Page 1 of 83
NSG 3500 EXAM 1 – MATERNITY (GALEN COLLEGE OF
NURSING) EXAM LATEST VERSION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026 EDITION
NSG 3500 Exam 1 – Maternity (Galen College of Nursing)
250 Practice Questions with Rationales
SECTION 1: REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (Questions 1-50)
1. Which hormone causes additional growth of blood vessels in the endometrium
in preparation for a fertilized ovum and storage of nutrients?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Inhibin
D. FSH
Answer: B. Progesterone
Rationale: Progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum during the luteal phase,
stimulates spiral arteriole growth and endometrial gland secretion. This prepares the
uterine lining for implantation and nutrition of the embryo. Progesterone is essential for
maintaining early pregnancy until the placenta takes over this function .
2. A 17-year-old female is brought to the clinic by her mother, who is worried that
her daughter has not yet developed secondary sex characteristics. Which action by
the nurse is best?
A. Reassure the mother that this is normal variation
B. Inform them that their daughter will be tested for estrogen deficiency
C. Recommend a high-calorie diet to promote development
D. Schedule a follow-up visit in 6 months
Answer: B. Inform them that their daughter will be tested for estrogen deficiency
, Page 2 of 83
Rationale: Thelarche (breast bud development) is the first sign of ovarian function,
typically occurring between ages 8-13. Absence of secondary sex characteristics by age
14 warrants evaluation for hormonal deficiencies, including estrogen deficiency.
Primary ovarian insufficiency or other endocrine disorders may be the cause .
3. The term "thelarche" refers to:
A. The onset of menstruation
B. The formation of breast buds
C. The growth of pubic hair
D. The development of axillary hair
Answer: B. The formation of breast buds
Rationale: Thelarche is the onset of breast development, marking the beginning of
puberty in females. It reflects the initiation of ovarian estrogen secretion, which
stimulates breast tissue development. It typically precedes pubic hair growth and is the
first signal that ovarian function has begun .
4. The process of oogenesis (development of oogonia) is dictated by which
hormone?
A. LH (Luteinizing hormone)
B. Estrogen
C. FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone)
D. Progesterone
Answer: C. FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone)
Rationale: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes the growth and maturation of
ovarian follicles containing oocytes (derived from oogonia). FSH initiates follicular
recruitment and development during the menstrual cycle. Estrogen is produced by the
developing follicles, and LH triggers ovulation .
5. Which type of pelvis is most favorable for vaginal delivery?
A. Android
B. Anthropoid
C. Gynecoid
D. Platypelloid
Answer: C. Gynecoid
, Page 3 of 83
Rationale: The gynecoid pelvis is the most favorable for vaginal delivery. It has a rounded
shape with adequate dimensions for fetal passage. Android pelvis is male-shaped and
associated with difficult labor. Platypelloid is flattened and often requires cesarean
section. Anthropoid is elongated but may allow vaginal delivery .
6. Which pelvis shape often prevents the fetus from engaging in the ideal head-
down (cephalic) position, resulting in a transverse lie?
A. Gynecoid
B. Android
C. Anthropoid
D. Platypelloid
Answer: D. Platypelloid
Rationale: The platypelloid pelvis is a flattened and widened pelvis type that limits
space in the anterior-posterior dimension. This often prevents the fetus from engaging in
the ideal cephalic (head-down) position, resulting in a transverse lie that complicates
vaginal delivery. This pelvic shape typically requires cesarean delivery .
7. In perimenopause, women experience vaginal dryness and urinary changes due
to:
A. Increased estrogen production
B. Loss of estrogen and progesterone production
C. Increased FSH levels only
D. Decreased testosterone levels
Answer: B. Loss of estrogen and progesterone production
Rationale: Perimenopause is characterized by fluctuating and generally decreasing
ovarian hormone levels. Estrogen deficiency leads to atrophy of the vaginal mucosa,
decreased lubrication, and changes in urinary tract mucosa, contributing to dryness,
irritation, and urinary symptoms. Ovarian follicles become less responsive to
gonadotropins .
8. The proliferative phase in the uterine cycle is marked by:
A. Shedding of the endometrial lining
B. Rapid growth of the endometrium in response to estrogen
C. Secretory changes in the endometrium
D. Menstrual bleeding
, Page 4 of 83
Answer: B. Rapid growth of the endometrium in response to estrogen
Rationale: The proliferative phase occurs after menstruation and is characterized by
rapid growth of the endometrial lining in response to rising estrogen levels from
developing ovarian follicles. This phase prepares the uterus for potential implantation of
a fertilized ovum .
9. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by:
A. The corpus luteum
B. The anterior pituitary
C. The trophoblast cells of the developing embryo
D. The placenta after 12 weeks
Answer: C. The trophoblast cells of the developing embryo
Rationale: hCG is secreted by syncytiotrophoblast cells of the early embryo. It prevents
regression of the corpus luteum, ensuring continuous progesterone secretion to
maintain the endometrium. hCG also promotes immune tolerance to the semi-allogenic
fetus. It is the hormone detected in pregnancy tests .
10. hCG plays a role in:
A. Limiting the maternal immune response to the pregnancy
B. Maintaining the ovarian corpus luteum
C. Keeping estrogen and progesterone levels elevated until the placenta develops
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has multiple functions in early
pregnancy: it maintains the corpus luteum (remainder of the ovarian follicle after
ovulation) to keep estrogen and progesterone levels elevated until the placenta has
developed enough to assume this function. hCG also plays a role in limiting the
maternal immune response to the pregnancy and promoting tolerance to the semi-
allogenic fetus .
