FOCUSED PRACTICE TEST * 2026/2027
NR602
Postpartum & Maternal
Complications
100-Question Focused Practice Test
Postpartum recovery, hemorrhage, hypertensive emergencies, infection, thromboembolism, breastfeeding
complications, mental health, pelvic-floor recovery, and high-risk follow-up.
100 A-D 100
Practice Questions Multiple Choice Immediate Explanations
Original study and revision material * Clean print-ready format * PassPointPro
, NR602 Postpartum & Maternal Complications
100 original questions with the answer and explanation immediately after every question.
Instructions: Select the best answer for each question. The correct answer and explanation appear immediately after every item.
Questions are original and focus on postpartum recovery, maternal complications, emergency recognition, and primary-care follow-up.
Focused Mixed Review
1 Which lochia pattern is most typical during the first few postpartum days?
A Lochia alba that is white from the first hour after birth.
B No vaginal discharge at all after delivery.
C Persistent foul-smelling green discharge as a normal finding.
D Lochia rubra that is red and may contain small clots.
Answer: D. Lochia rubra that is red and may contain small clots.
Explanation: Lochia rubra is expected early postpartum and is mainly blood, decidual tissue, and mucus. The amount should
gradually decrease; heavy bleeding, large clots, or foul odor warrants evaluation.
2 A postpartum patient's lochia has changed from red to pink-brown several days after delivery.
What does this most likely represent?
A Normal progression to lochia serosa.
B Postpartum hemorrhage in every case.
C A retained placenta is certain.
D Normal lochia must remain bright red for 6 weeks.
Answer: A. Normal progression to lochia serosa.
Explanation: Lochia commonly progresses from rubra to serosa and later to alba. A gradual change toward lighter color and lower
volume is expected during uncomplicated recovery.
NR602 * Postpartum & Maternal Complications * 100 Questions Page 2
, 3 Which finding is most consistent with lochia alba?
A Bright red brisk bleeding with large clots.
B Purulent discharge with fever and uterine tenderness.
C A whitish or yellow-white discharge occurring later in the postpartum period.
D A sudden gush of blood with hypotension.
Answer: C. A whitish or yellow-white discharge occurring later in the postpartum period.
Explanation: Lochia alba is the later, lighter phase of postpartum uterine discharge. Foul odor, fever, heavy bleeding, or
hemodynamic symptoms are not normal features.
4 How does the uterine fundus normally change after birth?
A It rises higher each day for 6 weeks.
B It gradually descends as the uterus involutes.
C It remains at the umbilicus until the first menses.
D It becomes progressively softer and larger.
Answer: B. It gradually descends as the uterus involutes.
Explanation: Postpartum uterine involution causes the fundus to become smaller and descend over time. Failure to involute
appropriately can be associated with retained tissue, infection, or other pathology.
5 A firm, midline uterus is palpated shortly after delivery. What does this finding generally
suggest?
A Uterine atony is present.
B A concealed hematoma is certain.
C The patient has endometritis.
D The uterus is contracting appropriately.
Answer: D. The uterus is contracting appropriately.
Explanation: A firm, contracted uterus helps compress uterine vessels and limit bleeding. A boggy uterus raises concern for uterine
atony, a common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
NR602 * Postpartum & Maternal Complications * 100 Questions Page 3
, 6 A postpartum patient has a boggy uterus that is displaced to the right. What should be
considered first?
A A distended bladder interfering with uterine contraction.
B Normal involution with no need for assessment.
C Pulmonary embolism.
D Postpartum thyroiditis.
Answer: A. A distended bladder interfering with uterine contraction.
Explanation: A full bladder can displace the uterus and contribute to poor uterine tone. Assisting the patient to void or evaluating for
urinary retention can help restore midline uterine position and contraction.
7 Why are afterpains often stronger in multiparous patients and during breastfeeding?
A Breastfeeding suppresses all uterine activity.
B Afterpains indicate retained placenta in every patient.
C Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, and a previously stretched uterus may contract more noticeably.
D They are caused only by bladder infection.
Answer: C. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, and a previously stretched uterus may contract more
noticeably.
Explanation: Oxytocin released with breastfeeding promotes uterine contraction. Multiparous patients may experience stronger
cramping because uterine muscle tone and prior stretching differ from a first birth.
8 Which postpartum change commonly contributes to increased urination and sweating during
the first days after birth?
A Complete renal shutdown.
B Mobilization and excretion of excess pregnancy-related fluid.
C Severe dehydration in every patient.
D Loss of all antidiuretic hormone production.
Answer: B. Mobilization and excretion of excess pregnancy-related fluid.
Explanation: Postpartum diuresis and diaphoresis help the body eliminate fluid retained during pregnancy. Excessive symptoms
accompanied by dizziness, hypotension, or poor intake require further assessment.
