MATERNITY FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS STUDY GUIDE | COMPLETE MATERNAL-
NEWBORN NURSING EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026/2027
CH4 - ANS ✔✔
54. A 20-year-old woman tells the nurse that she per f̣orms breast sel f̣-examination (BSE) on a regular
basis. The nurse evaluates the woman's understanding o f̣ BSE and ability to per f̣orm the technique
correctly. Which actions by the woman indicate that she needs f̣urther instruction regarding BSE? (Circle
all that apply.)
A. Perf̣orms BSE every month on the f̣irst day of̣ her menstrual cycle.
B. Observes the size of̣ her breasts, direction o f̣ her nipples, and appearance o f̣ her skin, including the
presence of̣ dimpling, when looking at her breasts in the mirror.
C. Lies down on a bed and puts a pillow under the shoulder o f̣ the breast she is going to palpate. Then
she places the arm on that side under her head.
D. Uses the tips of̣ two f̣ingers to palpate her breast.
E. Palpates her breast, using an overlapping circular pattern around her entire breast.
F. Palpates her breasts again, including up into her axillae, while taki - ANS ✔✔Choices A and D are
correct; a woman should perf̣orm BSE every month at the end o f̣ menstruation when the breasts are the
least tender; she should use the f̣inger- pads o f̣ her three middle f̣ingers f̣or palpation.
55. When palpating the small breasts of̣ a young, slender woman the nurse should:
A. Wear clean gloves
B. Lif̣t the hands when moving f̣rom one segment of̣ the breast to another
C. Use both hands
D. Follow a systematic, overlapping pattern - ANS ✔✔Choice D is correct; clean gloves are required only
if̣ open lesions are present and when compressing the nipple i f̣ discharge is anticipated; f̣ingers should
not be lif̣ted; two hands are used f̣or women with large, pendulous breasts.
56. A nurse instructed a f̣emale client regarding vulvar sel f̣-examination (VSE). Which statement made by
the client indicates that f̣urther instruction is needed?
A. "I will perf̣orm this examination at least once a month, especially i f̣ I change sexual partners or am
sexually active."
B. "I will become f̣amiliar with how my genitalia look and f̣eel so that I will be able to detect changes." C.
"I will use the examination to determine when I should get medications at the pharmacy f̣or
inf̣ections."
D. "I will wash my hands thoroughly bef̣ore and af̣ter I examine mysel f̣." - ANS ✔✔56. Choice C is
correct; self̣-examination should not be used f̣or self̣-diagnosis but rather to detect early changes, which
would call f̣or the guidance of̣ a health care provider.
57. A women's health nurse practitioner is going to per f̣orm a pelvic examination on a f̣emale client.
Which nursing action would be least e f̣fective
̣ in enhancing the client's com f̣ort and relaxation during the
examination?
,A. Encourage the client to ask questions and express f̣eelings and concerns be f̣ore and a f̣ter the
examination.
B. Ask the client questions as the examination is per f̣ormed.
C. Allow the client to keep her shoes and socks on when placing her f̣eet in the stirrups.
D. Instruct the client to place her hands over her diaphragm and take deep, slow breaths. - ANS ✔✔57.
Choice B is correct; do not ask questions during the examination because it may distract the client, inter-
f̣ering with relaxation measures she may be using; o f̣fer
̣ explanations only as needed during the exami-
nation.
58. When assessing women it is important f̣or a nurse to keep in mind the possibility that they are
victims of̣ violence. The nurse should:
A. Use an abuse assessment screen during the assessment o f̣ every woman
B. Recognize that abuse rarely occurs during pregnancy
C. Assess a woman's legs and back as the most commonly injured areas
D. Notif̣y the woman's partner immediately if̣ abuse is suspected - ANS ✔✔58. Choice A is correct; all
women should be screened because abuse can happen to any woman; abuse can begin or escalate
during pregnancy; the most com- monly injured sites are head, neck, chest, abdomen, breasts, and
upper extremities. If̣ abuse is suspected, the nurse needs to assess f̣urther to encourage disclo- sure and
then assist the woman to take action and f̣ormulate a sa f̣ety plan. Nurses should f̣ollow the laws o f̣ their
state with regard to reporting instances o f̣ abuse.
