NSG 3500 MATERNAL HEALTH
NURSING PRACTICE EXAM 1
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is calculating the expected date of delivery (EDD) for a client whose last menstrual
period (LMP) began on March 10. Using Nagele’s rule, what is the correct EDD?
A. December 17
B. December 10
C. January 17
D. December 3
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Nagele’s rule involves subtracting 3 months from the first day of
the LMP and adding 7 days and 1 year. March 10 minus 3 months is December, plus 7 days
is December 17.
2. A client at 10 weeks of gestation reports a bluish-purple coloration of the vaginal mucosa
and cervix. The nurse documents this finding as:
A. Chadwick’s sign
,B. Goodell’s sign
C. Hegar’s sign
D. Ballottement
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Chadwick’s sign is a bluish-purple coloration of the vaginal
mucosa and cervix due to increased vascularity. Hegar’s is softening of the lower uterine
segment, and Goodell’s is softening of the cervical tip.
3. Which of the following laboratory results is a classic finding in a client diagnosed with
HELLP syndrome?
A. Elevated hemoglobin
B. Elevated liver enzymes
C. Low serum creatinine
D. Increased platelet count
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low
Platelets. Elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT) indicate liver involvement.
4. A nurse is caring for a client receiving Magnesium Sulfate for preeclampsia. Which
assessment finding should the nurse report immediately?
A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
, B. Deep tendon reflexes 2+
C. Urine output of 40 mL/hr
D. Serum magnesium level of 6 mg/dL
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium toxicity leads to central nervous system depression.
A respiratory rate below 12/min, loss of DTRs, and decreased urine output are critical
signs of toxicity.
5. A client at 32 weeks gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. The
nurse suspects which condition?
A. Abruptio placentae
B. Placenta previa
C. Uterine rupture
D. Ectopic pregnancy
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the second or third
trimester is a hallmark sign of placenta previa. Abruption is typically painful and dark red.
6. Which maneuver is used by the nurse to determine the fetal presentation and position by
palpating the maternal abdomen?
A. Mauriceau maneuver
NURSING PRACTICE EXAM 1
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is calculating the expected date of delivery (EDD) for a client whose last menstrual
period (LMP) began on March 10. Using Nagele’s rule, what is the correct EDD?
A. December 17
B. December 10
C. January 17
D. December 3
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Nagele’s rule involves subtracting 3 months from the first day of
the LMP and adding 7 days and 1 year. March 10 minus 3 months is December, plus 7 days
is December 17.
2. A client at 10 weeks of gestation reports a bluish-purple coloration of the vaginal mucosa
and cervix. The nurse documents this finding as:
A. Chadwick’s sign
,B. Goodell’s sign
C. Hegar’s sign
D. Ballottement
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Chadwick’s sign is a bluish-purple coloration of the vaginal
mucosa and cervix due to increased vascularity. Hegar’s is softening of the lower uterine
segment, and Goodell’s is softening of the cervical tip.
3. Which of the following laboratory results is a classic finding in a client diagnosed with
HELLP syndrome?
A. Elevated hemoglobin
B. Elevated liver enzymes
C. Low serum creatinine
D. Increased platelet count
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low
Platelets. Elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT) indicate liver involvement.
4. A nurse is caring for a client receiving Magnesium Sulfate for preeclampsia. Which
assessment finding should the nurse report immediately?
A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
, B. Deep tendon reflexes 2+
C. Urine output of 40 mL/hr
D. Serum magnesium level of 6 mg/dL
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium toxicity leads to central nervous system depression.
A respiratory rate below 12/min, loss of DTRs, and decreased urine output are critical
signs of toxicity.
5. A client at 32 weeks gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. The
nurse suspects which condition?
A. Abruptio placentae
B. Placenta previa
C. Uterine rupture
D. Ectopic pregnancy
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the second or third
trimester is a hallmark sign of placenta previa. Abruption is typically painful and dark red.
6. Which maneuver is used by the nurse to determine the fetal presentation and position by
palpating the maternal abdomen?
A. Mauriceau maneuver
