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NU 170 EXAM 3 | MATERNAL-CHILD NURSING STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST EDITION
NU 170 Exam 3 | Maternal-Child Nursing Study Guide
SECTION 1: ANTEPARTUM NURSING CARE (25 Questions)
1. A nurse is caring for a client at 10 weeks gestation who reports nausea and
vomiting every morning. Which intervention is most appropriate for this client?
A) Administer IV fluids immediately
B) Recommend the client stop eating solid foods
C) Encourage the client to avoid prenatal vitamins entirely
D) Advise the client to eat small, frequent, bland meals and take prenatal vitamins at
bedtime
Answer: D
Rationale: Morning sickness is common in the first trimester. Small, frequent bland
meals help reduce nausea. Taking prenatal vitamins at bedtime reduces gastric irritation.
IV fluids are reserved for hyperemesis gravidarum.
2. A primigravida at 12 weeks gestation asks when she will first feel fetal
movement. What is the nurse's best response?
A) "You should feel movement by 8 weeks."
B) "Fetal movement begins at 20 weeks for all women."
C) "You will feel movement only after 30 weeks."
D) "Most first-time mothers feel fetal movement between 18 and 20 weeks gestation."
Answer: D
Rationale: Quickening (first fetal movement felt by the mother) typically occurs
between 16-20 weeks in multigravidas and 18-20 weeks in primigravidas.
3. Which finding during a first prenatal visit requires immediate follow-up by the
nurse?
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A) Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
B) Mild ankle edema
C) Blood pressure of 158/96 mmHg
D) Weight gain of 2 pounds in the first trimester
Answer: C
Rationale: A BP of 158/96 meets the criteria for severe-range hypertension in
pregnancy and warrants immediate evaluation for preeclampsia. Normal BP in
pregnancy should be below 140/90 mmHg.
4. A nurse is calculating the estimated date of delivery for a client whose last
menstrual period began on April 1. Using Naegele's rule, what is the estimated
date of delivery?
A) January 8
B) January 1
C) December 25
D) February 8
Answer: A
Rationale: Naegele's rule: subtract 3 months from the first day of the last menstrual
period and add 7 days and 1 year. April 1 minus 3 months = January 1; January 1 plus 7
days = January 8.
5. A pregnant client at 32 weeks gestation reports occasional mild contractions.
Which finding should the nurse identify as a sign of preterm labor?
A) Contractions that stop with hydration and rest
B) Regular contractions every 10 minutes with cervical change
C) Occasional mild cramping relieved by position change
D) Braxton Hicks contractions that are irregular
Answer: B
Rationale: Regular contractions with cervical change before 37 weeks gestation indicate
preterm labor and require immediate intervention. Braxton Hicks contractions are
irregular and do not cause cervical change.
6. A nurse is providing education to a client at 10 weeks of gestation. Which
supplement should the nurse emphasize to help prevent neural tube defects?
A) Iron
B) Calcium
C) Folic acid
D) Vitamin D
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Answer: C
Rationale: Folic acid (600 mcg daily) is essential for preventing neural tube defects such
as spina bifida and anencephaly. Supplementation should begin before conception and
continue through the first trimester.
7. A pregnant client asks the nurse when she should come for prenatal care. What
is the nurse's best response?
A) "You should come only when you have a problem."
B) "You should come at least three times, once in each trimester."
C) "You should come only once before delivery."
D) "You should come whenever you feel like it."
Answer: B
Rationale: Antenatal care should include at least three visits, once in each trimester, and
more frequently if problems arise. Regular prenatal care is essential for monitoring
maternal and fetal well-being.
8. Which type of examination should be undertaken at every antenatal care visit?
A) Vaginal examination
B) Breast examination
C) Height measurement
D) Blood pressure measurement
Answer: D
Rationale: Blood pressure should be checked at every ANC visit to monitor for
hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia. Vaginal examinations are
not routinely performed at every visit.
9. A nurse is performing Leopold maneuvers on a client at 38 weeks gestation. The
nurse palpates a firm, round, movable mass in the fundal area. What does this
finding indicate?
