,NR 327 Maternal-Child Nursing Exam 2 Prep
Comprehensive Maternal-Child Review +
Practice MCQs chamberlain collage of nursing
2026/2027
1. A nurse is monitoring a client in labor and notices variable decelerations on the fetal heart
rate monitor. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Change the client's position
B. Administer oxygen via face mask
C. Increase the rate of IV fluids
D. Prepare for immediate cesarean section
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Variable decelerations are typically caused by umbilical cord compression. The first
action is to change the maternal position to relieve pressure on the cord.
2. A nurse is calculating the APGAR score for a newborn at 1 minute of life. The newborn has a
heart rate of 110, a weak cry, some flexion of the extremities, a pink body with blue extremities,
and a grimace. What is the APGAR score?
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: APGAR scoring: Heart rate >100 = 2; Respiratory effort (weak cry) = 1; Muscle tone
(some flexion) = 1; Reflex irritability (grimace) = 1; Color (pink body with blue
extremities/acrocyanosis) = 1. Total = 2+1+1+1+1 = 6.
3. Which of the following findings is characteristic of abruptio placentae?
A. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
B. Board-like, tender abdomen
C. Soft, non-tender abdomen
D. Increased fetal movement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Abruptio placentae involves the premature separation of the placenta and is
characterized by painful vaginal bleeding, uterine tenderness, and a rigid, board-like abdomen.
4. A client at 32 weeks' gestation is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which finding
should the nurse report immediately?
A. Absent deep tendon reflexes
B. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
C. Urinary output of 40 mL per hour
D. Occasional fetal movement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Absent deep tendon reflexes are a sign of magnesium toxicity, which can lead to
respiratory and cardiac arrest. The nurse should hold the magnesium sulfate infusion and notify
the provider immediately.
, 5. What is the primary purpose of administering betamethasone to a client in preterm labor?
A. To stop uterine contractions
B. To promote fetal lung maturity
C. To prevent maternal infection
D. To increase maternal blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Betamethasone is a corticosteroid given to stimulate the production of surfactant in
preterm fetuses to reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome.
6. Which medication is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity?
A. Naloxone
B. Terbutaline
C. Calcium gluconate
D. Oxytocin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Calcium gluconate is the specific antagonist used to reverse the effects of magnesium
toxicity. It should be kept at the bedside for clients receiving magnesium sulfate.
7. A 28-year-old G2P1 at 38 weeks' gestation presents with sudden onset of bright red vaginal
bleeding, no pain, and a fundus that is nontender. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Perform a vaginal examination to determine cervical dilation
B. Place the patient in a supine position with a wedge under the right hip
Comprehensive Maternal-Child Review +
Practice MCQs chamberlain collage of nursing
2026/2027
1. A nurse is monitoring a client in labor and notices variable decelerations on the fetal heart
rate monitor. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Change the client's position
B. Administer oxygen via face mask
C. Increase the rate of IV fluids
D. Prepare for immediate cesarean section
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Variable decelerations are typically caused by umbilical cord compression. The first
action is to change the maternal position to relieve pressure on the cord.
2. A nurse is calculating the APGAR score for a newborn at 1 minute of life. The newborn has a
heart rate of 110, a weak cry, some flexion of the extremities, a pink body with blue extremities,
and a grimace. What is the APGAR score?
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: APGAR scoring: Heart rate >100 = 2; Respiratory effort (weak cry) = 1; Muscle tone
(some flexion) = 1; Reflex irritability (grimace) = 1; Color (pink body with blue
extremities/acrocyanosis) = 1. Total = 2+1+1+1+1 = 6.
3. Which of the following findings is characteristic of abruptio placentae?
A. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
B. Board-like, tender abdomen
C. Soft, non-tender abdomen
D. Increased fetal movement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Abruptio placentae involves the premature separation of the placenta and is
characterized by painful vaginal bleeding, uterine tenderness, and a rigid, board-like abdomen.
4. A client at 32 weeks' gestation is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which finding
should the nurse report immediately?
A. Absent deep tendon reflexes
B. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
C. Urinary output of 40 mL per hour
D. Occasional fetal movement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Absent deep tendon reflexes are a sign of magnesium toxicity, which can lead to
respiratory and cardiac arrest. The nurse should hold the magnesium sulfate infusion and notify
the provider immediately.
, 5. What is the primary purpose of administering betamethasone to a client in preterm labor?
A. To stop uterine contractions
B. To promote fetal lung maturity
C. To prevent maternal infection
D. To increase maternal blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Betamethasone is a corticosteroid given to stimulate the production of surfactant in
preterm fetuses to reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome.
6. Which medication is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity?
A. Naloxone
B. Terbutaline
C. Calcium gluconate
D. Oxytocin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Calcium gluconate is the specific antagonist used to reverse the effects of magnesium
toxicity. It should be kept at the bedside for clients receiving magnesium sulfate.
7. A 28-year-old G2P1 at 38 weeks' gestation presents with sudden onset of bright red vaginal
bleeding, no pain, and a fundus that is nontender. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Perform a vaginal examination to determine cervical dilation
B. Place the patient in a supine position with a wedge under the right hip
