Exam 1: NSG432 / NSG 432 (Latest Update )
Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family
Test Guide Questions and Verified Answers | 100% Correct
Herzing University | 50 Questions | Aligned with 2026-2027 Curriculum Standards
Total Questions Sections Cognitive Levels Question Format
50 5 30% Recall, 50% Application, 20% Analysis Multiple Choice (A-D)
Section 1: Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology (Q1-Q8)
Q1: A nursing student is reviewing the menstrual cycle and learns that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is
released during which phase of the ovarian cycle?
A. Luteal phase (days 15-28)
B. Follicular phase (days 1-14) [CORRECT]
C. Ovulatory phase (day 14 only)
D. Menstrual phase (days 1-5)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FSH is released by the anterior pituitary gland during the follicular phase (days 1-14) of the ovarian cycle and
stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles and estrogen production. The luteal phase is dominated by progesterone from the corpus
luteum, the ovulatory phase involves the LH surge, and the menstrual phase is characterized by the withdrawal of hormones
causing endometrial shedding. Understanding the hormonal interplay of the ovarian cycle is foundational to NSG 432
maternal-newborn nursing education at Herzing University.
Q2: A pregnant client at 10 weeks gestation asks the nurse what hormone is responsible for maintaining the
corpus luteum during early pregnancy. Which response by the nurse is correct?
A. Human placental lactogen (hPL)
B. Progesterone only
C. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) [CORRECT]
D. Estrogen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: hCG is produced by the developing placenta and its primary function in early pregnancy is to maintain the corpus
luteum, which continues to produce progesterone to sustain the endometrial lining until the placenta assumes full hormonal
production. hPL modifies maternal metabolism by decreasing insulin sensitivity to increase available glucose for the fetus.
Estrogen stimulates uterine growth and blood flow, and progesterone maintains the pregnancy by relaxing uterine smooth muscle.
hCG is the hormone detected in pregnancy tests, making it a key concept in antepartum nursing care.
Q3: A client who is tracking her basal body temperature (BBT) for fertility awareness reports a sustained
temperature increase of 0.8 degrees F for 18 consecutive days. The nurse interprets this finding as indicative of
which condition?
A. Approaching ovulation
B. Ovulation has occurred
C. Possible pregnancy [CORRECT]
D. Anovulatory cycle
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, NSG432 Exam 1 | Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family Herzing University 2026/2027
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A sustained elevation in basal body temperature for 18 or more days beyond the expected time of ovulation is highly
suggestive of pregnancy. The BBT normally rises 0.5-1.0 degrees F after ovulation due to the thermogenic effect of progesterone
and remains elevated during the luteal phase. If menstruation does not occur and the temperature remains elevated, the nurse
should counsel the client that pregnancy is likely and recommend confirmation with a pregnancy test. A single rise indicates
ovulation, but the sustained elevation beyond the typical 12-14 day luteal phase is what suggests pregnancy.
Q4: During a health education session, a nurse explains that fertilization normally occurs in which anatomical
location?
A. Endometrial cavity of the uterus
B. Ampulla of the fallopian tube (outer third) [CORRECT]
C. Isthmus of the fallopian tube (middle third)
D. Fimbriated end of the fallopian tube
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fertilization occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube, which is the outer third and the widest section of the tube.
After ovulation, the oocyte is swept into the fallopian tube by the fimbriae, where it encounters sperm that have traveled through
the cervix and uterus. The fertilized zygote then undergoes cleavage as it migrates toward the uterus over 6-10 days before
implantation in the endometrium. This anatomical knowledge is essential for understanding ectopic pregnancy risks in NSG 432.
Q5: A nurse is assessing cervical mucus changes during the menstrual cycle. Which finding is associated with the
ovulatory period under the influence of estrogen?
A. Thick, opaque, and non-stretchable mucus
B. Thin, clear, and stretchy mucus (spinnbarkeit) [CORRECT]
C. Scant, dry vaginal secretions
D. Yellow, foul-smelling discharge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under the influence of estrogen, cervical mucus becomes thin, clear, and stretchy, a characteristic known as
spinnbarkeit, which facilitates sperm transport during the ovulatory period around day 14 of the cycle. After ovulation,
progesterone dominance causes the mucus to become thick, opaque, and non-stretchable, creating a barrier to sperm passage.
Option C describes the postmenstrual dry period, and option D suggests infection rather than a normal hormonal change.
Understanding cervical mucus changes is important for fertility assessment and patient education in the reproductive physiology
component of NSG 432.
Q6: A nurse is teaching a prenatal class about the role of human placental lactogen (hPL). Which statement by a
participant indicates correct understanding of hPL?
A. It maintains the corpus luteum during early pregnancy.
B. It stimulates uterine growth and increases blood flow.
C. It decreases maternal insulin sensitivity to increase glucose availability for the fetus. [CORRECT]
D. It maintains the endometrial lining for implantation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Human placental lactogen (hPL), also called human chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS), modifies the maternal
metabolic state by decreasing maternal insulin sensitivity and increasing the availability of glucose for fetal growth and
development. This hormonal effect contributes to the diabetogenic state of pregnancy and is the physiologic basis for gestational
diabetes screening. Option A describes hCG, option B describes estrogen, and option D describes progesterone. Understanding
hPL is critical for the antepartum nursing care section of NSG 432, particularly regarding glucose tolerance testing at 24-28
weeks.
Q7: A nursing student is learning about the endometrial cycle. Which phase is characterized by progesterone
dominance and secretory gland activity?
