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NCLEX RN Exam Bank on Prenatal, Postpartum &
Neonatal Health Promotion
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Prenatal Education & Antenatal Risk Reduction Strategies (Questions 1–20) .... 2
Subtopic 2: Postpartum Assessment, Complications & Patient Teaching (Questions 21–40)
.................................................................................................................................. 10
Subtopic 3: Neonatal Assessment & Early Newborn Care (Questions 41–60) ................... 19
Subtopic 4: Breastfeeding, Formula Feeding & Nutritional Support (Questions 61–80) ..... 27
Subtopic 5: Postpartum Psychological Adaptation and Support...................................... 36
Subtopic 6: Neonatal Reflexes, Behavior, and Neurological Assessment (Q101–Q120)..... 44
Subtopic 7: Breastfeeding and Newborn Nutrition ......................................................... 52
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Subtopic 1: Prenatal Education & Antenatal Risk
Reduction Strategies (Questions 1–20)
Question 1
A pregnant client at 10 weeks gestation asks about preventing neural tube defects. What is
the nurse’s best response?
A. Increase calcium intake
B. Begin iron supplementation
C. Take 400–800 mcg of folic acid daily
D. Avoid all strenuous activity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. It is recommended
that women take 400–800 mcg daily, ideally starting before conception.
Question 2
Which statement by a pregnant client indicates understanding of avoiding listeria
contamination?
A. "I’ll drink fresh-pressed juice daily."
B. "I’ll eat deli meats only if they’re reheated until steaming."
C. "I’ll avoid soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk."
D. "I can eat sushi as long as it’s from a clean restaurant."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Listeria can be found in unpasteurized dairy. Pregnant women should avoid soft
cheeses made from unpasteurized milk to reduce the risk of infection.
Question 3
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Which prenatal screening is typically offered between 15–20 weeks gestation to detect
neural tube defects?
A. Chorionic villus sampling
B. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP)
C. Amniocentesis
D. Nuchal translucency scan
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: MSAFP is a blood test done during the second trimester to detect neural tube
defects like spina bifida and anencephaly.
Question 4
A nurse is educating a client in her first trimester about safe exercise. Which statement is
most accurate?
A. "Start training for a marathon to maintain health."
B. "Moderate-intensity walking or swimming is safe if approved by your provider."
C. "You should avoid any physical activity to protect the fetus."
D. "Only yoga and stretching are safe during pregnancy."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Moderate exercise improves circulation and reduces pregnancy discomforts;
however, it must be cleared by a healthcare provider.
Question 5
Which of the following is the most appropriate advice to reduce morning sickness during
early pregnancy?
A. Eat spicy foods in the evening
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B. Take iron supplements first thing in the morning
C. Eat small, frequent meals high in protein
D. Drink citrus juice on an empty stomach
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: High-protein, small meals help regulate blood sugar and may reduce nausea.
Iron supplements can aggravate morning sickness if taken on an empty stomach.
Question 6
Which vaccination is recommended during every pregnancy to protect the newborn from
pertussis?
A. MMR vaccine
B. Tdap vaccine
C. Hepatitis B vaccine
D. Varicella vaccine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Tdap vaccine is recommended between 27–36 weeks gestation in every
pregnancy to protect the infant from whooping cough.
Question 7
A 16-week pregnant woman reports heartburn. What advice should the nurse give?
A. Drink milk with spicy meals
B. Avoid lying down immediately after eating
C. Take antacids with aspirin
D. Eat large, high-fat meals to slow digestion
NCLEX RN Exam Bank on Prenatal, Postpartum &
Neonatal Health Promotion
Table of Contents
Subtopic 1: Prenatal Education & Antenatal Risk Reduction Strategies (Questions 1–20) .... 2
Subtopic 2: Postpartum Assessment, Complications & Patient Teaching (Questions 21–40)
.................................................................................................................................. 10
Subtopic 3: Neonatal Assessment & Early Newborn Care (Questions 41–60) ................... 19
Subtopic 4: Breastfeeding, Formula Feeding & Nutritional Support (Questions 61–80) ..... 27
Subtopic 5: Postpartum Psychological Adaptation and Support...................................... 36
Subtopic 6: Neonatal Reflexes, Behavior, and Neurological Assessment (Q101–Q120)..... 44
Subtopic 7: Breastfeeding and Newborn Nutrition ......................................................... 52
, 2
Subtopic 1: Prenatal Education & Antenatal Risk
Reduction Strategies (Questions 1–20)
Question 1
A pregnant client at 10 weeks gestation asks about preventing neural tube defects. What is
the nurse’s best response?
A. Increase calcium intake
B. Begin iron supplementation
C. Take 400–800 mcg of folic acid daily
D. Avoid all strenuous activity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. It is recommended
that women take 400–800 mcg daily, ideally starting before conception.
Question 2
Which statement by a pregnant client indicates understanding of avoiding listeria
contamination?
A. "I’ll drink fresh-pressed juice daily."
B. "I’ll eat deli meats only if they’re reheated until steaming."
C. "I’ll avoid soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk."
D. "I can eat sushi as long as it’s from a clean restaurant."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Listeria can be found in unpasteurized dairy. Pregnant women should avoid soft
cheeses made from unpasteurized milk to reduce the risk of infection.
Question 3
, 3
Which prenatal screening is typically offered between 15–20 weeks gestation to detect
neural tube defects?
A. Chorionic villus sampling
B. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP)
C. Amniocentesis
D. Nuchal translucency scan
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: MSAFP is a blood test done during the second trimester to detect neural tube
defects like spina bifida and anencephaly.
Question 4
A nurse is educating a client in her first trimester about safe exercise. Which statement is
most accurate?
A. "Start training for a marathon to maintain health."
B. "Moderate-intensity walking or swimming is safe if approved by your provider."
C. "You should avoid any physical activity to protect the fetus."
D. "Only yoga and stretching are safe during pregnancy."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Moderate exercise improves circulation and reduces pregnancy discomforts;
however, it must be cleared by a healthcare provider.
Question 5
Which of the following is the most appropriate advice to reduce morning sickness during
early pregnancy?
A. Eat spicy foods in the evening
, 4
B. Take iron supplements first thing in the morning
C. Eat small, frequent meals high in protein
D. Drink citrus juice on an empty stomach
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: High-protein, small meals help regulate blood sugar and may reduce nausea.
Iron supplements can aggravate morning sickness if taken on an empty stomach.
Question 6
Which vaccination is recommended during every pregnancy to protect the newborn from
pertussis?
A. MMR vaccine
B. Tdap vaccine
C. Hepatitis B vaccine
D. Varicella vaccine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Tdap vaccine is recommended between 27–36 weeks gestation in every
pregnancy to protect the infant from whooping cough.
Question 7
A 16-week pregnant woman reports heartburn. What advice should the nurse give?
A. Drink milk with spicy meals
B. Avoid lying down immediately after eating
C. Take antacids with aspirin
D. Eat large, high-fat meals to slow digestion
