NUR 254 MATERNAL NURSING EXAM AND
ANSWERS (Q&A) | GALEN COLLEGE |
2026 UPDATED | 100% CORRECT
130 Questions with Answers and Detailed Rationales
100 PERCENT GUARANTEED PASS
INSTANT DOWNLOAD ANSWERS INCLUDED
IMPORTANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT
This comprehensive examination preparation guide has been meticulously developed to help you succeed in the
NUR 254 MATERNAL NURSING EXAM AND ANSWERS (Q&A) | GALEN COLLEGE | 2026 UPDATED | 100%
CORRECT. It contains 130 carefully selected questions that reflect the most current exam content and testing
strategies. Each question is accompanied by a correct answer and a detailed rationale that explains the
underlying pathophysiology, pharmacology, or clinical reasoning.
Self-Assessment – Test your knowledge and Exam Preparation – Familiarize yourself with the
identify areas requiring further question format and content
study areas
Concept Reinforcement – Deepen your Confidence Building – Develop test-taking
understanding through strategies and reduce
evidence-based exam anxiety
rationales
Time Management – Practice answering
questions under simulated
exam conditions
Review Summary 130 Questions
Foundations - Application - NUR 254 Maternal Nursing AND Q&a Galen College 2026 Updated 100
Correct Maternal-newborn Nursing Undergraduate YEAR 3 Baccalaureate Nursing
All answers with rationales
,Table of Contents
Content Area Questions Key Topics
Management OF CARE 1-22 Weeks, Gestation, Finding, Intervention, Cesarean
Safety AND Infection Control 23-44 Weeks, Gestation, Finding, Fetal, Labor
Health Promotion AND 45-66 Weeks, Finding, Fetal, Gestation, Immediate
Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity 67-88 Finding, Fetal, Weeks Gestation, Labor, Appropriate
Basic CARE AND Comfort 89-110 Weeks Gestation, Finding, Fetal, Immediate, Intervention
Pharmacological Therapies 111-130 Weeks Gestation, Finding, Appropriate, Heart RATE, Fetal
TOTAL 130 All questions include answers and detailed rationales
,Section A - Management OF CARE
Q1.
A pregnant client at 32 weeks gestation with preeclampsia without severe features is
prescribed oral labetalol. Which pharmacodynamic principle is most critical for the nurse
to consider when administering this medication?
A. Labetalol crosses the placenta minimally, B. Labetalol's beta-blockade may mask
requiring fetal monitoring only if maternal tachycardia, but its alpha-blockade also
hypotension occurs. causes reflex vasodilation, necessitating
orthostatic blood pressure monitoring.
C. Labetalol is a pregnancy category C D. Labetalol's onset of action is rapid, but its
drug, and its use is contraindicated in the half-life is prolonged in pregnancy due to
third trimester due to risk of fetal increased hepatic blood flow.
bradycardia.
Correct: B - Labetalol's beta-blockade may mask tachycardia, but its alpha-blockade also
causes reflex vasodilation, necessitating orthostatic blood pressure monitoring.
Rationale:Labetalol has both alpha- and beta-blocking effects. The beta-blockade can mask
compensatory tachycardia, while the alpha-blockade causes vasodilation, leading to
orthostatic hypotension. This dual action requires specific nursing assessments. Options A,
C, and D are incorrect because labetalol does cross the placenta, is not contraindicated in the
third trimester (it is often used for preeclampsia), and its half-life is not prolonged; pregnancy
may actually alter metabolism but not as described.
Q2.
A nurse is interpreting a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing that shows a baseline of 140 bpm,
moderate variability, and recurrent late decelerations. Based on the NICHD category
system, what is the most appropriate initial nursing action?
A. Administer oxygen via facemask at 10 B. Reposition the client to a lateral position
L/min and increase IV fluid rate. and discontinue oxytocin if infusing.
C. Prepare for immediate cesarean birth due D. Document the tracing as category II and
to category III tracing. continue to monitor for 30 minutes.
Correct: B - Reposition the client to a lateral position and discontinue oxytocin if infusing.
