1
NU 333 – OB Exam 3: Maternal Health and
Pregnancy-Related Topics COMPLETE
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS || 100% GUARANTEED PASS
<BRAND NEW VERSION 2025>
Description:
This NU 333 OB Exam 3 study guide includes a fully verified set of questions and 100% correct
answers with detailed explanations. It covers essential maternal health topics including
antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum care, fetal monitoring, pregnancy complications, and
nursing interventions. Perfect for nursing students preparing for Exam 3 in obstetrics and
maternal-newborn nursing.
Keywords:
NU 333 OB exam 3
maternal health nursing
pregnancy-related topics
antepartum and postpartum care
fetal monitoring
verified nursing answers
pregnancy complications
nursing interventions
obstetric nursing exam
NU 333 study guide
1. What are the key physiological changes in the cardiovascular system during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, cardiac output increases by 30–50% due to increased blood volume and
heart rate. The heart may shift upward and leftward. Blood pressure slightly decreases in the
second trimester but returns to normal later. These adaptations help support the growing fetus
and placenta.
, 2
2. How does the respiratory system adapt during pregnancy?
Pregnancy causes increased oxygen demand. Tidal volume and minute ventilation increase due
to progesterone stimulation. Respiratory rate remains relatively unchanged, but mild respiratory
alkalosis may occur. Diaphragmatic elevation reduces lung capacity slightly, but oxygenation
remains adequate for both mother and fetus.
3. What is the importance of folic acid in pregnancy?
Folic acid prevents neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. It is crucial in early
embryonic development, especially during the first 4 weeks. Women should take 400–800 mcg
daily before conception and during early pregnancy to support healthy fetal neural
development.
4. Describe the role of progesterone in pregnancy.
Progesterone maintains the uterine lining, supports implantation, and inhibits uterine
contractions. It relaxes smooth muscle to prevent premature labor and reduces maternal
immune response to allow fetal tolerance. Levels rise throughout pregnancy, produced first by
the corpus luteum and later the placenta.
5. What are the warning signs of preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia symptoms include hypertension, proteinuria, headaches, blurred vision, epigastric
pain, and swelling in hands or face. It can progress to eclampsia if untreated, leading to seizures.
Prompt diagnosis and monitoring are essential to protect maternal and fetal health.
6. What nutritional considerations are important during pregnancy?
Pregnant women need increased calories (300–500/day), iron, calcium, folic acid, and protein.
Iron supports blood volume, calcium aids fetal bone development, and protein supports growth.
Avoid unpasteurized foods, high mercury fish, and limit caffeine to reduce risks to fetal
development.
7. What is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its implications?
GDM is glucose intolerance diagnosed during pregnancy. It increases risks for macrosomia,
, 3
preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery. Women with GDM require diet changes, glucose
monitoring, and sometimes insulin. It also raises the mother’s future risk of type 2 diabetes.
8. What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks are irregular, painless uterine contractions occurring from the second trimester
onward. They help prepare the uterus for labor but do not cause cervical dilation. Unlike true
labor, they are infrequent, decrease with rest or hydration, and are not progressive.
9. Explain the importance of prenatal care.
Prenatal care ensures maternal and fetal well-being through regular monitoring, education, and
early detection of complications. It includes screening tests, ultrasounds, nutritional counseling,
and emotional support. Early and consistent care improves outcomes for both mother and baby.
10. What are the stages of labor?
Labor has three stages:
1. Dilation (latent and active phase)—cervix dilates to 10 cm.
2. Expulsion—baby is delivered.
3. Placental—placenta is expelled.
Monitoring during each stage ensures maternal and fetal safety and guides clinical
decisions.
11. How is Rh incompatibility managed during pregnancy?
If an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus, she may develop antibodies. Rho(D)
immune globulin (RhoGAM) is given at 28 weeks and postpartum to prevent sensitization.
Without treatment, future pregnancies may be at risk for hemolytic disease of the newborn.
