1
MATERNAL AND NEWBORN NURSING EXAM QS, AS AND
RATIONALES LABOR, DELIVERY & POSTPARTUM CARE 2026
JUST RELEASED VERSION
Focus Areas:
• Maternal physiology
• Fetal development & monitoring
• Labor and delivery processes
• Complications of labor
• Pain management and medications
• Postpartum care & complications
• Newborn assessment and care
• Family-centered care
Questions 1–25: Maternal Physiology & Antepartum Care
1. The hormone responsible for maintaining the endometrium
during early pregnancy is:
A. Oxytocin
B. Progesterone
,2
C. Estrogen
D. Prolactin
Answer: B
Rationale: Progesterone maintains the endometrial lining and
supports early pregnancy.
2. Which physiologic change is normal in pregnancy?
A. Decreased cardiac output
B. Increased blood volume
C. Hyperglycemia only
D. Decreased tidal volume
Answer: B
Rationale: Blood volume increases by 30–50% to support fetal
circulation.
3. The fundal height at 20 weeks gestation should
approximate:
A. Umbilicus
B. Xiphoid process
C. Symphysis pubis
D. Mid-thigh
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Answer: A
Rationale: Fundal height in centimeters roughly equals
gestational age in weeks.
4. Which screening test detects gestational diabetes?
A. CBC
B. Oral glucose tolerance test
C. Urinalysis
D. Pap smear
Answer: B
Rationale: OGTT identifies impaired glucose tolerance in
pregnancy.
5. The purpose of Rho(D) immune globulin is to:
A. Prevent neural tube defects
B. Prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn
C. Treat anemia
D. Reduce preeclampsia risk
Answer: B
Rationale: Rh-negative mothers receive Rho(D) to prevent
isoimmunization.
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6. Which position optimizes blood flow to the fetus during
labor?
A. Supine
B. Left lateral
C. Trendelenburg
D. Standing
Answer: B
Rationale: Left lateral prevents supine hypotensive syndrome.
7. Braxton Hicks contractions are:
A. True labor contractions
B. False contractions, irregular and painless
C. Always indicate preterm labor
D. Dangerous
Answer: B
Rationale: Braxton Hicks are irregular, non-progressive
contractions.
8. Fetal lie is:
A. Relation of fetal spine to maternal spine
B. Fetal head size
MATERNAL AND NEWBORN NURSING EXAM QS, AS AND
RATIONALES LABOR, DELIVERY & POSTPARTUM CARE 2026
JUST RELEASED VERSION
Focus Areas:
• Maternal physiology
• Fetal development & monitoring
• Labor and delivery processes
• Complications of labor
• Pain management and medications
• Postpartum care & complications
• Newborn assessment and care
• Family-centered care
Questions 1–25: Maternal Physiology & Antepartum Care
1. The hormone responsible for maintaining the endometrium
during early pregnancy is:
A. Oxytocin
B. Progesterone
,2
C. Estrogen
D. Prolactin
Answer: B
Rationale: Progesterone maintains the endometrial lining and
supports early pregnancy.
2. Which physiologic change is normal in pregnancy?
A. Decreased cardiac output
B. Increased blood volume
C. Hyperglycemia only
D. Decreased tidal volume
Answer: B
Rationale: Blood volume increases by 30–50% to support fetal
circulation.
3. The fundal height at 20 weeks gestation should
approximate:
A. Umbilicus
B. Xiphoid process
C. Symphysis pubis
D. Mid-thigh
,3
Answer: A
Rationale: Fundal height in centimeters roughly equals
gestational age in weeks.
4. Which screening test detects gestational diabetes?
A. CBC
B. Oral glucose tolerance test
C. Urinalysis
D. Pap smear
Answer: B
Rationale: OGTT identifies impaired glucose tolerance in
pregnancy.
5. The purpose of Rho(D) immune globulin is to:
A. Prevent neural tube defects
B. Prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn
C. Treat anemia
D. Reduce preeclampsia risk
Answer: B
Rationale: Rh-negative mothers receive Rho(D) to prevent
isoimmunization.
, 4
6. Which position optimizes blood flow to the fetus during
labor?
A. Supine
B. Left lateral
C. Trendelenburg
D. Standing
Answer: B
Rationale: Left lateral prevents supine hypotensive syndrome.
7. Braxton Hicks contractions are:
A. True labor contractions
B. False contractions, irregular and painless
C. Always indicate preterm labor
D. Dangerous
Answer: B
Rationale: Braxton Hicks are irregular, non-progressive
contractions.
8. Fetal lie is:
A. Relation of fetal spine to maternal spine
B. Fetal head size