A) Breech presentation
B) Cephalic presentation
C) Transverse lie
D) Oblique lie
Answer: B
Rationale: A firm, round, movable mass in the fundal area indicates the fetal head,
which is consistent with cephalic (vertex) presentation.
10. A pregnant client at 34 weeks gestation with preeclampsia has a new
prescription for betamethasone 12 mg IM. What is the purpose of this medication?
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A) To lower maternal blood pressure
B) To promote fetal lung maturity
C) To prevent maternal seizures
D) To induce labor
Answer: B
Rationale: Betamethasone is a corticosteroid given to promote fetal lung maturity in
preterm infants at risk of respiratory distress syndrome. It is typically given between 24
and 34 weeks gestation.
11. A client at 16 weeks gestation presents with complaints of vaginal bleeding
and pelvic pressure. Ultrasound reveals a placenta previa. What is the most
important nursing instruction for this patient?
A) Avoid vaginal intercourse and pelvic exams
B) Increase activity to promote placental perfusion
C) Take iron supplements for anemia
D) Monitor fetal movements twice daily
Answer: A
Rationale: Placenta previa requires avoiding vaginal intercourse and pelvic exams to
prevent hemorrhage and premature labor. Activity restriction is recommended, not
increased activity.
12. Which finding in a pregnant client at 36 weeks gestation requires immediate
notification of the healthcare provider?
A) Fetal heart rate of 140 bpm
B) Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg
C) Visual disturbances and severe headache
D) Mild ankle edema
Answer: C
Rationale: Visual disturbances and severe headache are danger signs of preeclampsia
and require immediate evaluation. A fetal heart rate of 140 bpm and BP of 120/80 are
within normal limits.
13. A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about nutrition. Which statement by the
client indicates understanding?
A) "I should double the number of meals I eat."
B) "I should eat the same amount of food as before pregnancy."
C) "I should increase the number and amount of meals."
D) "I should avoid eating fat-containing foods."
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NU 170 EXAM 3 | MATERNAL-CHILD NURSING STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST EDITION
NU 170 Exam 3 | Maternal-Child Nursing Study Guide
SECTION 1: ANTEPARTUM NURSING CARE (25 Questions)
1. A nurse is caring for a client at 10 weeks gestation who reports nausea and
vomiting every morning. Which intervention is most appropriate for this client?
A) Administer IV fluids immediately
B) Recommend the client stop eating solid foods
C) Encourage the client to avoid prenatal vitamins entirely
D) Advise the client to eat small, frequent, bland meals and take prenatal vitamins at
bedtime
Answer: D
Rationale: Morning sickness is common in the first trimester. Small, frequent bland
meals help reduce nausea. Taking prenatal vitamins at bedtime reduces gastric irritation.
IV fluids are reserved for hyperemesis gravidarum.
2. A primigravida at 12 weeks gestation asks when she will first feel fetal
movement. What is the nurse's best response?
A) "You should feel movement by 8 weeks."
B) "Fetal movement begins at 20 weeks for all women."
C) "You will feel movement only after 30 weeks."
D) "Most first-time mothers feel fetal movement between 18 and 20 weeks gestation."
Answer: D
Rationale: Quickening (first fetal movement felt by the mother) typically occurs
between 16-20 weeks in multigravidas and 18-20 weeks in primigravidas.
3. Which finding during a first prenatal visit requires immediate follow-up by the
nurse?
1|Page
,Page 2 of 69
A) Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
B) Mild ankle edema
C) Blood pressure of 158/96 mmHg
D) Weight gain of 2 pounds in the first trimester
Answer: C
Rationale: A BP of 158/96 meets the criteria for severe-range hypertension in
pregnancy and warrants immediate evaluation for preeclampsia. Normal BP in
pregnancy should be below 140/90 mmHg.
4. A nurse is calculating the estimated date of delivery for a client whose last
menstrual period began on April 1. Using Naegele's rule, what is the estimated
date of delivery?