Page 3
, Section A - Management OF CARE
Rationale: Recurrent late decelerations with moderate variability indicate a category II tracing,
suggesting possible uteroplacental insufficiency. The first-line interventions are to improve
placental perfusion: reposition (lateral), increase IV fluids, and reduce uterine contractions
(discontinue oxytocin). Oxygen is also indicated, but repositioning and stopping oxytocin are
priority. Category III tracings require immediate intervention, but this tracing is category II.
Continued monitoring without intervention is not appropriate because late decelerations are
non-reassuring.
Q3.
A nurse is providing care to a client who has just delivered a stillborn infant at 39 weeks
gestation. The client asks to hold the infant. Which response best demonstrates culturally
sensitive and ethical nursing practice?
A. Gently discourage holding the infant to B. Ask the client about their cultural and
prevent emotional attachment that may personal preferences regarding holding and
complicate grieving. rituals, then support their choice.
C. Immediately provide the infant wrapped D. Explain that holding is only allowed if the
in a blanket, as this is universally infant is not macerated, to reduce risk of
recommended for bereavement. infection.
Correct: B - Ask the client about their cultural and personal preferences regarding holding
and rituals, then support their choice.
Rationale:Bereavement care must be individualized and culturally sensitive. Asking about
preferences respects autonomy and cultural practices. Discouraging holding or assuming
universal practices is inappropriate. There is no medical contraindication to holding a stillborn
infant, regardless of condition, if the family desires.
Q4.
A postpartum client at 6 hours after vaginal delivery has a fundus that is firm, midline, and
at the level of the umbilicus. She is passing lochia rubra with small clots. Which
assessment finding would warrant immediate intervention?
A. Perineal pain rated 4/10 with ice pack B. Temperature of 37.8°C (100.0°F) and
application. heart rate 90 bpm.
C. A gush of blood when the nurse palpates D. Urinary output of 150 mL over the last 4
the fundus. hours.
Correct: C - A gush of blood when the nurse palpates the fundus.
Page 4
ANSWERS (Q&A) | GALEN COLLEGE |
2026 UPDATED | 100% CORRECT
130 Questions with Answers and Detailed Rationales
100 PERCENT GUARANTEED PASS
INSTANT DOWNLOAD ANSWERS INCLUDED
IMPORTANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT
This comprehensive examination preparation guide has been meticulously developed to help you succeed in the
NUR 254 MATERNAL NURSING EXAM AND ANSWERS (Q&A) | GALEN COLLEGE | 2026 UPDATED | 100%
CORRECT. It contains 130 carefully selected questions that reflect the most current exam content and testing
strategies. Each question is accompanied by a correct answer and a detailed rationale that explains the
underlying pathophysiology, pharmacology, or clinical reasoning.
Self-Assessment – Test your knowledge and Exam Preparation – Familiarize yourself with the
identify areas requiring further question format and content
study areas
Concept Reinforcement – Deepen your Confidence Building – Develop test-taking
understanding through strategies and reduce
evidence-based exam anxiety
rationales
Time Management – Practice answering
questions under simulated
exam conditions
Review Summary 130 Questions
Foundations - Application - NUR 254 Maternal Nursing AND Q&a Galen College 2026 Updated 100
Correct Maternal-newborn Nursing Undergraduate YEAR 3 Baccalaureate Nursing
All answers with rationales
,Table of Contents
Content Area Questions Key Topics
Management OF CARE 1-22 Weeks, Gestation, Finding, Intervention, Cesarean
Safety AND Infection Control 23-44 Weeks, Gestation, Finding, Fetal, Labor
Health Promotion AND 45-66 Weeks, Finding, Fetal, Gestation, Immediate
Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity 67-88 Finding, Fetal, Weeks Gestation, Labor, Appropriate
Basic CARE AND Comfort 89-110 Weeks Gestation, Finding, Fetal, Immediate, Intervention
Pharmacological Therapies 111-130 Weeks Gestation, Finding, Appropriate, Heart RATE, Fetal
TOTAL 130 All questions include answers and detailed rationales
,Section A - Management OF CARE
Q1.