Page 2
Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family
Test Guide Questions and Verified Answers | 100% Correct
Herzing University | 50 Questions | Aligned with 2026-2027 Curriculum Standards
Total Questions Sections Cognitive Levels Question Format
50 5 30% Recall, 50% Application, 20% Analysis Multiple Choice (A-D)
Section 1: Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology (Q1-Q8)
Q1: A nursing student is reviewing the menstrual cycle and learns that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is
released during which phase of the ovarian cycle?
A. Luteal phase (days 15-28)
B. Follicular phase (days 1-14) [CORRECT]
C. Ovulatory phase (day 14 only)
D. Menstrual phase (days 1-5)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FSH is released by the anterior pituitary gland during the follicular phase (days 1-14) of the ovarian cycle and
stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles and estrogen production. The luteal phase is dominated by progesterone from the corpus
luteum, the ovulatory phase involves the LH surge, and the menstrual phase is characterized by the withdrawal of hormones
causing endometrial shedding. Understanding the hormonal interplay of the ovarian cycle is foundational to NSG 432
maternal-newborn nursing education at Herzing University.
Q2: A pregnant client at 10 weeks gestation asks the nurse what hormone is responsible for maintaining the
corpus luteum during early pregnancy. Which response by the nurse is correct?
A. Human placental lactogen (hPL)
B. Progesterone only
C. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) [CORRECT]
D. Estrogen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: hCG is produced by the developing placenta and its primary function in early pregnancy is to maintain the corpus
luteum, which continues to produce progesterone to sustain the endometrial lining until the placenta assumes full hormonal
production. hPL modifies maternal metabolism by decreasing insulin sensitivity to increase available glucose for the fetus.
Estrogen stimulates uterine growth and blood flow, and progesterone maintains the pregnancy by relaxing uterine smooth muscle.
hCG is the hormone detected in pregnancy tests, making it a key concept in antepartum nursing care.
Q3: A client who is tracking her basal body temperature (BBT) for fertility awareness reports a sustained
temperature increase of 0.8 degrees F for 18 consecutive days. The nurse interprets this finding as indicative of
which condition?
A. Approaching ovulation
B. Ovulation has occurred
C. Possible pregnancy [CORRECT]
D. Anovulatory cycle
Page 1
, NSG432 Exam 1 | Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family Herzing University 2026/2027
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A sustained elevation in basal body temperature for 18 or more days beyond the expected time of ovulation is highly
suggestive of pregnancy. The BBT normally rises 0.5-1.0 degrees F after ovulation due to the thermogenic effect of progesterone
and remains elevated during the luteal phase. If menstruation does not occur and the temperature remains elevated, the nurse
should counsel the client that pregnancy is likely and recommend confirmation with a pregnancy test. A single rise indicates
ovulation, but the sustained elevation beyond the typical 12-14 day luteal phase is what suggests pregnancy.
Q4: During a health education session, a nurse explains that fertilization normally occurs in which anatomical
location?
A. Endometrial cavity of the uterus
B. Ampulla of the fallopian tube (outer third) [CORRECT]
C. Isthmus of the fallopian tube (middle third)
D. Fimbriated end of the fallopian tube
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fertilization occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube, which is the outer third and the widest section of the tube.
After ovulation, the oocyte is swept into the fallopian tube by the fimbriae, where it encounters sperm that have traveled through
the cervix and uterus. The fertilized zygote then undergoes cleavage as it migrates toward the uterus over 6-10 days before
implantation in the endometrium. This anatomical knowledge is essential for understanding ectopic pregnancy risks in NSG 432.
Q5: A nurse is assessing cervical mucus changes during the menstrual cycle. Which finding is associated with the
ovulatory period under the influence of estrogen?
A. Thick, opaque, and non-stretchable mucus
B. Thin, clear, and stretchy mucus (spinnbarkeit) [CORRECT]
C. Scant, dry vaginal secretions
D. Yellow, foul-smelling discharge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under the influence of estrogen, cervical mucus becomes thin, clear, and stretchy, a characteristic known as
spinnbarkeit, which facilitates sperm transport during the ovulatory period around day 14 of the cycle. After ovulation,
progesterone dominance causes the mucus to become thick, opaque, and non-stretchable, creating a barrier to sperm passage.
Option C describes the postmenstrual dry period, and option D suggests infection rather than a normal hormonal change.
Understanding cervical mucus changes is important for fertility assessment and patient education in the reproductive physiology
component of NSG 432.
Q6: A nurse is teaching a prenatal class about the role of human placental lactogen (hPL). Which statement by a
participant indicates correct understanding of hPL?
A. It maintains the corpus luteum during early pregnancy.
B. It stimulates uterine growth and increases blood flow.
C. It decreases maternal insulin sensitivity to increase glucose availability for the fetus. [CORRECT]
D. It maintains the endometrial lining for implantation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Human placental lactogen (hPL), also called human chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS), modifies the maternal
metabolic state by decreasing maternal insulin sensitivity and increasing the availability of glucose for fetal growth and
development. This hormonal effect contributes to the diabetogenic state of pregnancy and is the physiologic basis for gestational
diabetes screening. Option A describes hCG, option B describes estrogen, and option D describes progesterone. Understanding
hPL is critical for the antepartum nursing care section of NSG 432, particularly regarding glucose tolerance testing at 24-28
weeks.
Q7: A nursing student is learning about the endometrial cycle. Which phase is characterized by progesterone
dominance and secretory gland activity?
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