11. Sperm are capable of fertilizing an ovum for up to:
A. 12 hours
B. 24 hours
NSG 3500 EXAM 1 – MATERNITY (GALEN COLLEGE OF
NURSING) EXAM LATEST VERSION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026 EDITION
NSG 3500 Exam 1 – Maternity (Galen College of Nursing)
250 Practice Questions with Rationales
SECTION 1: REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (Questions 1-50)
1. Which hormone causes additional growth of blood vessels in the endometrium
in preparation for a fertilized ovum and storage of nutrients?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Inhibin
D. FSH
Answer: B. Progesterone
Rationale: Progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum during the luteal phase,
stimulates spiral arteriole growth and endometrial gland secretion. This prepares the
uterine lining for implantation and nutrition of the embryo. Progesterone is essential for
maintaining early pregnancy until the placenta takes over this function .
2. A 17-year-old female is brought to the clinic by her mother, who is worried that
her daughter has not yet developed secondary sex characteristics. Which action by
the nurse is best?
A. Reassure the mother that this is normal variation
B. Inform them that their daughter will be tested for estrogen deficiency
C. Recommend a high-calorie diet to promote development
D. Schedule a follow-up visit in 6 months
Answer: B. Inform them that their daughter will be tested for estrogen deficiency
, Page 2 of 83
Rationale: Thelarche (breast bud development) is the first sign of ovarian function,
typically occurring between ages 8-13. Absence of secondary sex characteristics by age
14 warrants evaluation for hormonal deficiencies, including estrogen deficiency.
Primary ovarian insufficiency or other endocrine disorders may be the cause .
3. The term "thelarche" refers to:
A. The onset of menstruation
B. The formation of breast buds
C. The growth of pubic hair
D. The development of axillary hair
Answer: B. The formation of breast buds
Rationale: Thelarche is the onset of breast development, marking the beginning of
puberty in females. It reflects the initiation of ovarian estrogen secretion, which
stimulates breast tissue development. It typically precedes pubic hair growth and is the
first signal that ovarian function has begun .
4. The process of oogenesis (development of oogonia) is dictated by which
hormone?
A. LH (Luteinizing hormone)
B. Estrogen
C. FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone)
D. Progesterone
Answer: C. FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone)
Rationale: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes the growth and maturation of
ovarian follicles containing oocytes (derived from oogonia). FSH initiates follicular
recruitment and development during the menstrual cycle. Estrogen is produced by the
developing follicles, and LH triggers ovulation .
5. Which type of pelvis is most favorable for vaginal delivery?
A. Android
B. Anthropoid
C. Gynecoid
D. Platypelloid
Answer: C. Gynecoid
, Page 3 of 83
Rationale: The gynecoid pelvis is the most favorable for vaginal delivery. It has a rounded
shape with adequate dimensions for fetal passage. Android pelvis is male-shaped and
associated with difficult labor. Platypelloid is flattened and often requires cesarean
section. Anthropoid is elongated but may allow vaginal delivery .
6. Which pelvis shape often prevents the fetus from engaging in the ideal head-
down (cephalic) position, resulting in a transverse lie?
A. Gynecoid
B. Android
C. Anthropoid
D. Platypelloid
Answer: D. Platypelloid
Rationale: The platypelloid pelvis is a flattened and widened pelvis type that limits
space in the anterior-posterior dimension. This often prevents the fetus from engaging in
the ideal cephalic (head-down) position, resulting in a transverse lie that complicates
vaginal delivery. This pelvic shape typically requires cesarean delivery .
7. In perimenopause, women experience vaginal dryness and urinary changes due
to:
A. Increased estrogen production
B. Loss of estrogen and progesterone production
C. Increased FSH levels only
D. Decreased testosterone levels
Answer: B. Loss of estrogen and progesterone production
Rationale: Perimenopause is characterized by fluctuating and generally decreasing
ovarian hormone levels. Estrogen deficiency leads to atrophy of the vaginal mucosa,
decreased lubrication, and changes in urinary tract mucosa, contributing to dryness,
irritation, and urinary symptoms. Ovarian follicles become less responsive to
gonadotropins .
8. The proliferative phase in the uterine cycle is marked by:
A. Shedding of the endometrial lining
B. Rapid growth of the endometrium in response to estrogen
C. Secretory changes in the endometrium
D. Menstrual bleeding
, Page 4 of 83
Answer: B. Rapid growth of the endometrium in response to estrogen
Rationale: The proliferative phase occurs after menstruation and is characterized by
rapid growth of the endometrial lining in response to rising estrogen levels from
developing ovarian follicles. This phase prepares the uterus for potential implantation of
a fertilized ovum .
9. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by:
A. The corpus luteum
B. The anterior pituitary
C. The trophoblast cells of the developing embryo
D. The placenta after 12 weeks
Answer: C. The trophoblast cells of the developing embryo
Rationale: hCG is secreted by syncytiotrophoblast cells of the early embryo. It prevents
regression of the corpus luteum, ensuring continuous progesterone secretion to
maintain the endometrium. hCG also promotes immune tolerance to the semi-allogenic
fetus. It is the hormone detected in pregnancy tests .
10. hCG plays a role in:
A. Limiting the maternal immune response to the pregnancy
B. Maintaining the ovarian corpus luteum
C. Keeping estrogen and progesterone levels elevated until the placenta develops
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has multiple functions in early
pregnancy: it maintains the corpus luteum (remainder of the ovarian follicle after
ovulation) to keep estrogen and progesterone levels elevated until the placenta has
developed enough to assume this function. hCG also plays a role in limiting the
maternal immune response to the pregnancy and promoting tolerance to the semi-
allogenic fetus .
11. Sperm are capable of fertilizing an ovum for up to:
A. 12 hours
B. 24 hours
