COMPREHENSIVE MATERNAL-
NEWBORN NURSING (NUR 230) EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A woman at 32 weeks gestation presents with sudden, sharp abdominal pain and a board-
like abdomen. She denies vaginal bleeding. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placenta previa
B. Abruptio placentae
C. Ectopic pregnancy
D. Uterine atony
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Abruptio placentae involves the premature separation of the
placenta. Symptoms include painful vaginal bleeding (or concealed bleeding), abdominal
pain, and uterine tenderness/rigidity (board-like abdomen).
,2. A patient is receiving Magnesium Sulfate for preeclampsia. The nurse notes absent deep
tendon reflexes (DTRs) and a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute. What is the priority
action?
A. Increase the infusion rate
B. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position
C. Administer Calcium Gluconate
D. Prepare for immediate delivery
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Absent DTRs and respiratory depression are signs of Magnesium
Sulfate toxicity. Calcium Gluconate is the specific antidote for magnesium toxicity.
3. According to Naegele’s Rule, what is the Estimated Date of Birth (EDB) for a woman whose
Last Normal Menstrual Period (LNMP) began on October 15th?
A. July 15th
B. July 8th
C. July 22nd
D. July 18th
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Naegele’s Rule: Subtract 3 months from the first day of the
LNMP and add 7 days and 1 year. Oct 15 - 3 months = July 15. July 15 + 7 days = July 22.
, 4. A newborn’s heart rate is 110, they have a slow/irregular respiratory effort, some flexion
of extremities, grimace during suctioning, and a pink body with blue extremities. What is the
APGAR score?
A. 5
B. 7
C. 6
D. 8
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: HR > 100 (2), Resp slow/irreg (1), Flexion (1), Grimace (1),
Acrocyanosis (1). Total = 6.
5. Which fetal heart rate pattern is most indicative of uteroplacental insufficiency?
A. Early decelerations
B. Variable decelerations
C. Accelerations
D. Late decelerations
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency
and are a non-reassuring sign requiring intervention.
NEWBORN NURSING (NUR 230) EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A woman at 32 weeks gestation presents with sudden, sharp abdominal pain and a board-
like abdomen. She denies vaginal bleeding. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placenta previa
B. Abruptio placentae
C. Ectopic pregnancy
D. Uterine atony
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Abruptio placentae involves the premature separation of the
placenta. Symptoms include painful vaginal bleeding (or concealed bleeding), abdominal
pain, and uterine tenderness/rigidity (board-like abdomen).
,2. A patient is receiving Magnesium Sulfate for preeclampsia. The nurse notes absent deep
tendon reflexes (DTRs) and a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute. What is the priority
action?
A. Increase the infusion rate
B. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position
C. Administer Calcium Gluconate
D. Prepare for immediate delivery
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Absent DTRs and respiratory depression are signs of Magnesium
Sulfate toxicity. Calcium Gluconate is the specific antidote for magnesium toxicity.
3. According to Naegele’s Rule, what is the Estimated Date of Birth (EDB) for a woman whose
Last Normal Menstrual Period (LNMP) began on October 15th?
A. July 15th
B. July 8th
C. July 22nd
D. July 18th
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Naegele’s Rule: Subtract 3 months from the first day of the
LNMP and add 7 days and 1 year. Oct 15 - 3 months = July 15. July 15 + 7 days = July 22.
, 4. A newborn’s heart rate is 110, they have a slow/irregular respiratory effort, some flexion
of extremities, grimace during suctioning, and a pink body with blue extremities. What is the
APGAR score?
A. 5
B. 7
C. 6
D. 8
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: HR > 100 (2), Resp slow/irreg (1), Flexion (1), Grimace (1),
Acrocyanosis (1). Total = 6.
5. Which fetal heart rate pattern is most indicative of uteroplacental insufficiency?
A. Early decelerations
B. Variable decelerations
C. Accelerations
D. Late decelerations
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency
and are a non-reassuring sign requiring intervention.
