Maternal Newborn Nursing Exam
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A pregnant client at 10 weeks' gestation asks the nurse which finding is
considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy. Which finding should the nurse
identify?
A. Positive pregnancy test
B. Fetal heart tones detected by Doppler
C. Amenorrhea
D. Ultrasound visualization of the fetus
Answer: C. Amenorrhea
Rationale: Amenorrhea, or absence of menstruation, is a presumptive sign of
pregnancy because it is experienced by the client and can have causes other than
pregnancy. A positive pregnancy test is a probable sign, while fetal heart tones and
ultrasound visualization are positive signs because they provide objective evidence
of a fetus.
2. A nurse is assessing a client during the first prenatal visit. Which assessment
finding is most concerning and requires immediate follow-up?
A. Mild nausea in the morning
B. Urinary frequency
C. Vaginal bleeding accompanied by severe abdominal pain
D. Breast tenderness
Answer: C. Vaginal bleeding accompanied by severe abdominal pain
,Rationale: Vaginal bleeding with severe abdominal pain during pregnancy can
indicate a serious complication such as ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or placental
pathology. Mild nausea, urinary frequency, and breast tenderness are common
early-pregnancy findings.
3. Which nutrient is especially important during pregnancy because adequate
intake helps prevent neural tube defects?
A. Calcium
B. Folic acid
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin D
Answer: B. Folic acid
Rationale: Folic acid is essential for normal neural tube development. Adequate
folate intake before conception and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the
risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
4. A pregnant client asks why iron supplementation is commonly prescribed
during pregnancy. Which response by the nurse is best?
A. “Iron prevents all pregnancy-related infections.”
B. “Iron supports increased maternal blood volume and fetal red blood cell
production.”
C. “Iron prevents gestational diabetes.”
D. “Iron eliminates the need for dietary protein.”
Answer: B. Iron supports increased maternal blood volume and fetal red blood cell
production.
Rationale: Maternal blood volume increases substantially during pregnancy,
creating an increased demand for iron. Iron is also necessary for hemoglobin
production in the developing fetus. Adequate iron helps prevent iron-deficiency
anemia.
, 5. A client at 20 weeks' gestation asks the nurse when fetal movement is
commonly first perceived by a person experiencing a first pregnancy. Which
response is most appropriate?
A. 4 to 6 weeks
B. 8 to 10 weeks
C. 18 to 20 weeks
D. 30 to 32 weeks
Answer: C. 18 to 20 weeks
Rationale: A person experiencing a first pregnancy commonly perceives fetal
movement, sometimes called quickening, around 18 to 20 weeks. Those who have
previously been pregnant may recognize fetal movement somewhat earlier because
they are familiar with the sensation.
6. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a pregnant client regarding
alcohol consumption?
A. Limit alcohol to weekends.
B. Wine is safer than distilled alcohol.
C. Avoid alcohol throughout pregnancy.
D. Alcohol is safe after the first trimester.
Answer: C. Avoid alcohol throughout pregnancy.
Rationale: There is no established safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol
exposure can contribute to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, growth abnormalities,
neurodevelopmental impairment, and other fetal complications. Complete
avoidance is recommended.
7. A pregnant client reports heartburn occurring frequently after meals. Which
nursing recommendation is most appropriate?
A. Lie flat immediately after eating.
B. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
C. Drink large amounts of fluid with meals.
D. Skip breakfast and lunch.
, Answer: B. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Rationale: Smaller meals can reduce gastric distention and reflux. Remaining
upright after eating and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms can also help. Lying
flat immediately after meals may worsen reflux.
8. Which cardiovascular change should the nurse expect during a normal
pregnancy?
A. Decreased blood volume
B. Decreased cardiac output
C. Increased blood volume
D. Persistent severe hypertension
Answer: C. Increased blood volume
Rationale: Pregnancy produces significant cardiovascular adaptations, including
increased plasma and red blood cell volume and increased cardiac output. These
changes support maternal and fetal circulation. Severe hypertension is not
considered a normal pregnancy adaptation.
9. A nurse teaches a pregnant client about warning signs that require
immediate medical evaluation. Which symptom should the client report
promptly?
A. Mild breast tenderness
B. Occasional mild fatigue
C. Vaginal bleeding
D. Increased appetite
Answer: C. Vaginal bleeding
Rationale: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can indicate complications and
should be evaluated, particularly when it is heavy or associated with pain,
contractions, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms. Mild fatigue and breast
tenderness are common pregnancy changes.
