COMPREHENSIVE MATERNAL
NURSING (NUR 230) EXAM REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A client at 32 weeks gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. Which
condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Uterine rupture
B. Abruptio placentae
C. Placenta previa
D. Preterm labor
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Placenta previa is characterized by painless, bright red vaginal
bleeding in the third trimester, whereas abruptio placentae involves painful bleeding and
uterine rigidity.
2. The nurse notes late decelerations on the fetal monitor. What is the priority nursing
action?
A. Document the finding as normal
,B. Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask and reposition the client
C. Increase the Oxytocin infusion rate
D. Prepare for immediate forceps delivery
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency.
Immediate interventions include lateral positioning, oxygen administration, and increasing
IV fluids to improve fetal oxygenation.
3. 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 next action?
A. Continue monitoring the infusion
B. Administer Calcium Gluconate intravenously
C. Increase the infusion rate
D. Notify the provider to request a sedative
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bradypnea and absent DTRs are classic signs of Magnesium
Sulfate toxicity. Calcium Gluconate is the specific antagonist used to reverse these effects.
4. Which finding is considered a normal physiological change during the second trimester of
pregnancy?
A. Decreased cardiac output
, B. Decrease in blood volume
C. Decreased glomerular filtration rate
D. Increased white blood cell count up to 15,000/mm3
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: During pregnancy, it is normal for the WBC count to increase
slightly, and blood volume increases significantly (40-50%) to support the fetus and
mother.
5. A newborn has a 1-minute APGAR score of 7. The heart rate is 110 bpm, there is a weak
cry, some flexion of extremities, grimace upon suctioning, and acrocyanosis. What does this
score indicate?
A. Severe distress
B. Moderate difficulty
C. Minimal difficulty in adjusting to extrauterine life
D. Normal physiological transition
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A score of 7-10 is considered normal/minimal difficulty.
Acrocyanosis (blue hands/feet) is common in the first 24 hours of life.
NURSING (NUR 230) EXAM REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A client at 32 weeks gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. Which
condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Uterine rupture
B. Abruptio placentae
C. Placenta previa
D. Preterm labor
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Placenta previa is characterized by painless, bright red vaginal
bleeding in the third trimester, whereas abruptio placentae involves painful bleeding and
uterine rigidity.
2. The nurse notes late decelerations on the fetal monitor. What is the priority nursing
action?
A. Document the finding as normal
,B. Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask and reposition the client
C. Increase the Oxytocin infusion rate
D. Prepare for immediate forceps delivery
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency.
Immediate interventions include lateral positioning, oxygen administration, and increasing
IV fluids to improve fetal oxygenation.
3. 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 next action?
A. Continue monitoring the infusion
B. Administer Calcium Gluconate intravenously
C. Increase the infusion rate
D. Notify the provider to request a sedative
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bradypnea and absent DTRs are classic signs of Magnesium
Sulfate toxicity. Calcium Gluconate is the specific antagonist used to reverse these effects.
4. Which finding is considered a normal physiological change during the second trimester of
pregnancy?
A. Decreased cardiac output
, B. Decrease in blood volume
C. Decreased glomerular filtration rate
D. Increased white blood cell count up to 15,000/mm3
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: During pregnancy, it is normal for the WBC count to increase
slightly, and blood volume increases significantly (40-50%) to support the fetus and
mother.
5. A newborn has a 1-minute APGAR score of 7. The heart rate is 110 bpm, there is a weak
cry, some flexion of extremities, grimace upon suctioning, and acrocyanosis. What does this
score indicate?
A. Severe distress
B. Moderate difficulty
C. Minimal difficulty in adjusting to extrauterine life
D. Normal physiological transition
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A score of 7-10 is considered normal/minimal difficulty.
Acrocyanosis (blue hands/feet) is common in the first 24 hours of life.
