NUR 231 Final Exam Study Guide: Childbearing and Child … 2026 Update • Verified Answers
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 231 Final Exam Study Guide: Childbearing and
Child Caring Family 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 Final Exam Study Guide: Childbearing and Child … 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. Using Naegele’s rule, what is the estimated date of delivery (EDD) for a patient whose last
menstrual period (LMP) began on March 10th?
A. December 10th
B. December 3rd
C. January 17th
D. for a patient whose last menstrual period (LMP) began on March 10th?
Answer: D
Rationale: Naegele’s rule is calculated by subtracting 3 months from the LMP and adding 7 days and 1 year.
March 10 minus 3 months is December 10, plus 7 days is December 17. This is an important clinical concept
because selecting the correct answer (D) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical
nursing implications.
2. Which of the following is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A. Positive pregnancy test
B. Amenorrhea
C. Goodell’s sign
D. Fetal heart tones
Answer: B
Rationale: Presumptive signs are subjective changes felt by the woman, such as amenorrhea, fatigue, and
breast changes. Positive signs are objective (fetal heart tones, ultrasound), and probable signs are objective
changes observed by an examiner (Goodell’s sign, pregnancy test). Exam questions often test the ability to
distinguish this concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
3. A nurse notes late decelerations on the fetal heart rate monitor. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Increase the Oxytocin infusion rate
B. Place the patient in a supine position
C. Administer oxygen via face mask at 8-10 L/min
D. Document the findings as a normal variation
Answer: C
Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Immediate interventions include
repositioning the patient to the side, administering oxygen, and discontinuing Oxytocin if applicable.
Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate
patient education.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, NUR 231 Final Exam Study Guide: Childbearing and Child … 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. Which stage of labor is characterized by the full dilation of the cervix (10 cm) to the birth of
the baby?
A. First stage
B. Second stage
C. Third stage
D. Fourth stage
Answer: B
Rationale: The second stage of labor begins with complete cervical dilation and ends with the delivery of the
fetus. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient
outcomes. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (B) requires
understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications.
5. What is the primary risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage?
A. Latex allergy
B. Preeclampsia
C. Cesarean section
D. Uterine atony
Answer: D
Rationale: Uterine atony, or the failure of the uterus to contract after birth, is the most common cause of
postpartum hemorrhage. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice
and improves patient outcomes. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (D)
requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications.
6. A newborn presents with a startle response in which the arms extend and then abduct. What
reflex is this?
A. Babinski reflex
B. Rooting reflex
C. Palmar grasp
D. Moro reflex
Answer: D
Rationale: The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, involves the infant symmetrically abducting and
extending the arms when they feel like they are falling or are startled. Applying this knowledge in clinical
settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 231 Final Exam Study Guide: Childbearing and
Child Caring Family 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 Final Exam Study Guide: Childbearing and Child … 2026 Update • Verified Answers
Questions & Verified Answers
1. Using Naegele’s rule, what is the estimated date of delivery (EDD) for a patient whose last
menstrual period (LMP) began on March 10th?
A. December 10th
B. December 3rd
C. January 17th
D. for a patient whose last menstrual period (LMP) began on March 10th?
Answer: D
Rationale: Naegele’s rule is calculated by subtracting 3 months from the LMP and adding 7 days and 1 year.
March 10 minus 3 months is December 10, plus 7 days is December 17. This is an important clinical concept
because selecting the correct answer (D) requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical
nursing implications.
2. Which of the following is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A. Positive pregnancy test
B. Amenorrhea
C. Goodell’s sign
D. Fetal heart tones
Answer: B
Rationale: Presumptive signs are subjective changes felt by the woman, such as amenorrhea, fatigue, and
breast changes. Positive signs are objective (fetal heart tones, ultrasound), and probable signs are objective
changes observed by an examiner (Goodell’s sign, pregnancy test). Exam questions often test the ability to
distinguish this concept from closely related distractors, making a clear rationale essential for mastery.
3. A nurse notes late decelerations on the fetal heart rate monitor. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Increase the Oxytocin infusion rate
B. Place the patient in a supine position
C. Administer oxygen via face mask at 8-10 L/min
D. Document the findings as a normal variation
Answer: C
Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Immediate interventions include
repositioning the patient to the side, administering oxygen, and discontinuing Oxytocin if applicable.
Recognizing this principle allows the nurse to prioritize care, anticipate complications, and provide accurate
patient education.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 2
, NUR 231 Final Exam Study Guide: Childbearing and Child … 2026 Update • Verified Answers
4. Which stage of labor is characterized by the full dilation of the cervix (10 cm) to the birth of
the baby?
A. First stage
B. Second stage
C. Third stage
D. Fourth stage
Answer: B
Rationale: The second stage of labor begins with complete cervical dilation and ends with the delivery of the
fetus. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient
outcomes. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (B) requires
understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications.
5. What is the primary risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage?
A. Latex allergy
B. Preeclampsia
C. Cesarean section
D. Uterine atony
Answer: D
Rationale: Uterine atony, or the failure of the uterus to contract after birth, is the most common cause of
postpartum hemorrhage. Applying this knowledge in clinical settings supports safe, evidence-based practice
and improves patient outcomes. This is an important clinical concept because selecting the correct answer (D)
requires understanding both the pathophysiology and the practical nursing implications.
6. A newborn presents with a startle response in which the arms extend and then abduct. What
reflex is this?
A. Babinski reflex
B. Rooting reflex
C. Palmar grasp
D. Moro reflex
Answer: D
Rationale: The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, involves the infant symmetrically abducting and
extending the arms when they feel like they are falling or are startled. Applying this knowledge in clinical
settings supports safe, evidence-based practice and improves patient outcomes.
Exam (Elaborations) • Actual Questions & Rationales Page 3