A pregnant client at 32 weeks gestation with preeclampsia without severe features is
prescribed oral labetalol. Which pharmacodynamic principle is most critical for the nurse
to consider when administering this medication?
A. Labetalol crosses the placenta minimally, B. Labetalol's beta-blockade may mask
requiring fetal monitoring only if maternal tachycardia, but its alpha-blockade also
hypotension occurs. causes reflex vasodilation, necessitating
orthostatic blood pressure monitoring.
C. Labetalol is a pregnancy category C D. Labetalol's onset of action is rapid, but its
drug, and its use is contraindicated in the half-life is prolonged in pregnancy due to
third trimester due to risk of fetal increased hepatic blood flow.
bradycardia.
Correct: B - Labetalol's beta-blockade may mask tachycardia, but its alpha-blockade also
causes reflex vasodilation, necessitating orthostatic blood pressure monitoring.
Rationale:Labetalol has both alpha- and beta-blocking effects. The beta-blockade can mask
compensatory tachycardia, while the alpha-blockade causes vasodilation, leading to
orthostatic hypotension. This dual action requires specific nursing assessments. Options A,
C, and D are incorrect because labetalol does cross the placenta, is not contraindicated in the
third trimester (it is often used for preeclampsia), and its half-life is not prolonged; pregnancy
may actually alter metabolism but not as described.
Q2.
A nurse is interpreting a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing that shows a baseline of 140 bpm,
moderate variability, and recurrent late decelerations. Based on the NICHD category
system, what is the most appropriate initial nursing action?
A. Administer oxygen via facemask at 10 B. Reposition the client to a lateral position
L/min and increase IV fluid rate. and discontinue oxytocin if infusing.
C. Prepare for immediate cesarean birth due D. Document the tracing as category II and
to category III tracing. continue to monitor for 30 minutes.
Correct: B - Reposition the client to a lateral position and discontinue oxytocin if infusing.
Page 3
, Section A - Management OF CARE
Rationale: Recurrent late decelerations with moderate variability indicate a category II tracing,
suggesting possible uteroplacental insufficiency. The first-line interventions are to improve
placental perfusion: reposition (lateral), increase IV fluids, and reduce uterine contractions
(discontinue oxytocin). Oxygen is also indicated, but repositioning and stopping oxytocin are
priority. Category III tracings require immediate intervention, but this tracing is category II.
Continued monitoring without intervention is not appropriate because late decelerations are
non-reassuring.
Q3.
A nurse is providing care to a client who has just delivered a stillborn infant at 39 weeks
gestation. The client asks to hold the infant. Which response best demonstrates culturally
sensitive and ethical nursing practice?
A. Gently discourage holding the infant to B. Ask the client about their cultural and
prevent emotional attachment that may personal preferences regarding holding and
complicate grieving. rituals, then support their choice.
C. Immediately provide the infant wrapped D. Explain that holding is only allowed if the
in a blanket, as this is universally infant is not macerated, to reduce risk of
recommended for bereavement. infection.
Correct: B - Ask the client about their cultural and personal preferences regarding holding
and rituals, then support their choice.
Rationale:Bereavement care must be individualized and culturally sensitive. Asking about
preferences respects autonomy and cultural practices. Discouraging holding or assuming
universal practices is inappropriate. There is no medical contraindication to holding a stillborn
infant, regardless of condition, if the family desires.
Q4.
A postpartum client at 6 hours after vaginal delivery has a fundus that is firm, midline, and
at the level of the umbilicus. She is passing lochia rubra with small clots. Which
assessment finding would warrant immediate intervention?
A. Perineal pain rated 4/10 with ice pack B. Temperature of 37.8°C (100.0°F) and
application. heart rate 90 bpm.
C. A gush of blood when the nurse palpates D. Urinary output of 150 mL over the last 4
the fundus. hours.
Correct: C - A gush of blood when the nurse palpates the fundus.
Page 4
