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NSG 3500/ NSG3500 Exam 3: Nursing
Practice - Maternal Health 2026
Update | Galen College Verified Q&A
Grade A Study Guide
Exam Structure:
Subject: Maternal/Postpartum Nursing
Source: NSG3500 EXAM 3 -maternal-health
Format: Multiple-choice and short-Answer exam preparation questions
1. When does postpartum end?
Answer: 6 weeks
Rationale:
1. The postpartum period, also known as the puerperium, is clinically
defined as the six-week period following childbirth.
2. During this time, the mother's body undergoes significant
physiological and psychological changes as it returns to a non-
pregnant state.
3. This timeframe is used to guide clinical assessments, patient
education, and follow-up care.
2. Early maternal assessment includes?
Answer: Vital signs (every 15 mins for first 2 hours). 100.4 is a normal
temperature after delivery, anything over that is a red flag for infection.
Fundal assessment (massaging it to make sure it is contracted). Lochia
Assessment. Perineum assessment (REEDA).
Rationale:
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1. Frequent vital sign monitoring in the immediate postpartum period is
critical for early detection of complications such as hemorrhage or
infection.
2. A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) can be normal due to dehydration or
the labor process, but a higher temperature suggests infection.
3. Fundal assessment ensures uterine contraction to prevent atony and
hemorrhage.
4. Lochia assessment monitors for normal postpartum bleeding
progression.
5. Perineal assessment using the REEDA scale (Redness, Edema,
Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation) identifies signs of infection
or poor healing.
3. What is involution of the uterus?
Answer: Contraction after birth to prevent bleeding.
Rationale:
1. Involution is the process by which the uterus returns to its pre-
pregnancy size and location.
2. This occurs through sustained contractions, which also constrict
blood vessels at the placental site to minimize postpartum blood loss.
3. Failure of involution (subinvolution) can lead to postpartum
hemorrhage.
4. What are the types of Lochia?
Answer: rubra (dark bleeding), serosa (light pink), alba (creamy, white).
Rationale:
1. Lochia rubra occurs for the first 3-4 days postpartum and consists
mainly of blood and decidual tissue.
2. Lochia serosa follows, lasting about a week, and is pinkish-brown as
bleeding decreases and serous fluid increases.
3. Lochia alba is the final stage, lasting 2-6 weeks, and is yellowish-
white due to leukocytes and reduced fluid content.
4. Understanding this progression helps in assessing for normal healing
versus complications like infection or retained products.
NSG 3500/ NSG3500 Exam 3: Nursing
Practice - Maternal Health 2026
Update | Galen College Verified Q&A
Grade A Study Guide
Exam Structure:
Subject: Maternal/Postpartum Nursing
Source: NSG3500 EXAM 3 -maternal-health
Format: Multiple-choice and short-Answer exam preparation questions
1. When does postpartum end?
Answer: 6 weeks
Rationale:
1. The postpartum period, also known as the puerperium, is clinically
defined as the six-week period following childbirth.
2. During this time, the mother's body undergoes significant
physiological and psychological changes as it returns to a non-
pregnant state.
3. This timeframe is used to guide clinical assessments, patient
education, and follow-up care.
2. Early maternal assessment includes?
Answer: Vital signs (every 15 mins for first 2 hours). 100.4 is a normal
temperature after delivery, anything over that is a red flag for infection.
Fundal assessment (massaging it to make sure it is contracted). Lochia
Assessment. Perineum assessment (REEDA).
Rationale:
, 2|Page
1. Frequent vital sign monitoring in the immediate postpartum period is
critical for early detection of complications such as hemorrhage or
infection.
2. A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) can be normal due to dehydration or
the labor process, but a higher temperature suggests infection.
3. Fundal assessment ensures uterine contraction to prevent atony and
hemorrhage.
4. Lochia assessment monitors for normal postpartum bleeding
progression.
5. Perineal assessment using the REEDA scale (Redness, Edema,
Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation) identifies signs of infection
or poor healing.
3. What is involution of the uterus?
Answer: Contraction after birth to prevent bleeding.
Rationale:
1. Involution is the process by which the uterus returns to its pre-
pregnancy size and location.
2. This occurs through sustained contractions, which also constrict
blood vessels at the placental site to minimize postpartum blood loss.
3. Failure of involution (subinvolution) can lead to postpartum
hemorrhage.
4. What are the types of Lochia?
Answer: rubra (dark bleeding), serosa (light pink), alba (creamy, white).
Rationale:
1. Lochia rubra occurs for the first 3-4 days postpartum and consists
mainly of blood and decidual tissue.
2. Lochia serosa follows, lasting about a week, and is pinkish-brown as
bleeding decreases and serous fluid increases.
3. Lochia alba is the final stage, lasting 2-6 weeks, and is yellowish-
white due to leukocytes and reduced fluid content.
4. Understanding this progression helps in assessing for normal healing
versus complications like infection or retained products.