12. What are the signs of ectopic pregnancy?
Signs include abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and missed periods. Ruptured ectopic
pregnancies cause shoulder pain, hypotension, and internal bleeding. Diagnosis is via
ultrasound and hCG levels. Treatment includes methotrexate or surgery depending on rupture
status and gestational age.
, 4
13. What is the role of the placenta?
The placenta facilitates nutrient and gas exchange, removes fetal waste, and produces
hormones like hCG, progesterone, and estrogen. It acts as a barrier and filter between maternal
and fetal circulation, playing a vital role in sustaining the pregnancy.
14. What are the risks associated with teenage pregnancy?
Teenage pregnancies have higher risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and hypertensive
disorders. They often involve inadequate prenatal care, socioeconomic challenges, and higher
rates of postpartum depression, affecting both maternal and child health outcomes.
15. How is fetal well-being assessed during pregnancy?
Fetal well-being is assessed using ultrasound, non-stress tests (NST), biophysical profiles, and
fetal kick counts. These evaluate heart rate, movement, amniotic fluid levels, and growth. They
help detect hypoxia, growth restriction, or other complications early.
16. What are the signs and symptoms of a miscarriage?
Signs include vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramps, and passing of tissue. Miscarriage is common
before 20 weeks. Risk factors include chromosomal abnormalities, infections, and trauma.
Management varies from expectant to medical or surgical depending on completeness and
symptoms.
17. What are the indications for a cesarean section?
Indications include fetal distress, cephalopelvic disproportion, placenta previa, breech
presentation, multiple gestation, failed labor progression, and previous cesarean. It is a surgical
procedure requiring anesthesia, with longer recovery time and potential for future pregnancy
complications.
18. What is postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and its management?
PPH is blood loss >500 mL after vaginal birth or >1000 mL after cesarean. Causes include uterine
atony, retained placenta, and trauma. Management includes uterotonics (e.g., oxytocin),
massage, IV fluids, and sometimes surgery. Prompt intervention is life-saving.
NU 333 – OB Exam 3: Maternal Health and
Pregnancy-Related Topics COMPLETE
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS || 100% GUARANTEED PASS
<BRAND NEW VERSION 2025>
Description:
This NU 333 OB Exam 3 study guide includes a fully verified set of questions and 100% correct
answers with detailed explanations. It covers essential maternal health topics including
antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum care, fetal monitoring, pregnancy complications, and
nursing interventions. Perfect for nursing students preparing for Exam 3 in obstetrics and
maternal-newborn nursing.
Keywords:
NU 333 OB exam 3
maternal health nursing
pregnancy-related topics
antepartum and postpartum care
fetal monitoring
verified nursing answers
pregnancy complications
nursing interventions
obstetric nursing exam
NU 333 study guide
1. What are the key physiological changes in the cardiovascular system during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, cardiac output increases by 30–50% due to increased blood volume and
heart rate. The heart may shift upward and leftward. Blood pressure slightly decreases in the
second trimester but returns to normal later. These adaptations help support the growing fetus
and placenta.
, 2
2. How does the respiratory system adapt during pregnancy?
Pregnancy causes increased oxygen demand. Tidal volume and minute ventilation increase due
to progesterone stimulation. Respiratory rate remains relatively unchanged, but mild respiratory
alkalosis may occur. Diaphragmatic elevation reduces lung capacity slightly, but oxygenation
remains adequate for both mother and fetus.
3. What is the importance of folic acid in pregnancy?
Folic acid prevents neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. It is crucial in early
embryonic development, especially during the first 4 weeks. Women should take 400–800 mcg
daily before conception and during early pregnancy to support healthy fetal neural
development.
4. Describe the role of progesterone in pregnancy.
Progesterone maintains the uterine lining, supports implantation, and inhibits uterine
contractions. It relaxes smooth muscle to prevent premature labor and reduces maternal
immune response to allow fetal tolerance. Levels rise throughout pregnancy, produced first by
the corpus luteum and later the placenta.