A) January 8
B) January 1
C) December 25
D) February 8
Answer: A
Rationale: Naegele's rule: subtract 3 months from the first day of the last menstrual
period and add 7 days and 1 year. April 1 minus 3 months = January 1; January 1 plus 7
days = January 8.
5. A pregnant client at 32 weeks gestation reports occasional mild contractions.
Which finding should the nurse identify as a sign of preterm labor?
A) Contractions that stop with hydration and rest
B) Regular contractions every 10 minutes with cervical change
C) Occasional mild cramping relieved by position change
D) Braxton Hicks contractions that are irregular
Answer: B
Rationale: Regular contractions with cervical change before 37 weeks gestation indicate
preterm labor and require immediate intervention. Braxton Hicks contractions are
irregular and do not cause cervical change.
6. A nurse is providing education to a client at 10 weeks of gestation. Which
supplement should the nurse emphasize to help prevent neural tube defects?
A) Iron
B) Calcium
C) Folic acid
D) Vitamin D
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,Page 3 of 69
Answer: C
Rationale: Folic acid (600 mcg daily) is essential for preventing neural tube defects such
as spina bifida and anencephaly. Supplementation should begin before conception and
continue through the first trimester.
7. A pregnant client asks the nurse when she should come for prenatal care. What
is the nurse's best response?
A) "You should come only when you have a problem."
B) "You should come at least three times, once in each trimester."
C) "You should come only once before delivery."
D) "You should come whenever you feel like it."
Answer: B
Rationale: Antenatal care should include at least three visits, once in each trimester, and
more frequently if problems arise. Regular prenatal care is essential for monitoring
maternal and fetal well-being.
8. Which type of examination should be undertaken at every antenatal care visit?
A) Vaginal examination
B) Breast examination
C) Height measurement
D) Blood pressure measurement
Answer: D
Rationale: Blood pressure should be checked at every ANC visit to monitor for
hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia. Vaginal examinations are
not routinely performed at every visit.
9. A nurse is performing Leopold maneuvers on a client at 38 weeks gestation. The
nurse palpates a firm, round, movable mass in the fundal area. What does this
finding indicate?
A) Breech presentation
B) Cephalic presentation
C) Transverse lie
D) Oblique lie
Answer: B
Rationale: A firm, round, movable mass in the fundal area indicates the fetal head,
which is consistent with cephalic (vertex) presentation.
10. A pregnant client at 34 weeks gestation with preeclampsia has a new
prescription for betamethasone 12 mg IM. What is the purpose of this medication?
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, Page 4 of 69
A) To lower maternal blood pressure
B) To promote fetal lung maturity
C) To prevent maternal seizures
D) To induce labor
Answer: B
Rationale: Betamethasone is a corticosteroid given to promote fetal lung maturity in
preterm infants at risk of respiratory distress syndrome. It is typically given between 24
and 34 weeks gestation.
11. A client at 16 weeks gestation presents with complaints of vaginal bleeding
and pelvic pressure. Ultrasound reveals a placenta previa. What is the most
important nursing instruction for this patient?
A) Avoid vaginal intercourse and pelvic exams
B) Increase activity to promote placental perfusion
C) Take iron supplements for anemia
D) Monitor fetal movements twice daily
Answer: A
Rationale: Placenta previa requires avoiding vaginal intercourse and pelvic exams to
prevent hemorrhage and premature labor. Activity restriction is recommended, not
increased activity.
12. Which finding in a pregnant client at 36 weeks gestation requires immediate
notification of the healthcare provider?
A) Fetal heart rate of 140 bpm
B) Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg
C) Visual disturbances and severe headache
D) Mild ankle edema
Answer: C
Rationale: Visual disturbances and severe headache are danger signs of preeclampsia
and require immediate evaluation. A fetal heart rate of 140 bpm and BP of 120/80 are
within normal limits.
13. A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about nutrition. Which statement by the
client indicates understanding?
A) "I should double the number of meals I eat."
B) "I should eat the same amount of food as before pregnancy."
C) "I should increase the number and amount of meals."
D) "I should avoid eating fat-containing foods."
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