CJE MATERNITY EXAM PREP 2026-
2027 Practice Questions with Answers
& Rationales for Antepartum, Labor,
Postpartum, and Newborn Care
## SECTION 1: ANTEPARTUM CARE & NORMAL PREGNANCY (Questions
1-50)
### Question 1
**Which of the following is the most important preconception
recommendation to reduce the risk of neural-tube defects?**
A) Daily iron supplementation
B) Daily folic acid 400 µg
C) Calcium-rich diet
D) Avoidance of caffeine
**Answer: B**
,**Rationale:** Folic acid taken before conception and during early
pregnancy reduces the incidence of neural-tube defects such as spina
bifida. The recommended dose is 400-800 mcg daily starting at least
one month before conception .
---
### Question 2
**A couple with a family history of cystic fibrosis seeks genetic
counseling. What is the most appropriate initial test for the mother?**
A) Amniocentesis at 16 weeks
B) Carrier screening for CFTR mutations
C) Non-stress test at 20 weeks
D) Maternal serum AFP at 18 weeks
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Carrier screening identifies heterozygous parents; if
both are carriers, further diagnostic testing can be offered. This is the
appropriate first step before considering invasive diagnostic procedures
.
---
,### Question 3
**Which substance is classified as a Category X teratogen by the
FDA?**
A) Acetaminophen
B) Isotretinoin
C) Penicillin
D) Caffeine
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Isotretinoin (Accutane) is known to cause severe birth
defects and is strictly contraindicated in pregnancy (Category X).
Category X drugs have proven fetal risks that outweigh any potential
benefit .
---
### Question 4
**The earliest presumptive sign of pregnancy is:**
A) Chadwick's sign
, B) Amenorrhea
C) Positive hCG urine test
D) Goodell's sign
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) is often the first
clue that a woman may be pregnant. Presumptive signs are subjective
and can be caused by other conditions .
---
### Question 5
**Which probable sign of pregnancy is characterized by a bluish-purple
discoloration of the cervix and vagina?**
A) Goodell's sign
B) Chadwick's sign
C) Hegar's sign
D) Linea nigra
**Answer: B**
2027 Practice Questions with Answers
& Rationales for Antepartum, Labor,
Postpartum, and Newborn Care
## SECTION 1: ANTEPARTUM CARE & NORMAL PREGNANCY (Questions
1-50)
### Question 1
**Which of the following is the most important preconception
recommendation to reduce the risk of neural-tube defects?**
A) Daily iron supplementation
B) Daily folic acid 400 µg
C) Calcium-rich diet
D) Avoidance of caffeine
**Answer: B**
,**Rationale:** Folic acid taken before conception and during early
pregnancy reduces the incidence of neural-tube defects such as spina
bifida. The recommended dose is 400-800 mcg daily starting at least
one month before conception .
---
### Question 2
**A couple with a family history of cystic fibrosis seeks genetic
counseling. What is the most appropriate initial test for the mother?**
A) Amniocentesis at 16 weeks
B) Carrier screening for CFTR mutations
C) Non-stress test at 20 weeks
D) Maternal serum AFP at 18 weeks
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Carrier screening identifies heterozygous parents; if
both are carriers, further diagnostic testing can be offered. This is the
appropriate first step before considering invasive diagnostic procedures
.
---
,### Question 3
**Which substance is classified as a Category X teratogen by the
FDA?**
A) Acetaminophen
B) Isotretinoin
C) Penicillin
D) Caffeine
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Isotretinoin (Accutane) is known to cause severe birth
defects and is strictly contraindicated in pregnancy (Category X).
Category X drugs have proven fetal risks that outweigh any potential
benefit .
---
### Question 4
**The earliest presumptive sign of pregnancy is:**
A) Chadwick's sign
, B) Amenorrhea
C) Positive hCG urine test
D) Goodell's sign
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) is often the first
clue that a woman may be pregnant. Presumptive signs are subjective
and can be caused by other conditions .
---
### Question 5
**Which probable sign of pregnancy is characterized by a bluish-purple
discoloration of the cervix and vagina?**
A) Goodell's sign
B) Chadwick's sign
C) Hegar's sign
D) Linea nigra
**Answer: B**
