NSG 3500 MATERNAL HEALTH
NURSING PRACTICE EXAM 1
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation. The client’s GTPAL history is as
follows: currently pregnant, one elective abortion at 8 weeks, one miscarriage at 12 weeks,
and a daughter born at 39 weeks. What is the correct GTPAL?
A. G3, T0, P2, A1, L1
B. G3, T1, P1, A1, L1
C. G4, T2, P0, A1, L1
D. G4, T1, P0, A2, L1
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: G (Gravida) is 4 (current pregnancy, elective abortion,
miscarriage, daughter). T (Term) is 1 (daughter born at 39 weeks). P (Preterm) is 0. A
(Abortions/Miscarriages) is 2 (8 weeks and 12 weeks). L (Living) is 1.
,2. Using Naegele’s rule, what is the estimated date of delivery (EDD) for a client whose last
menstrual period (LMP) began on February 14th?
A. November 7th
B. November 21st
C. October 21st
D. November 28th
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Naegele’s rule: Subtract 3 months from the LMP and add 7 days.
Feb 14 minus 3 months is Nov 14, plus 7 days is Nov 21.
3. A nurse notes a pattern of late decelerations on the fetal monitor. Which of the following is
the priority nursing action?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate
B. Perform a vaginal exam to check for cord prolapse
C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannulae at 2L/min
D. Position the client in a lateral (side-lying) position
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The
priority action is to improve blood flow to the placenta, achieved by repositioning the client
to her side.
, 4. Which clinical finding is considered a ‘positive’ sign of pregnancy?
A. Positive serum pregnancy test
B. Fetal heart tones heard via Doppler
C. Chadwick’s sign
D. Uterine enlargement
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Positive signs of pregnancy are those that can be attributed only
to a fetus: fetal heart sounds, visualization of the fetus by ultrasound, and palpation of fetal
movement by an examiner.
5. A client at 34 weeks gestation reports a sudden onset of dark red vaginal bleeding and a
board-like, tender abdomen. The nurse suspects:
A. Placenta Previa
B. Abruptio Placentae
C. Vasa Previa
D. Uterine Rupture
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Abruptio Placentae is characterized by painful, dark red
bleeding and a rigid (board-like) abdomen. Placenta previa is usually painless and bright
red.
NURSING PRACTICE EXAM 1
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation. The client’s GTPAL history is as
follows: currently pregnant, one elective abortion at 8 weeks, one miscarriage at 12 weeks,
and a daughter born at 39 weeks. What is the correct GTPAL?
A. G3, T0, P2, A1, L1
B. G3, T1, P1, A1, L1
C. G4, T2, P0, A1, L1
D. G4, T1, P0, A2, L1
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: G (Gravida) is 4 (current pregnancy, elective abortion,
miscarriage, daughter). T (Term) is 1 (daughter born at 39 weeks). P (Preterm) is 0. A
(Abortions/Miscarriages) is 2 (8 weeks and 12 weeks). L (Living) is 1.
,2. Using Naegele’s rule, what is the estimated date of delivery (EDD) for a client whose last
menstrual period (LMP) began on February 14th?
A. November 7th
B. November 21st
C. October 21st
D. November 28th
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Naegele’s rule: Subtract 3 months from the LMP and add 7 days.
Feb 14 minus 3 months is Nov 14, plus 7 days is Nov 21.
3. A nurse notes a pattern of late decelerations on the fetal monitor. Which of the following is
the priority nursing action?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate
B. Perform a vaginal exam to check for cord prolapse
C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannulae at 2L/min
D. Position the client in a lateral (side-lying) position
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The
priority action is to improve blood flow to the placenta, achieved by repositioning the client
to her side.
, 4. Which clinical finding is considered a ‘positive’ sign of pregnancy?
A. Positive serum pregnancy test
B. Fetal heart tones heard via Doppler
C. Chadwick’s sign
D. Uterine enlargement
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Positive signs of pregnancy are those that can be attributed only
to a fetus: fetal heart sounds, visualization of the fetus by ultrasound, and palpation of fetal
movement by an examiner.
5. A client at 34 weeks gestation reports a sudden onset of dark red vaginal bleeding and a
board-like, tender abdomen. The nurse suspects:
A. Placenta Previa
B. Abruptio Placentae
C. Vasa Previa
D. Uterine Rupture
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Abruptio Placentae is characterized by painful, dark red
bleeding and a rigid (board-like) abdomen. Placenta previa is usually painless and bright
red.