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A pregnant client at 10 weeks' gestation asks the nurse which finding is
considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy. Which finding should the nurse
identify?
A. Positive pregnancy test
B. Fetal heart tones detected by Doppler
C. Amenorrhea
D. Ultrasound visualization of the fetus
Answer: C. Amenorrhea
Rationale: Amenorrhea, or absence of menstruation, is a presumptive sign of
pregnancy because it is experienced by the client and can have causes other than
pregnancy. A positive pregnancy test is a probable sign, while fetal heart tones and
ultrasound visualization are positive signs because they provide objective evidence
of a fetus.
2. A nurse is assessing a client during the first prenatal visit. Which assessment
finding is most concerning and requires immediate follow-up?
A. Mild nausea in the morning
B. Urinary frequency
C. Vaginal bleeding accompanied by severe abdominal pain
D. Breast tenderness
Answer: C. Vaginal bleeding accompanied by severe abdominal pain
,Rationale: Vaginal bleeding with severe abdominal pain during pregnancy can
indicate a serious complication such as ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or placental
pathology. Mild nausea, urinary frequency, and breast tenderness are common
early-pregnancy findings.
3. Which nutrient is especially important during pregnancy because adequate
intake helps prevent neural tube defects?
A. Calcium
B. Folic acid
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin D
Answer: B. Folic acid
Rationale: Folic acid is essential for normal neural tube development. Adequate
folate intake before conception and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the
risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
4. A pregnant client asks why iron supplementation is commonly prescribed
during pregnancy. Which response by the nurse is best?
A. “Iron prevents all pregnancy-related infections.”
B. “Iron supports increased maternal blood volume and fetal red blood cell
production.”
C. “Iron prevents gestational diabetes.”
D. “Iron eliminates the need for dietary protein.”
Answer: B. Iron supports increased maternal blood volume and fetal red blood cell
production.
Rationale: Maternal blood volume increases substantially during pregnancy,
creating an increased demand for iron. Iron is also necessary for hemoglobin
production in the developing fetus. Adequate iron helps prevent iron-deficiency
anemia.
, 5. A client at 20 weeks' gestation asks the nurse when fetal movement is
commonly first perceived by a person experiencing a first pregnancy. Which
response is most appropriate?
A. 4 to 6 weeks
B. 8 to 10 weeks
C. 18 to 20 weeks
D. 30 to 32 weeks
Answer: C. 18 to 20 weeks
Rationale: A person experiencing a first pregnancy commonly perceives fetal
movement, sometimes called quickening, around 18 to 20 weeks. Those who have
previously been pregnant may recognize fetal movement somewhat earlier because
they are familiar with the sensation.
6. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a pregnant client regarding
alcohol consumption?
A. Limit alcohol to weekends.
B. Wine is safer than distilled alcohol.
C. Avoid alcohol throughout pregnancy.
D. Alcohol is safe after the first trimester.
Answer: C. Avoid alcohol throughout pregnancy.
Rationale: There is no established safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol
exposure can contribute to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, growth abnormalities,
neurodevelopmental impairment, and other fetal complications. Complete
avoidance is recommended.
7. A pregnant client reports heartburn occurring frequently after meals. Which
nursing recommendation is most appropriate?
A. Lie flat immediately after eating.
B. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
C. Drink large amounts of fluid with meals.
D. Skip breakfast and lunch.
, Answer: B. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Rationale: Smaller meals can reduce gastric distention and reflux. Remaining
upright after eating and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms can also help. Lying
flat immediately after meals may worsen reflux.
8. Which cardiovascular change should the nurse expect during a normal
pregnancy?
A. Decreased blood volume
B. Decreased cardiac output
C. Increased blood volume
D. Persistent severe hypertension
Answer: C. Increased blood volume
Rationale: Pregnancy produces significant cardiovascular adaptations, including
increased plasma and red blood cell volume and increased cardiac output. These
changes support maternal and fetal circulation. Severe hypertension is not
considered a normal pregnancy adaptation.
9. A nurse teaches a pregnant client about warning signs that require
immediate medical evaluation. Which symptom should the client report
promptly?
A. Mild breast tenderness
B. Occasional mild fatigue
C. Vaginal bleeding
D. Increased appetite
Answer: C. Vaginal bleeding
Rationale: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can indicate complications and
should be evaluated, particularly when it is heavy or associated with pain,
contractions, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms. Mild fatigue and breast
tenderness are common pregnancy changes.
