NSG 3500
Maternal Health Exam 4 Study Guide
Exam 4 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Nursing Program
NSG 3500
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NSG 3500 Maternal Health Exam 4 Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATED – Galen
1. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which
of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider as a sign of magnesium
toxicity?
A. Urinary output of 20 mL/hr
B. Deep tendon reflexes 2+
C. Respiratory rate of 14/min
D. Blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg
Answer: A
Rationale: Magnesium toxicity is indicated by a decrease in urinary output (less than 30
mL/hr), respiratory depression (less than 12/min), and loss of deep tendon reflexes.
2. A client at 32 weeks gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. Which of
the following conditions should the nurse suspect?
A. Placental abruption
B. Placenta previa
C. Preterm labor
D. Uterine rupture
, Answer: B
Rationale: Placenta previa is classically characterized by painless, bright red vaginal
bleeding in the third trimester. Placental abruption usually involves painful, dark red
bleeding.
3. The nurse is evaluating a fetal heart rate tracing and notes gradual decelerations that begin
after the peak of the contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends. What is
the priority nursing action?
A. Continue monitoring as this is a normal finding
B. Perform a vaginal exam to check for cord prolapse
C. Position the client on her left side and administer oxygen
D. Increase the IV oxytocin infusion rate
Answer: C
Rationale: These are late decelerations, indicating uteroplacental insufficiency. Priority
actions include lateral positioning, oxygen administration, and increasing IV fluids to
improve placental perfusion.
4. A client is in the second stage of labor. The nurse notes the fetal head emerging but then
retracting against the perineum (turtle sign). Which maneuver should the nurse prepare to
assist with?
A. McRoberts maneuver
B. Leopold maneuvers
Maternal Health Exam 4 Study Guide
Exam 4 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Nursing Program
NSG 3500
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NSG 3500 Maternal Health Exam 4 Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATED – Galen
1. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which
of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider as a sign of magnesium
toxicity?
A. Urinary output of 20 mL/hr
B. Deep tendon reflexes 2+
C. Respiratory rate of 14/min
D. Blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg
Answer: A
Rationale: Magnesium toxicity is indicated by a decrease in urinary output (less than 30
mL/hr), respiratory depression (less than 12/min), and loss of deep tendon reflexes.
2. A client at 32 weeks gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. Which of
the following conditions should the nurse suspect?
A. Placental abruption
B. Placenta previa
C. Preterm labor
D. Uterine rupture
, Answer: B
Rationale: Placenta previa is classically characterized by painless, bright red vaginal
bleeding in the third trimester. Placental abruption usually involves painful, dark red
bleeding.
3. The nurse is evaluating a fetal heart rate tracing and notes gradual decelerations that begin
after the peak of the contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends. What is
the priority nursing action?
A. Continue monitoring as this is a normal finding
B. Perform a vaginal exam to check for cord prolapse
C. Position the client on her left side and administer oxygen
D. Increase the IV oxytocin infusion rate
Answer: C
Rationale: These are late decelerations, indicating uteroplacental insufficiency. Priority
actions include lateral positioning, oxygen administration, and increasing IV fluids to
improve placental perfusion.
4. A client is in the second stage of labor. The nurse notes the fetal head emerging but then
retracting against the perineum (turtle sign). Which maneuver should the nurse prepare to
assist with?
A. McRoberts maneuver
B. Leopold maneuvers
