NUR 231 GALEN MATERNAL NURSING
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is calculating the estimated date of delivery (EDD) for a client whose last menstrual
period began on May 10th. Using Naegele’s rule, what is the EDD?
A. March 10th
B. January 17th
C. February 3rd
D. February 17th
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Naegele’s rule is calculated by subtracting 3 months from the
first day of the last menstrual period and adding 7 days and 1 year.
2. A client at 34 weeks gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. Which
condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Abruptio placentae
B. Ectopic pregnancy
C. Placenta previa
,D. Preterm labor
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Placenta previa is characterized by painless, bright red bleeding
in the second or third trimester. Abruptio placentae usually involves painful, dark red
bleeding.
3. During a fundal assessment 4 hours postpartum, the nurse finds the fundus is boggy and
displaced to the right of the midline. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Massage the fundus until firm
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Assist the client to the bathroom to void
D. Administer oxytocin as ordered
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A fundus displaced to the right usually indicates a distended
bladder, which prevents the uterus from contracting. Emptying the bladder is the priority.
4. A nurse is monitoring a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing and notes late decelerations. Which
physiological condition is the cause of this pattern?
A. Fetal head compression
B. Umbilical cord compression
C. Uteroplacental insufficiency
, D. Maternal hypotension
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency
and are a non-reassuring sign requiring immediate intervention.
5. A client is receiving Magnesium Sulfate for preeclampsia. The nurse notes a respiratory
rate of 10/min and absent deep tendon reflexes. What is the immediate action?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate
B. Administer Calcium Gluconate
C. Stop the Magnesium Sulfate infusion
D. Place the client in Trendelenburg position
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The first action in magnesium toxicity (respiratory depression,
loss of DTRs) is to stop the infusion before administering the antagonist, Calcium
Gluconate.
6. A newborn has an APGAR score of 7 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes. How should the nurse
interpret these scores?
A. The newborn is adjusting well to extrauterine life
B. The newborn is in severe distress
C. The newborn requires immediate resuscitation
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is calculating the estimated date of delivery (EDD) for a client whose last menstrual
period began on May 10th. Using Naegele’s rule, what is the EDD?
A. March 10th
B. January 17th
C. February 3rd
D. February 17th
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Naegele’s rule is calculated by subtracting 3 months from the
first day of the last menstrual period and adding 7 days and 1 year.
2. A client at 34 weeks gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. Which
condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Abruptio placentae
B. Ectopic pregnancy
C. Placenta previa
,D. Preterm labor
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Placenta previa is characterized by painless, bright red bleeding
in the second or third trimester. Abruptio placentae usually involves painful, dark red
bleeding.
3. During a fundal assessment 4 hours postpartum, the nurse finds the fundus is boggy and
displaced to the right of the midline. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Massage the fundus until firm
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Assist the client to the bathroom to void
D. Administer oxytocin as ordered
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A fundus displaced to the right usually indicates a distended
bladder, which prevents the uterus from contracting. Emptying the bladder is the priority.
4. A nurse is monitoring a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing and notes late decelerations. Which
physiological condition is the cause of this pattern?
A. Fetal head compression
B. Umbilical cord compression
C. Uteroplacental insufficiency
, D. Maternal hypotension
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency
and are a non-reassuring sign requiring immediate intervention.
5. A client is receiving Magnesium Sulfate for preeclampsia. The nurse notes a respiratory
rate of 10/min and absent deep tendon reflexes. What is the immediate action?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate
B. Administer Calcium Gluconate
C. Stop the Magnesium Sulfate infusion
D. Place the client in Trendelenburg position
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The first action in magnesium toxicity (respiratory depression,
loss of DTRs) is to stop the infusion before administering the antagonist, Calcium
Gluconate.
6. A newborn has an APGAR score of 7 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes. How should the nurse
interpret these scores?
A. The newborn is adjusting well to extrauterine life
B. The newborn is in severe distress
C. The newborn requires immediate resuscitation