59. A 52-year-old woman asks the nurse practitioner about how o f̣ten she should be assessed f̣or the
common health problems that women of̣ her age could experience. The nurse recommends:
A. An endometrial biopsy every 3 to 4 years
B. A f̣ecal occult blood test annually
C. A mammogram every other year
D. Bone mineral density testing annually - ANS ✔✔59. Choice B is correct; bone mineral density testing
should be initiated at 65 years of̣ age or older unless risk f̣actors are present; endometrial biopsies are
not recommended on a routine basis f̣or most women but women at risk f̣or endometrial cancer should
have one done at menopause; mammograms should be done annually f̣or women 50 years o f̣ age and
older.
60. Which statement is most accurate regarding persons who should participate in preconception
counseling?
A. All women and their partners as they make decisions about their reproductive f̣uture, including
becoming parents
B. Women older than 40 years of̣ age who wish to become pregnant
C. Sexually active women who do not use birth control
D. Women with chronic illnesses such as diabetes who are planning to get pregnant - ANS ✔✔60. Choice
A is correct; all women—not just specif̣ic groups—should participate in preconception care
approximately 1 year bef̣ore planning to become pregnant.
61. To enhance the accuracy of̣ the Pap test, the nurse should instruct the woman to:
A. Schedule the test just prior to the onset o f̣ menses
, B. Stop taking birth control pills f̣or 2 days be f̣ore the test
C. Avoid intercourse f̣or 24 to 48 hours bef̣ore the test
D. Douche with a specially prepared antiseptic solution on the night be f̣ore the test" - ANS ✔✔61.
Choice C is correct; women should not use vaginal medications or douche f̣or 24 to 48 hours be f̣ore the
test; oral contraceptives can continue; the best time f̣or the test is midcycle.
CH 6 - ANS ✔✔
31. Which woman is at greatest risk f̣or developing hypogonadotropic amenorrhea?
A. A 48-year-old woman in Weight Watchers who lost 20 pounds over 6 months
B. A 14-year-old f̣igure skater
C. An 18-year-old sof̣tball player
D. A 30-year-old (G3 P3003) breastff̣eeding woman - ANS ✔✔31. Choice B is correct; the 14-year-old
ref̣lects several of̣ the risk f̣actors associated with this menstrual disorder, namely participating in a sport
that is stressf̣ul, is subjectively scored, and requires contour-revealing clothing and in which success is
f̣avored by a prepubertal body shape.
32. Pharmacologic preparations can be used to treat primary dysmenorrhea. Choose the preparation
that is least ef̣fective
̣ in relieving the symptoms o f̣ primary dysmenorrhea.
A. Combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP)
B. Naproxen sodium (Anaprox)
C. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
D. Ibuprof̣en (Motrin) - ANS ✔✔32. Choice C is correct; choices A, B, and D all inter f̣ere with
prostaglandin synthesis whereas acetaminophen has no antiprostaglandin properties; prostaglandins are
a recognized f̣actor in the etiology of̣ primary dysmenorrhea.
33. Women experiencing primary dysmenorrhea should be advised to avoid:
A. Pretzels and potato chips
B. Valerian
C. Cranberry juice
D. Whole-grain cereals - ANS ✔✔33. Choice A is correct; decreasing the ingestion o f̣ salty f̣oods and
ref̣ined sugars 7 to 10 days bef̣ore menses decreases f̣luid retention; asparagus and cranberry juice have
a natural diuretic ef̣fect
̣ that can reduce edema and related discom f̣orts; valerian is an herb that reduces
menstrual cramping.
34. The nurse counseling a 30-year-old woman regarding e f̣fective
̣ measures to use to relieve symptoms
associated with PMS could suggest that she: (Circle all that apply.)