5. What are the warning signs of preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia symptoms include hypertension, proteinuria, headaches, blurred vision, epigastric
pain, and swelling in hands or face. It can progress to eclampsia if untreated, leading to seizures.
Prompt diagnosis and monitoring are essential to protect maternal and fetal health.
6. What nutritional considerations are important during pregnancy?
Pregnant women need increased calories (300–500/day), iron, calcium, folic acid, and protein.
Iron supports blood volume, calcium aids fetal bone development, and protein supports growth.
Avoid unpasteurized foods, high mercury fish, and limit caffeine to reduce risks to fetal
development.
7. What is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its implications?
GDM is glucose intolerance diagnosed during pregnancy. It increases risks for macrosomia,
, 3
preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery. Women with GDM require diet changes, glucose
monitoring, and sometimes insulin. It also raises the mother’s future risk of type 2 diabetes.
8. What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks are irregular, painless uterine contractions occurring from the second trimester
onward. They help prepare the uterus for labor but do not cause cervical dilation. Unlike true
labor, they are infrequent, decrease with rest or hydration, and are not progressive.
9. Explain the importance of prenatal care.
Prenatal care ensures maternal and fetal well-being through regular monitoring, education, and
early detection of complications. It includes screening tests, ultrasounds, nutritional counseling,
and emotional support. Early and consistent care improves outcomes for both mother and baby.
10. What are the stages of labor?
Labor has three stages:
1. Dilation (latent and active phase)—cervix dilates to 10 cm.
2. Expulsion—baby is delivered.
3. Placental—placenta is expelled.
Monitoring during each stage ensures maternal and fetal safety and guides clinical
decisions.
11. How is Rh incompatibility managed during pregnancy?
If an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus, she may develop antibodies. Rho(D)
immune globulin (RhoGAM) is given at 28 weeks and postpartum to prevent sensitization.
Without treatment, future pregnancies may be at risk for hemolytic disease of the newborn.
12. What are the signs of ectopic pregnancy?
Signs include abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and missed periods. Ruptured ectopic
pregnancies cause shoulder pain, hypotension, and internal bleeding. Diagnosis is via
ultrasound and hCG levels. Treatment includes methotrexate or surgery depending on rupture
status and gestational age.
, 4
13. What is the role of the placenta?
The placenta facilitates nutrient and gas exchange, removes fetal waste, and produces
hormones like hCG, progesterone, and estrogen. It acts as a barrier and filter between maternal
and fetal circulation, playing a vital role in sustaining the pregnancy.
14. What are the risks associated with teenage pregnancy?
Teenage pregnancies have higher risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and hypertensive
disorders. They often involve inadequate prenatal care, socioeconomic challenges, and higher
rates of postpartum depression, affecting both maternal and child health outcomes.
15. How is fetal well-being assessed during pregnancy?
Fetal well-being is assessed using ultrasound, non-stress tests (NST), biophysical profiles, and
fetal kick counts. These evaluate heart rate, movement, amniotic fluid levels, and growth. They
help detect hypoxia, growth restriction, or other complications early.
16. What are the signs and symptoms of a miscarriage?
Signs include vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramps, and passing of tissue. Miscarriage is common
before 20 weeks. Risk factors include chromosomal abnormalities, infections, and trauma.
Management varies from expectant to medical or surgical depending on completeness and
symptoms.
17. What are the indications for a cesarean section?
Indications include fetal distress, cephalopelvic disproportion, placenta previa, breech
presentation, multiple gestation, failed labor progression, and previous cesarean. It is a surgical
procedure requiring anesthesia, with longer recovery time and potential for future pregnancy
complications.
18. What is postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and its management?
PPH is blood loss >500 mL after vaginal birth or >1000 mL after cesarean. Causes include uterine
atony, retained placenta, and trauma. Management includes uterotonics (e.g., oxytocin),
massage, IV fluids, and sometimes surgery. Prompt intervention is life-saving.
