NUR 231 Maternal Nursing Exam 4 Practice Test 2026 UPDA… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 231 Maternal Nursing Exam 4 Practice Test
2026 UPDATE
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,NUR 231 Maternal Nursing Exam 4 Practice Test 2026 UPDA… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which
of the following findings should the nurse identify as a sign of magnesium toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
B. Hyperreflexia (DTRs 4+)
C. Increased urine output
D. Blood pressure 150/90 mmHg
Answer: A
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate toxicity causes central nervous system depression, leading to decreased deep
tendon reflexes, respiratory depression (less than 12/min), and decreased urine output. This is an important
clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (A) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and
the practical nursing implications.
2. A client at 32 weeks of gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. Which
condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Abruptio placentae
B. Preterm labor
C. Placenta previa
D. Uterine rupture
Answer: C
Rationale: Placenta previa is characterized by painless, bright red vaginal bleeding during the second or third
trimester. Abruptio placentae typically involves painful, dark red bleeding. Exam questions often test the ability
to distinguish this concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
3. A nurse is caring for a client in labor who has a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing showing late
decelerations. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask
B. Increase the IV fluid rate
C. Notify the provider
D. Turn the client to the side-lying position
Answer: D
Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The priority action is to improve placental
perfusion, which is best achieved by repositioning the mother to her side to relieve pressure on the vena cava.
Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient
outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, NUR 231 Maternal Nursing Exam 4 Practice Test 2026 UPDA… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. Which medication is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity?
A. Naloxone
B. Oxytocin
C. Terbutaline
D. Calcium gluconate
Answer: D
Rationale: Calcium gluconate is the specific antidote to reverse the effects of magnesium sulfate toxicity. Exam
questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related distractors, making a clear
rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based
practice and improves patient outcomes.
5. A postpartum nurse is assessing a client 2 hours after delivery. The fundus is boggy and
displaced to the right. Which action is appropriate?
A. Massage the fundus until firm
B. Notify the physician immediately
C. Assist the client to the bathroom to void
D. Increase the Pitocin infusion rate
Answer: C
Rationale: A displaced fundus to the right or left usually indicates a full bladder. Assisting the client to void
allows the uterus to return to the midline and contract effectively. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings
supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
6. A nurse is performing an APGAR score on a newborn at 1 minute. Heart rate is 110/min,
respiratory effort is slow and irregular, muscle tone shows some flexion, the baby cries during
suctioning, and the body is pink with blue extremities. What is the score?
A. 6
B. 7
C. 8
D. 9
Answer: B
Rationale: HR > 100 (2 points), slow/irregular respiration (1 point), some flexion (1 point), cry/reflex (2 points),
and acrocyanosis (1 point) = 7. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (B)
requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications. Recognizing this
principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 231 Maternal Nursing Exam 4 Practice Test
2026 UPDATE
Actual Exam Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations)
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Full Rationales
Status: Verified & Updated for 2026
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 1
,NUR 231 Maternal Nursing Exam 4 Practice Test 2026 UPDA… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which
of the following findings should the nurse identify as a sign of magnesium toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
B. Hyperreflexia (DTRs 4+)
C. Increased urine output
D. Blood pressure 150/90 mmHg
Answer: A
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate toxicity causes central nervous system depression, leading to decreased deep
tendon reflexes, respiratory depression (less than 12/min), and decreased urine output. This is an important
clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (A) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and
the practical nursing implications.
2. A client at 32 weeks of gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. Which
condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Abruptio placentae
B. Preterm labor
C. Placenta previa
D. Uterine rupture
Answer: C
Rationale: Placenta previa is characterized by painless, bright red vaginal bleeding during the second or third
trimester. Abruptio placentae typically involves painful, dark red bleeding. Exam questions often test the ability
to distinguish this concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
3. A nurse is caring for a client in labor who has a fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing showing late
decelerations. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask
B. Increase the IV fluid rate
C. Notify the provider
D. Turn the client to the side-lying position
Answer: D
Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The priority action is to improve placental
perfusion, which is best achieved by repositioning the mother to her side to relieve pressure on the vena cava.
Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient
outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, NUR 231 Maternal Nursing Exam 4 Practice Test 2026 UPDA… 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. Which medication is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity?
A. Naloxone
B. Oxytocin
C. Terbutaline
D. Calcium gluconate
Answer: D
Rationale: Calcium gluconate is the specific antidote to reverse the effects of magnesium sulfate toxicity. Exam
questions often test the ability to distinguish this concept from closely related distractors, making a clear
rationale essential for mastery. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based
practice and improves patient outcomes.
5. A postpartum nurse is assessing a client 2 hours after delivery. The fundus is boggy and
displaced to the right. Which action is appropriate?
A. Massage the fundus until firm
B. Notify the physician immediately
C. Assist the client to the bathroom to void
D. Increase the Pitocin infusion rate
Answer: C
Rationale: A displaced fundus to the right or left usually indicates a full bladder. Assisting the client to void
allows the uterus to return to the midline and contract effectively. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings
supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
6. A nurse is performing an APGAR score on a newborn at 1 minute. Heart rate is 110/min,
respiratory effort is slow and irregular, muscle tone shows some flexion, the baby cries during
suctioning, and the body is pink with blue extremities. What is the score?
A. 6
B. 7
C. 8
D. 9
Answer: B
Rationale: HR > 100 (2 points), slow/irregular respiration (1 point), some flexion (1 point), cry/reflex (2 points),
and acrocyanosis (1 point) = 7. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (B)
requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications. Recognizing this
principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate patient education.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