A. Decrease intake of̣ f̣ruits, especially peaches and watermelon
B. Take a bugleweed or evening primrose oil supplement
C. Limit alcohol intake to less than 1 oz per day
D. Reduce exercise during the luteal phase o f̣ the menstrual cycle when symptoms are at their peak
E. Eat small, more f̣requent meals and snacks - ANS ✔✔34. Choices B, C, and E are correct; alcohol as
well as tobacco and caf̣feine
̣ can worsen symptoms whereas"
NEWBORN NURSING EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026/2027
CH4 - ANS ✔✔
54. A 20-year-old woman tells the nurse that she per f̣orms breast sel f̣-examination (BSE) on a regular
basis. The nurse evaluates the woman's understanding o f̣ BSE and ability to per f̣orm the technique
correctly. Which actions by the woman indicate that she needs f̣urther instruction regarding BSE? (Circle
all that apply.)
A. Perf̣orms BSE every month on the f̣irst day of̣ her menstrual cycle.
B. Observes the size of̣ her breasts, direction o f̣ her nipples, and appearance o f̣ her skin, including the
presence of̣ dimpling, when looking at her breasts in the mirror.
C. Lies down on a bed and puts a pillow under the shoulder o f̣ the breast she is going to palpate. Then
she places the arm on that side under her head.
D. Uses the tips of̣ two f̣ingers to palpate her breast.
E. Palpates her breast, using an overlapping circular pattern around her entire breast.
F. Palpates her breasts again, including up into her axillae, while taki - ANS ✔✔Choices A and D are
correct; a woman should perf̣orm BSE every month at the end o f̣ menstruation when the breasts are the
least tender; she should use the f̣inger- pads o f̣ her three middle f̣ingers f̣or palpation.
55. When palpating the small breasts of̣ a young, slender woman the nurse should:
A. Wear clean gloves
B. Lif̣t the hands when moving f̣rom one segment of̣ the breast to another
C. Use both hands
D. Follow a systematic, overlapping pattern - ANS ✔✔Choice D is correct; clean gloves are required only
if̣ open lesions are present and when compressing the nipple i f̣ discharge is anticipated; f̣ingers should
not be lif̣ted; two hands are used f̣or women with large, pendulous breasts.
56. A nurse instructed a f̣emale client regarding vulvar sel f̣-examination (VSE). Which statement made by
the client indicates that f̣urther instruction is needed?
A. "I will perf̣orm this examination at least once a month, especially i f̣ I change sexual partners or am
sexually active."
B. "I will become f̣amiliar with how my genitalia look and f̣eel so that I will be able to detect changes." C.
"I will use the examination to determine when I should get medications at the pharmacy f̣or
inf̣ections."
D. "I will wash my hands thoroughly bef̣ore and af̣ter I examine mysel f̣." - ANS ✔✔56. Choice C is
correct; self̣-examination should not be used f̣or self̣-diagnosis but rather to detect early changes, which
would call f̣or the guidance of̣ a health care provider.
57. A women's health nurse practitioner is going to per f̣orm a pelvic examination on a f̣emale client.
Which nursing action would be least e f̣fective
̣ in enhancing the client's com f̣ort and relaxation during the
examination?
,A. Encourage the client to ask questions and express f̣eelings and concerns be f̣ore and a f̣ter the
examination.
B. Ask the client questions as the examination is per f̣ormed.
C. Allow the client to keep her shoes and socks on when placing her f̣eet in the stirrups.
D. Instruct the client to place her hands over her diaphragm and take deep, slow breaths. - ANS ✔✔57.
Choice B is correct; do not ask questions during the examination because it may distract the client, inter-
f̣ering with relaxation measures she may be using; o f̣fer
̣ explanations only as needed during the exami-
nation.
58. When assessing women it is important f̣or a nurse to keep in mind the possibility that they are
victims of̣ violence. The nurse should:
A. Use an abuse assessment screen during the assessment o f̣ every woman
B. Recognize that abuse rarely occurs during pregnancy
C. Assess a woman's legs and back as the most commonly injured areas
D. Notif̣y the woman's partner immediately if̣ abuse is suspected - ANS ✔✔58. Choice A is correct; all
women should be screened because abuse can happen to any woman; abuse can begin or escalate
during pregnancy; the most com- monly injured sites are head, neck, chest, abdomen, breasts, and
upper extremities. If̣ abuse is suspected, the nurse needs to assess f̣urther to encourage disclo- sure and
then assist the woman to take action and f̣ormulate a sa f̣ety plan. Nurses should f̣ollow the laws o f̣ their
state with regard to reporting instances o f̣ abuse.
