core topics you might encounter in Perry’s Maternal Child Nursing
Care in Canada, 3rd Edition by Keenan-Lindsay. Each question is
followed by the correct answer and a brief rationale to help you
understand the underlying concepts. These examples are meant to aid
your revision and should be used in conjunction with your course
materials.
Question 1: Maternal-Fetal Wellbeing
Q: Which of the following is considered a primary indicator of fetal wellbeing during pregnancy?
A. Maternal blood pressure
B. Uterine contraction frequency
C. Fetal heart rate variability
D. Maternal weight gain
Correct Answer: C. Fetal heart rate variability
Rationale:
Fetal heart rate variability is a key indicator of the autonomic nervous system’s health and reflects
adequate oxygenation and fetal wellbeing. While maternal parameters are important for overall
pregnancy assessment, fetal heart rate monitoring provides direct insight into the fetus’s condition.
Question 2: Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage
Q: What is the most effective intervention to reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage immediately
following delivery?
A. Administration of prophylactic oxytocin
B. Early ambulation after birth
C. Restricting fluid intake postpartum
D. Application of a cold compress to the abdomen
Correct Answer: A. Administration of prophylactic oxytocin
Rationale:
Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, which help compress blood vessels in the uterine wall, thereby
reducing blood loss. This is the standard prophylactic measure used immediately after childbirth to
prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
Question 3: Neonatal Assessment
, Q: What is the primary purpose of the Apgar score in the immediate assessment of a newborn?
A. To determine the newborn’s gestational age
B. To evaluate the infant’s need for resuscitation
C. To assess maternal bonding
D. To calculate the infant’s birth weight
Correct Answer: B. To evaluate the infant’s need for resuscitation
Rationale:
The Apgar score assesses a newborn’s heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex response, and
skin color. It is used at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to quickly evaluate the baby’s overall physical
condition and determine if immediate medical intervention is needed.
Question 4: Nutritional Needs in Pregnancy
Q: Which nutrient is critical for preventing neural tube defects when taken during early pregnancy?
A. Vitamin D
B. Iron
C. Calcium
D. Folic acid
Correct Answer: D. Folic acid
Rationale:
Folic acid is essential for proper neural tube development during early pregnancy. Adequate intake
before conception and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects, such
as spina bifida.
Question 5: Gestational Diabetes
Q: Which neonatal complication is most commonly associated with maternal gestational diabetes?
A. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
B. Neonatal hypoglycemia
C. Hyperbilirubinemia
D. Congenital heart defects
Correct Answer: B. Neonatal hypoglycemia
Rationale:
Infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at increased risk for neonatal hypoglycemia due to
the high levels of maternal glucose crossing the placenta and stimulating increased fetal insulin
production. After birth, the sudden discontinuation of maternal glucose can lead to low blood sugar
levels in the newborn.
Question 6: Stages of Labor