NU 170
Maternal-Child Nursing Comprehensive Exam Prep
Comprehensive Study Guide
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NU 170
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NU 170 Maternal-Child Nursing Comprehensive Exam Prep 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A nurse is assessing a client at 34 weeks gestation who reports a sudden onset of severe
abdominal pain and dark red vaginal bleeding. The client’s abdomen is rigid and board-like.
Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placenta previa
B. Cervical insufficiency
C. Uterine rupture
D. Abruptio placentae
Answer: D
Rationale: Abruptio placentae is characterized by painful vaginal bleeding and a rigid,
board-like abdomen. Placenta previa is typically associated with painless, bright red
bleeding.
2. A patient in active labor has a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing showing late decelerations.
Which is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Increase the IV oxytocin infusion rate
B. Administer oxygen via non-rebreather face mask at 8-10 L/min
C. Assist the client to a supine position
D. Perform a sterile vaginal exam to check for cord prolapse
, Answer: B
Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Priority interventions
include turning the client to a side-lying position, administering oxygen, and discontinuing
oxytocin.
3. A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot. The child
suddenly becomes cyanotic and dyspneic. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer morphine sulfate intravenously
B. Place the child in a knee-chest position
C. Prepare for immediate intubation
D. Apply high-flow oxygen via nasal cannula
Answer: B
Rationale: During a hypercyanotic spell (TET spell), the knee-chest position increases
systemic vascular resistance, improving pulmonary blood flow and oxygenation.
4. A client at 32 weeks gestation is receiving magnesium sulfate for pre-eclampsia. Which
finding is the most critical to report to the provider?
A. Urine output of 40 mL/hr
B. Deep tendon reflexes of +2
C. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
D. Client report of feeling warm and flushed
Maternal-Child Nursing Comprehensive Exam Prep
Comprehensive Study Guide
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NU 170
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NU 170 Maternal-Child Nursing Comprehensive Exam Prep 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A nurse is assessing a client at 34 weeks gestation who reports a sudden onset of severe
abdominal pain and dark red vaginal bleeding. The client’s abdomen is rigid and board-like.
Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placenta previa
B. Cervical insufficiency
C. Uterine rupture
D. Abruptio placentae
Answer: D
Rationale: Abruptio placentae is characterized by painful vaginal bleeding and a rigid,
board-like abdomen. Placenta previa is typically associated with painless, bright red
bleeding.
2. A patient in active labor has a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing showing late decelerations.
Which is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Increase the IV oxytocin infusion rate
B. Administer oxygen via non-rebreather face mask at 8-10 L/min
C. Assist the client to a supine position
D. Perform a sterile vaginal exam to check for cord prolapse
, Answer: B
Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Priority interventions
include turning the client to a side-lying position, administering oxygen, and discontinuing
oxytocin.
3. A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot. The child
suddenly becomes cyanotic and dyspneic. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer morphine sulfate intravenously
B. Place the child in a knee-chest position
C. Prepare for immediate intubation
D. Apply high-flow oxygen via nasal cannula
Answer: B
Rationale: During a hypercyanotic spell (TET spell), the knee-chest position increases
systemic vascular resistance, improving pulmonary blood flow and oxygenation.
4. A client at 32 weeks gestation is receiving magnesium sulfate for pre-eclampsia. Which
finding is the most critical to report to the provider?
A. Urine output of 40 mL/hr
B. Deep tendon reflexes of +2
C. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
D. Client report of feeling warm and flushed