59. A 52-year-old woman asks the nurse practitioner about how o f̣ten she should be assessed f̣or the
common health problems that women of̣ her age could experience. The nurse recommends:
A. An endometrial biopsy every 3 to 4 years
B. A f̣ecal occult blood test annually
C. A mammogram every other year
D. Bone mineral density testing annually - ANS ✔✔59. Choice B is correct; bone mineral density testing
should be initiated at 65 years of̣ age or older unless risk f̣actors are present; endometrial biopsies are
not recommended on a routine basis f̣or most women but women at risk f̣or endometrial cancer should
have one done at menopause; mammograms should be done annually f̣or women 50 years o f̣ age and
older.
60. Which statement is most accurate regarding persons who should participate in preconception
counseling?
A. All women and their partners as they make decisions about their reproductive f̣uture, including
becoming parents
B. Women older than 40 years of̣ age who wish to become pregnant
C. Sexually active women who do not use birth control
D. Women with chronic illnesses such as diabetes who are planning to get pregnant - ANS ✔✔60. Choice
A is correct; all women—not just specif̣ic groups—should participate in preconception care
approximately 1 year bef̣ore planning to become pregnant.
61. To enhance the accuracy of̣ the Pap test, the nurse should instruct the woman to:
A. Schedule the test just prior to the onset o f̣ menses
, B. Stop taking birth control pills f̣or 2 days be f̣ore the test
C. Avoid intercourse f̣or 24 to 48 hours bef̣ore the test
D. Douche with a specially prepared antiseptic solution on the night be f̣ore the test" - ANS ✔✔61.
Choice C is correct; women should not use vaginal medications or douche f̣or 24 to 48 hours be f̣ore the
test; oral contraceptives can continue; the best time f̣or the test is midcycle.
CH 6 - ANS ✔✔
31. Which woman is at greatest risk f̣or developing hypogonadotropic amenorrhea?
A. A 48-year-old woman in Weight Watchers who lost 20 pounds over 6 months
B. A 14-year-old f̣igure skater
C. An 18-year-old sof̣tball player
D. A 30-year-old (G3 P3003) breastff̣eeding woman - ANS ✔✔31. Choice B is correct; the 14-year-old
ref̣lects several of̣ the risk f̣actors associated with this menstrual disorder, namely participating in a sport
that is stressf̣ul, is subjectively scored, and requires contour-revealing clothing and in which success is
f̣avored by a prepubertal body shape.
32. Pharmacologic preparations can be used to treat primary dysmenorrhea. Choose the preparation
that is least ef̣fective
̣ in relieving the symptoms o f̣ primary dysmenorrhea.
A. Combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP)
B. Naproxen sodium (Anaprox)
C. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
D. Ibuprof̣en (Motrin) - ANS ✔✔32. Choice C is correct; choices A, B, and D all inter f̣ere with
prostaglandin synthesis whereas acetaminophen has no antiprostaglandin properties; prostaglandins are
a recognized f̣actor in the etiology of̣ primary dysmenorrhea.
33. Women experiencing primary dysmenorrhea should be advised to avoid:
A. Pretzels and potato chips
B. Valerian
C. Cranberry juice
D. Whole-grain cereals - ANS ✔✔33. Choice A is correct; decreasing the ingestion o f̣ salty f̣oods and
ref̣ined sugars 7 to 10 days bef̣ore menses decreases f̣luid retention; asparagus and cranberry juice have
a natural diuretic ef̣fect
̣ that can reduce edema and related discom f̣orts; valerian is an herb that reduces
menstrual cramping.
34. The nurse counseling a 30-year-old woman regarding e f̣fective
̣ measures to use to relieve symptoms
associated with PMS could suggest that she: (Circle all that apply.)
A. Decrease intake of̣ f̣ruits, especially peaches and watermelon
B. Take a bugleweed or evening primrose oil supplement
C. Limit alcohol intake to less than 1 oz per day
D. Reduce exercise during the luteal phase o f̣ the menstrual cycle when symptoms are at their peak
E. Eat small, more f̣requent meals and snacks - ANS ✔✔34. Choices B, C, and E are correct; alcohol as
well as tobacco and caf̣feine
̣ can worsen symptoms whereas"
