egg lives for 12–24 hours then begins to degenerate.
5. A nursing student is studying the ovarian cycle. The mature ovum remains
viable for fertilization for approximately:
A) 6–12 hours
B) 12–24 hours
C) 24–48 hours
D) 48–72 hours
Answer: B) 12–24 hours
Rationale: The mature egg lives for approximately 12–24 hours after
ovulation before it begins to degenerate. This is why timing of intercourse is
critical for conception.
6. A nurse is reviewing the phases of the sexual response cycle. Which phase is
characterized by the release of sexual tension and resolution of physical
changes?
A) Excitement phase
B) Plateau phase
C) Orgasmic phase
D) Resolution phase
Answer: D) Resolution phase
Rationale: The four phases of the sexual response cycle are excitement,
plateau, orgasmic, and resolution. The resolution phase involves the release of
sexual tension and the return of the body to its pre-excitement state.
, 7. A patient asks the nurse about menopause. The nurse correctly states that
menopause is defined as:
A) The cessation of menstruation for 6 months
B) The cessation of menstruation for 12 months
C) The onset of hot flashes
D) The decline in ovarian function
Answer: B) The cessation of menstruation for 12 months
Rationale: Menopause is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12
consecutive months. The average age of menopause is 51 years, with a range
of 35–60 years. Hormonal changes (hot flashes) often begin 10 years before
periods stop.
8. A nurse is teaching about the transitional phase leading to menopause. This
phase is characterized by:
A) Increased ovarian function
B) Decline in ovarian function and hormone production
C) Complete cessation of all hormones
D) Return of regular menstrual cycles
Answer: B) Decline in ovarian function and hormone production
Rationale: The transitional phase (perimenopause) is characterized by the
decline of ovarian function and hormone production. This phase leads to the
eventual cessation of menstruation.
9. A patient asks the nurse what hormone is used to test for pregnancy. The
nurse correctly responds:
