NU 518 Exam 3 (Actual Exam 2025) | Complete Questions and Correct
Answers | Graded A+ | Latest Version | Verified Answers | Brand New Version!
Question 1
You are examining for fetal heart tones with a fetoscope and are unable to hear any. Using a
Doptone, you measure the rate as 164 bpm. Which gestational age is most likely?
A) 8 weeks
B) 14 weeks
C) 20 weeks
D) 26 weeks
E) 30 weeks
Correct Answer: B) 14 weeks
Rationale: Fetal heart tones are typically audible with a Doptone by 10-12 weeks gestation,
but often not with a fetoscope until later in pregnancy (around 18-20 weeks). Therefore,
being unable to hear with a fetoscope but able to with a Doptone suggests an earlier
gestation.
Question 2
A woman in her 30th week of pregnancy has a cervical length estimated at 1 cm. Should you be
concerned?
A) Yes; she may be at risk for preterm labor.
B) Yes; she most likely has a bicornuate uterus.
C) No; this is a normal measurement for this gestational age.
D) Yes; it likely indicates the fetus is in the breech position.
E) No; this indicates a favorable cervical ripening for term delivery.
Correct Answer: A) Yes; she may be at risk for preterm labor.
Rationale: A cervical length of 1 cm at 30 weeks gestation is significantly shortened and
indicates a high risk for preterm labor.
Question 3
A woman has a positive pregnancy test and comes to you with left lower quadrant pain. On
bimanual examination, you feel a tender mass. Which of the following should you suspect?
A) Threatened abortion
B) Appendicitis
C) Ovarian cyst
D) Urinary tract infection
E) Tubal pregnancy
Correct Answer: E) Tubal pregnancy
Rationale: Left lower quadrant pain, a positive pregnancy test, and a tender mass on
bimanual examination are classic signs of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, which is a medical
emergency.
Question 4
Which of these statements best describes the action of the hormone progesterone during
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pregnancy?
A) Progesterone produces the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin.
B) Duct formation in the breast is stimulated by progesterone.
C) Progesterone promotes sloughing of the endometrial wall.
D) Progesterone initiates labor contractions.
E) Progesterone maintains the endometrium around the fetus.
Correct Answer: E) Progesterone maintains the endometrium around the fetus.
Rationale: Progesterone is crucial for maintaining the uterine lining (endometrium) to
support the implanted embryo and prevent contractions, thus sustaining the pregnancy.
Question 5
A female patient has nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and amenorrhea. Her last menstrual
period was 6 weeks ago. The nurse interprets that this patient is experiencing which type of signs
of pregnancy?
A) Positive
B) Possible
C) Probable
D) Definitive
E) Presumptive
Correct Answer: E) Presumptive
Rationale: Presumptive signs of pregnancy are subjective changes reported by the woman,
such as nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue, which could be caused by other conditions
but often indicate pregnancy.
Question 6
A woman who is 8 weeks pregnant is visiting the clinic for a checkup. Her systolic blood
pressure is 30 mm Hg higher than her prepregnancy systolic blood pressure. The nurse should:
A) Consider this a normal finding.
B) Expect the blood pressure to decrease as the estrogen levels increase throughout the
pregnancy.
C) Recommend that she decrease her salt intake in an attempt to decrease her peripheral vascular
resistance.
D) Advise her to increase her fluid intake.
E) Consider this an abnormal finding because blood pressure is typically lower at this point
in the pregnancy.
Correct Answer: E) Consider this an abnormal finding because blood pressure is typically
lower at this point in the pregnancy.
Rationale: Blood pressure typically decreases slightly during the first and early second
trimesters due to peripheral vasodilation. A significant increase (30 mmHg systolic) at 8
weeks is abnormal and requires further evaluation.
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Question 7
A patient is being seen at the clinic for her 10-week prenatal visit. She asks when she will be able
to hear the baby's heartbeat. The nurse should reply:
A) The baby's heartbeat is not usually heard until the second trimester.
B) It is often difficult to hear the heartbeat at this point, but we can try.
C) It is normal to hear the heartbeat at 6 weeks. We may be able to hear it today.
D) The heartbeat is usually heard after fetal movement is felt.
E) The baby's heartbeat may be heard anywhere from the ninth to the twelfth week with a
Doppler.
Correct Answer: E) The baby's heartbeat may be heard anywhere from the ninth to the
twelfth week with a Doppler.
Rationale: Fetal heart tones are typically detectable with a Doppler ultrasound device
between 10 and 12 weeks gestation.
Question 8
A patient who is in her first trimester of pregnancy tells the nurse that she is experiencing
significant nausea and vomiting and asks when it will improve. The nurse should reply:
A) Did your mother have significant nausea and vomiting?
B) Many women experience nausea and vomiting until the third trimester.
C) At approximately the time you begin to feel the baby move, the nausea and vomiting will
subside.
D) Nausea and vomiting usually persist throughout the entire pregnancy.
E) Usually, by the beginning of the second trimester, the nausea and vomiting improve.
Correct Answer: E) Usually, by the beginning of the second trimester, the nausea and
vomiting improve.
Rationale: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy ("morning sickness") commonly begin
around 6 weeks and typically subside by the end of the first trimester or early second
trimester (around 12-14 weeks).
Question 9
During the examination of a woman in her second trimester of pregnancy, the nurse notices the
presence of a small amount of yellow drainage from the nipples. The nurse knows that this is:
A) An indication that the woman's milk is coming in (too early for mature milk).
B) A sign of possible breast cancer in a pregnant woman (unlikely isolated sign).
C) Too early in the pregnancy for lactation to begin and refers the woman to a specialist.
D) An abnormal finding that requires immediate medical intervention.
E) Most likely colostrum and considered a normal finding at this stage of the pregnancy.
Correct Answer: E) Most likely colostrum and considered a normal finding at this stage of
the pregnancy.
Rationale: Colostrum, the precursor to breast milk, can begin to be produced and leak from
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the nipples as early as the second trimester, which is a normal physiological change during
pregnancy.
Question 10
A woman in her second trimester of pregnancy complains of heartburn and indigestion. When
discussing this with the woman, the nurse considers which explanation for these problems?
A) Tone and motility of the gastrointestinal tract increase during the second trimester.
B) Sluggish emptying of the gallbladder, resulting from the effects of progesterone, often causes
heartburn.
C) Lower blood pressure at this time decreases blood flow to the stomach and gastrointestinal
tract.
D) Increased stomach acid production during pregnancy.
E) Enlarging uterus and altered esophageal sphincter tone predispose the woman to have
heartburn.
Correct Answer: E) Enlarging uterus and altered esophageal sphincter tone predispose the
woman to have heartburn.
Rationale: The growing uterus exerts upward pressure on the stomach, and hormonal
changes (progesterone) relax the lower esophageal sphincter, both contributing to
heartburn and indigestion.
Question 11
A patient who is 20 weeks pregnant tells the nurse that she feels more shortness of breath as her
pregnancy progresses. The nurse recognizes which statement to be true?
A) High levels of estrogen cause shortness of breath.
B) Feelings of shortness of breath are abnormal during pregnancy.
C) The patient should get more exercise in an attempt to increase her respiratory reserve.
D) The patient may have developed asthma during pregnancy.
E) Hormones of pregnancy cause an increased respiratory effort.
Correct Answer: E) Hormones of pregnancy cause an increased respiratory effort.
Rationale: Progesterone acts as a respiratory stimulant, increasing tidal volume and
sensitivity to CO2, which results in increased respiratory effort and can lead to a sensation
of shortness of breath, a normal physiological change.
Question 12
The nurse auscultates a functional systolic murmur, grade II/IV, on a woman in week 30 of her
pregnancy. The remainder of her physical assessment is within normal limits. The nurse would:
A) Consider this finding abnormal, and refer her for additional consultation.
B) Ask the woman to run briefly in place and then assess for an increase in intensity of the
murmur.
C) Ask the woman to restrict her activities and return to the clinic in 1 week for re-evaluation.
D) Prepare for immediate cardiac workup.
E) Know that this finding is normal and is a result of the increase in blood volume during
Answers | Graded A+ | Latest Version | Verified Answers | Brand New Version!
Question 1
You are examining for fetal heart tones with a fetoscope and are unable to hear any. Using a
Doptone, you measure the rate as 164 bpm. Which gestational age is most likely?
A) 8 weeks
B) 14 weeks
C) 20 weeks
D) 26 weeks
E) 30 weeks
Correct Answer: B) 14 weeks
Rationale: Fetal heart tones are typically audible with a Doptone by 10-12 weeks gestation,
but often not with a fetoscope until later in pregnancy (around 18-20 weeks). Therefore,
being unable to hear with a fetoscope but able to with a Doptone suggests an earlier
gestation.
Question 2
A woman in her 30th week of pregnancy has a cervical length estimated at 1 cm. Should you be
concerned?
A) Yes; she may be at risk for preterm labor.
B) Yes; she most likely has a bicornuate uterus.
C) No; this is a normal measurement for this gestational age.
D) Yes; it likely indicates the fetus is in the breech position.
E) No; this indicates a favorable cervical ripening for term delivery.
Correct Answer: A) Yes; she may be at risk for preterm labor.
Rationale: A cervical length of 1 cm at 30 weeks gestation is significantly shortened and
indicates a high risk for preterm labor.
Question 3
A woman has a positive pregnancy test and comes to you with left lower quadrant pain. On
bimanual examination, you feel a tender mass. Which of the following should you suspect?
A) Threatened abortion
B) Appendicitis
C) Ovarian cyst
D) Urinary tract infection
E) Tubal pregnancy
Correct Answer: E) Tubal pregnancy
Rationale: Left lower quadrant pain, a positive pregnancy test, and a tender mass on
bimanual examination are classic signs of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, which is a medical
emergency.
Question 4
Which of these statements best describes the action of the hormone progesterone during
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pregnancy?
A) Progesterone produces the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin.
B) Duct formation in the breast is stimulated by progesterone.
C) Progesterone promotes sloughing of the endometrial wall.
D) Progesterone initiates labor contractions.
E) Progesterone maintains the endometrium around the fetus.
Correct Answer: E) Progesterone maintains the endometrium around the fetus.
Rationale: Progesterone is crucial for maintaining the uterine lining (endometrium) to
support the implanted embryo and prevent contractions, thus sustaining the pregnancy.
Question 5
A female patient has nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and amenorrhea. Her last menstrual
period was 6 weeks ago. The nurse interprets that this patient is experiencing which type of signs
of pregnancy?
A) Positive
B) Possible
C) Probable
D) Definitive
E) Presumptive
Correct Answer: E) Presumptive
Rationale: Presumptive signs of pregnancy are subjective changes reported by the woman,
such as nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue, which could be caused by other conditions
but often indicate pregnancy.
Question 6
A woman who is 8 weeks pregnant is visiting the clinic for a checkup. Her systolic blood
pressure is 30 mm Hg higher than her prepregnancy systolic blood pressure. The nurse should:
A) Consider this a normal finding.
B) Expect the blood pressure to decrease as the estrogen levels increase throughout the
pregnancy.
C) Recommend that she decrease her salt intake in an attempt to decrease her peripheral vascular
resistance.
D) Advise her to increase her fluid intake.
E) Consider this an abnormal finding because blood pressure is typically lower at this point
in the pregnancy.
Correct Answer: E) Consider this an abnormal finding because blood pressure is typically
lower at this point in the pregnancy.
Rationale: Blood pressure typically decreases slightly during the first and early second
trimesters due to peripheral vasodilation. A significant increase (30 mmHg systolic) at 8
weeks is abnormal and requires further evaluation.
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Question 7
A patient is being seen at the clinic for her 10-week prenatal visit. She asks when she will be able
to hear the baby's heartbeat. The nurse should reply:
A) The baby's heartbeat is not usually heard until the second trimester.
B) It is often difficult to hear the heartbeat at this point, but we can try.
C) It is normal to hear the heartbeat at 6 weeks. We may be able to hear it today.
D) The heartbeat is usually heard after fetal movement is felt.
E) The baby's heartbeat may be heard anywhere from the ninth to the twelfth week with a
Doppler.
Correct Answer: E) The baby's heartbeat may be heard anywhere from the ninth to the
twelfth week with a Doppler.
Rationale: Fetal heart tones are typically detectable with a Doppler ultrasound device
between 10 and 12 weeks gestation.
Question 8
A patient who is in her first trimester of pregnancy tells the nurse that she is experiencing
significant nausea and vomiting and asks when it will improve. The nurse should reply:
A) Did your mother have significant nausea and vomiting?
B) Many women experience nausea and vomiting until the third trimester.
C) At approximately the time you begin to feel the baby move, the nausea and vomiting will
subside.
D) Nausea and vomiting usually persist throughout the entire pregnancy.
E) Usually, by the beginning of the second trimester, the nausea and vomiting improve.
Correct Answer: E) Usually, by the beginning of the second trimester, the nausea and
vomiting improve.
Rationale: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy ("morning sickness") commonly begin
around 6 weeks and typically subside by the end of the first trimester or early second
trimester (around 12-14 weeks).
Question 9
During the examination of a woman in her second trimester of pregnancy, the nurse notices the
presence of a small amount of yellow drainage from the nipples. The nurse knows that this is:
A) An indication that the woman's milk is coming in (too early for mature milk).
B) A sign of possible breast cancer in a pregnant woman (unlikely isolated sign).
C) Too early in the pregnancy for lactation to begin and refers the woman to a specialist.
D) An abnormal finding that requires immediate medical intervention.
E) Most likely colostrum and considered a normal finding at this stage of the pregnancy.
Correct Answer: E) Most likely colostrum and considered a normal finding at this stage of
the pregnancy.
Rationale: Colostrum, the precursor to breast milk, can begin to be produced and leak from
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the nipples as early as the second trimester, which is a normal physiological change during
pregnancy.
Question 10
A woman in her second trimester of pregnancy complains of heartburn and indigestion. When
discussing this with the woman, the nurse considers which explanation for these problems?
A) Tone and motility of the gastrointestinal tract increase during the second trimester.
B) Sluggish emptying of the gallbladder, resulting from the effects of progesterone, often causes
heartburn.
C) Lower blood pressure at this time decreases blood flow to the stomach and gastrointestinal
tract.
D) Increased stomach acid production during pregnancy.
E) Enlarging uterus and altered esophageal sphincter tone predispose the woman to have
heartburn.
Correct Answer: E) Enlarging uterus and altered esophageal sphincter tone predispose the
woman to have heartburn.
Rationale: The growing uterus exerts upward pressure on the stomach, and hormonal
changes (progesterone) relax the lower esophageal sphincter, both contributing to
heartburn and indigestion.
Question 11
A patient who is 20 weeks pregnant tells the nurse that she feels more shortness of breath as her
pregnancy progresses. The nurse recognizes which statement to be true?
A) High levels of estrogen cause shortness of breath.
B) Feelings of shortness of breath are abnormal during pregnancy.
C) The patient should get more exercise in an attempt to increase her respiratory reserve.
D) The patient may have developed asthma during pregnancy.
E) Hormones of pregnancy cause an increased respiratory effort.
Correct Answer: E) Hormones of pregnancy cause an increased respiratory effort.
Rationale: Progesterone acts as a respiratory stimulant, increasing tidal volume and
sensitivity to CO2, which results in increased respiratory effort and can lead to a sensation
of shortness of breath, a normal physiological change.
Question 12
The nurse auscultates a functional systolic murmur, grade II/IV, on a woman in week 30 of her
pregnancy. The remainder of her physical assessment is within normal limits. The nurse would:
A) Consider this finding abnormal, and refer her for additional consultation.
B) Ask the woman to run briefly in place and then assess for an increase in intensity of the
murmur.
C) Ask the woman to restrict her activities and return to the clinic in 1 week for re-evaluation.
D) Prepare for immediate cardiac workup.
E) Know that this finding is normal and is a result of the increase in blood volume during