NR602 * Postpartum & Maternal Complications * 100 Questions Page 4
NR602
Postpartum & Maternal
Complications
100-Question Focused Practice Test
Postpartum recovery, hemorrhage, hypertensive emergencies, infection, thromboembolism, breastfeeding
complications, mental health, pelvic-floor recovery, and high-risk follow-up.
100 A-D 100
Practice Questions Multiple Choice Immediate Explanations
Original study and revision material * Clean print-ready format * PassPointPro
, NR602 Postpartum & Maternal Complications
100 original questions with the answer and explanation immediately after every question.
Instructions: Select the best answer for each question. The correct answer and explanation appear immediately after every item.
Questions are original and focus on postpartum recovery, maternal complications, emergency recognition, and primary-care follow-up.
Focused Mixed Review
1 Which lochia pattern is most typical during the first few postpartum days?
A Lochia alba that is white from the first hour after birth.
B No vaginal discharge at all after delivery.
C Persistent foul-smelling green discharge as a normal finding.
D Lochia rubra that is red and may contain small clots.
Answer: D. Lochia rubra that is red and may contain small clots.
Explanation: Lochia rubra is expected early postpartum and is mainly blood, decidual tissue, and mucus. The amount should
gradually decrease; heavy bleeding, large clots, or foul odor warrants evaluation.
2 A postpartum patient's lochia has changed from red to pink-brown several days after delivery.
What does this most likely represent?
A Normal progression to lochia serosa.
B Postpartum hemorrhage in every case.
C A retained placenta is certain.
D Normal lochia must remain bright red for 6 weeks.
Answer: A. Normal progression to lochia serosa.
Explanation: Lochia commonly progresses from rubra to serosa and later to alba. A gradual change toward lighter color and lower
volume is expected during uncomplicated recovery.
NR602 * Postpartum & Maternal Complications * 100 Questions Page 2
, 3 Which finding is most consistent with lochia alba?
A Bright red brisk bleeding with large clots.
B Purulent discharge with fever and uterine tenderness.
C A whitish or yellow-white discharge occurring later in the postpartum period.
D A sudden gush of blood with hypotension.
Answer: C. A whitish or yellow-white discharge occurring later in the postpartum period.
Explanation: Lochia alba is the later, lighter phase of postpartum uterine discharge. Foul odor, fever, heavy bleeding, or
hemodynamic symptoms are not normal features.
4 How does the uterine fundus normally change after birth?
A It rises higher each day for 6 weeks.
B It gradually descends as the uterus involutes.
C It remains at the umbilicus until the first menses.
D It becomes progressively softer and larger.
Answer: B. It gradually descends as the uterus involutes.
Explanation: Postpartum uterine involution causes the fundus to become smaller and descend over time. Failure to involute
appropriately can be associated with retained tissue, infection, or other pathology.
5 A firm, midline uterus is palpated shortly after delivery. What does this finding generally
suggest?
A Uterine atony is present.
B A concealed hematoma is certain.
C The patient has endometritis.
D The uterus is contracting appropriately.
Answer: D. The uterus is contracting appropriately.
Explanation: A firm, contracted uterus helps compress uterine vessels and limit bleeding. A boggy uterus raises concern for uterine
atony, a common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
NR602 * Postpartum & Maternal Complications * 100 Questions Page 3
, 6 A postpartum patient has a boggy uterus that is displaced to the right. What should be
considered first?
A A distended bladder interfering with uterine contraction.
B Normal involution with no need for assessment.
C Pulmonary embolism.
D Postpartum thyroiditis.
Answer: A. A distended bladder interfering with uterine contraction.
Explanation: A full bladder can displace the uterus and contribute to poor uterine tone. Assisting the patient to void or evaluating for
urinary retention can help restore midline uterine position and contraction.
7 Why are afterpains often stronger in multiparous patients and during breastfeeding?
A Breastfeeding suppresses all uterine activity.
B Afterpains indicate retained placenta in every patient.
C Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, and a previously stretched uterus may contract more noticeably.
D They are caused only by bladder infection.
Answer: C. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, and a previously stretched uterus may contract more
noticeably.
Explanation: Oxytocin released with breastfeeding promotes uterine contraction. Multiparous patients may experience stronger
cramping because uterine muscle tone and prior stretching differ from a first birth.
8 Which postpartum change commonly contributes to increased urination and sweating during
the first days after birth?
A Complete renal shutdown.
B Mobilization and excretion of excess pregnancy-related fluid.
C Severe dehydration in every patient.
D Loss of all antidiuretic hormone production.
Answer: B. Mobilization and excretion of excess pregnancy-related fluid.
Explanation: Postpartum diuresis and diaphoresis help the body eliminate fluid retained during pregnancy. Excessive symptoms
accompanied by dizziness, hypotension, or poor intake require further assessment.
NR602 * Postpartum & Maternal Complications * 100 Questions Page 4
