NUR 2633/NUR2633 Exam 1 V1 | Maternal Child
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A nurse is calculating the estimated date of delivery (EDD) for a client whose last menstrual
period (LMP) began on May 10th. Using Naegele’s rule, which date should the nurse record?
A. February 3rd
B. February 10th
C. February 24th
D. February 17th
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Naegele’s rule is calculated by subtracting 3 months from the first day of the
last menstrual period and then adding 7 days and 1 year. For an LMP of May 10th,
subtracting 3 months results in February 10th, and adding 7 days results in February 17th.
This method assumes a standard 28-day cycle and is the standard for estimating gestation
duration.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is at 20 weeks of gestation. Which of the following
findings should the nurse report to the provider as a potential complication?
A. Increased vaginal discharge (leukorrhea)
B. Swelling of the face and fingers
,C. Periodic numbness and tingling of the fingers
D. Occasional painless uterine contractions
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Facial and finger edema can be an early clinical sign of preeclampsia, which is
a serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. While dependent edema in the lower
extremities is common, swelling in the upper body warrants further investigation of blood
pressure and proteinuria. Leukorrhea and mild Braxton Hicks contractions are typically
normal physiological findings during the second trimester.
3. Using the GTPAL system, how should a nurse document a client who is currently pregnant,
has a 5-year-old born at 38 weeks, a 3-year-old born at 35 weeks, and had one miscarriage at
10 weeks?
A. G3, T1, P1, A1, L2
B. G3, T2, P0, A1, L2
C. G4, T2, P1, A0, L2
D. G4, T1, P1, A1, L2
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The client is Gravida 4 (current pregnancy, two live births, one miscarriage).
Term is 1 (the child born at 38 weeks), Preterm is 1 (the child born at 35 weeks), Abortion
is 1 (miscarriage at 10 weeks), and Living is 2. Accurate GTPAL documentation is essential
for assessing obstetric history and identifying potential risks in the current pregnancy.
,4. A nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client in active labor. Which of the
following fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns indicates fetal well-being?
A. Persistent late decelerations
B. Baseline FHR of 140/min with moderate variability
C. Variable decelerations with a rapid return to baseline
D. Fetal tachycardia at 170/min
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A baseline fetal heart rate between 110 and 160 beats per minute with
moderate variability is a Category I tracing, indicating a normal acid-base balance.
Variability reflects a healthy, functioning autonomic nervous system in the fetus. Late
decelerations and tachycardia are non-reassuring signs that suggest potential hypoxia or
maternal infection.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which of
the following findings is the priority to report to the provider?
A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
B. Flushing and a feeling of warmth
C. Urinary output of 40 mL/hr
D. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+
Correct Answer: A
, Explanation: A respiratory rate of less than 12/min is a primary indicator of magnesium
sulfate toxicity and requires immediate cessation of the infusion. Magnesium sulfate is a
central nervous system depressant, and toxicity can lead to respiratory arrest and cardiac
failure. The nurse must also monitor for loss of deep tendon reflexes and significantly
decreased urinary output.
6. A nurse is teaching a group of pregnant clients about the importance of folic acid. Which of
the following complications does folic acid help prevent?
A. Neural tube defects
B. Gestational diabetes
C. Preterm labor
D. Preeclampsia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Adequate intake of folic acid (400 to 800 mcg daily) during the
preconception period and early pregnancy is critical for the proper closure of the neural
tube. Deficiencies are strongly linked to conditions such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
The nurse should encourage the consumption of fortified cereals, leafy greens, and
supplements to ensure maternal requirements are met.
7. A client at 32 weeks of gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. Which
of the following conditions should the nurse suspect?
A. Abruptio placentae
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A nurse is calculating the estimated date of delivery (EDD) for a client whose last menstrual
period (LMP) began on May 10th. Using Naegele’s rule, which date should the nurse record?
A. February 3rd
B. February 10th
C. February 24th
D. February 17th
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Naegele’s rule is calculated by subtracting 3 months from the first day of the
last menstrual period and then adding 7 days and 1 year. For an LMP of May 10th,
subtracting 3 months results in February 10th, and adding 7 days results in February 17th.
This method assumes a standard 28-day cycle and is the standard for estimating gestation
duration.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is at 20 weeks of gestation. Which of the following
findings should the nurse report to the provider as a potential complication?
A. Increased vaginal discharge (leukorrhea)
B. Swelling of the face and fingers
,C. Periodic numbness and tingling of the fingers
D. Occasional painless uterine contractions
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Facial and finger edema can be an early clinical sign of preeclampsia, which is
a serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. While dependent edema in the lower
extremities is common, swelling in the upper body warrants further investigation of blood
pressure and proteinuria. Leukorrhea and mild Braxton Hicks contractions are typically
normal physiological findings during the second trimester.
3. Using the GTPAL system, how should a nurse document a client who is currently pregnant,
has a 5-year-old born at 38 weeks, a 3-year-old born at 35 weeks, and had one miscarriage at
10 weeks?
A. G3, T1, P1, A1, L2
B. G3, T2, P0, A1, L2
C. G4, T2, P1, A0, L2
D. G4, T1, P1, A1, L2
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The client is Gravida 4 (current pregnancy, two live births, one miscarriage).
Term is 1 (the child born at 38 weeks), Preterm is 1 (the child born at 35 weeks), Abortion
is 1 (miscarriage at 10 weeks), and Living is 2. Accurate GTPAL documentation is essential
for assessing obstetric history and identifying potential risks in the current pregnancy.
,4. A nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client in active labor. Which of the
following fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns indicates fetal well-being?
A. Persistent late decelerations
B. Baseline FHR of 140/min with moderate variability
C. Variable decelerations with a rapid return to baseline
D. Fetal tachycardia at 170/min
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A baseline fetal heart rate between 110 and 160 beats per minute with
moderate variability is a Category I tracing, indicating a normal acid-base balance.
Variability reflects a healthy, functioning autonomic nervous system in the fetus. Late
decelerations and tachycardia are non-reassuring signs that suggest potential hypoxia or
maternal infection.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which of
the following findings is the priority to report to the provider?
A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
B. Flushing and a feeling of warmth
C. Urinary output of 40 mL/hr
D. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+
Correct Answer: A
, Explanation: A respiratory rate of less than 12/min is a primary indicator of magnesium
sulfate toxicity and requires immediate cessation of the infusion. Magnesium sulfate is a
central nervous system depressant, and toxicity can lead to respiratory arrest and cardiac
failure. The nurse must also monitor for loss of deep tendon reflexes and significantly
decreased urinary output.
6. A nurse is teaching a group of pregnant clients about the importance of folic acid. Which of
the following complications does folic acid help prevent?
A. Neural tube defects
B. Gestational diabetes
C. Preterm labor
D. Preeclampsia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Adequate intake of folic acid (400 to 800 mcg daily) during the
preconception period and early pregnancy is critical for the proper closure of the neural
tube. Deficiencies are strongly linked to conditions such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
The nurse should encourage the consumption of fortified cereals, leafy greens, and
supplements to ensure maternal requirements are met.
7. A client at 32 weeks of gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. Which
of the following conditions should the nurse suspect?
A. Abruptio placentae
