NURS 6403 FINAL EXAM REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
PRIMARY CARE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS |
2026/2027 CAPELLA UNIVERSITY –
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS |
VERIFIED AND WELL-DETAILED ANSWERS |
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS AND RATIONALES |
COMPLETE EXAM PREPARATION STUDY GUIDE |
PRACTICE QUESTIONS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1.
Which component of a reproductive health history is most important for determining a
patient's current risk for sexually transmitted infections?
A. Age at menarche
B. Number and gender of current and recent sexual partners
C. History of childhood illnesses
D. Family history of hypertension
Correct Answer: B. Number and gender of current and recent sexual partners
Explanation: A detailed sexual history helps identify exposure risks for sexually transmitted
infections. The number and types of partners, partner characteristics, sexual practices, and
barrier use are particularly relevant when determining STI risk and appropriate screening.
Question 2.
Which approach best demonstrates trauma-informed care during a reproductive health
examination?
A. Proceeding rapidly without explaining the examination
B. Asking the patient to remain silent during the examination
C. Explaining each step and obtaining permission before proceeding
D. Avoiding discussion of previous traumatic experiences
Correct Answer: C. Explaining each step and obtaining permission before proceeding
,Explanation: Trauma-informed care emphasizes safety, control, transparency, and patient
autonomy. Explaining what will happen and obtaining permission can reduce anxiety and
promote trust.
Question 3.
A patient reports having regular menstrual cycles every 28 days. Which phase of the
menstrual cycle is characterized by ovulation in a typical cycle?
A. Follicular phase
B. Ovulatory phase
C. Menstrual phase
D. Early luteal phase
Correct Answer: B. Ovulatory phase
Explanation: Ovulation occurs when the dominant ovarian follicle releases an oocyte,
typically around the middle of a regular cycle. The timing varies among individuals and
cycles.
Question 4.
Which hormone is primarily responsible for triggering ovulation?
A. Follicle-stimulating hormone
B. Prolactin
C. Luteinizing hormone
D. Progesterone
Correct Answer: C. Luteinizing hormone
Explanation: A midcycle surge in luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation. FSH contributes to
follicular development, while progesterone becomes dominant after ovulation.
Question 5.
Which finding is most characteristic of primary dysmenorrhea?
A. Pelvic pain caused by an identifiable pelvic mass
B. Menstrual pain without an underlying pelvic pathology
C. Pain occurring only after menopause
D. Pain caused exclusively by pelvic infection
Correct Answer: B. Menstrual pain without an underlying pelvic pathology
Explanation: Primary dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation without an identifiable
structural pelvic abnormality. Prostaglandin-mediated uterine contractions are an important
mechanism.
,Question 6.
A patient with dysmenorrhea asks why an NSAID is recommended. What is the best
explanation?
A. NSAIDs increase progesterone production
B. NSAIDs suppress ovarian follicle development
C. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis
D. NSAIDs permanently prevent uterine contractions
Correct Answer: C. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis
Explanation: NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes and reduce prostaglandin production.
Because prostaglandins contribute to uterine contractions and menstrual pain, NSAIDs are
effective for dysmenorrhea.
Question 7.
Which symptom should raise concern for secondary dysmenorrhea rather than primary
dysmenorrhea?
A. Cramping beginning shortly before menstruation
B. Pain that improves with NSAIDs
C. New severe menstrual pain in adulthood
D. Mild pelvic discomfort during the first day of menses
Correct Answer: C. New severe menstrual pain in adulthood
Explanation: New or progressively worsening dysmenorrhea, particularly later in
reproductive life, suggests an underlying condition such as endometriosis, adenomyosis,
fibroids, or pelvic pathology.
Question 8.
Which condition is characterized by endometrial-like tissue located outside the uterine
cavity?
A. Endometriosis
B. Cervicitis
C. Vaginitis
D. Leiomyoma
Correct Answer: A. Endometriosis
Explanation: Endometriosis involves endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. It may cause
dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, infertility, and other symptoms.
Question 9.
, Which presentation is particularly suggestive of endometriosis?
A. Painless menstruation with regular cycles
B. Cyclic pelvic pain and deep dyspareunia
C. Isolated urinary frequency without pelvic symptoms
D. Asymptomatic vaginal discharge
Correct Answer: B. Cyclic pelvic pain and deep dyspareunia
Explanation: Endometriosis commonly produces cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, deep
dyspareunia, and sometimes infertility. Symptoms vary considerably among patients.
Question 10.
Which uterine condition commonly presents with heavy menstrual bleeding and an enlarged
irregular uterus?
A. Uterine leiomyomas
B. Vulvovaginal candidiasis
C. Cervicitis
D. Genital herpes
Correct Answer: A. Uterine leiomyomas
Explanation: Leiomyomas, also called fibroids, are benign smooth-muscle tumors of the
uterus. Depending on their size and location, they can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure,
pain, and reproductive problems.
Question 11.
A patient reports heavy menstrual bleeding. Which history question is most useful for
assessing the severity of bleeding?
A. "What was your first childhood vaccination?"
B. "How frequently are you changing pads or tampons?"
C. "What is your favorite exercise?"
D. "When did you last have a dental cleaning?"
Correct Answer: B. "How frequently are you changing pads or tampons?"
Explanation: Quantifying menstrual product use helps estimate bleeding severity. Additional
questions should address flooding, passage of clots, duration, nighttime changes, fatigue,
dizziness, and effects on daily activities.
Question 12.
Which laboratory test is particularly important when evaluating reproductive-age patients
with abnormal uterine bleeding?
PRIMARY CARE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS |
2026/2027 CAPELLA UNIVERSITY –
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS |
VERIFIED AND WELL-DETAILED ANSWERS |
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS AND RATIONALES |
COMPLETE EXAM PREPARATION STUDY GUIDE |
PRACTICE QUESTIONS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1.
Which component of a reproductive health history is most important for determining a
patient's current risk for sexually transmitted infections?
A. Age at menarche
B. Number and gender of current and recent sexual partners
C. History of childhood illnesses
D. Family history of hypertension
Correct Answer: B. Number and gender of current and recent sexual partners
Explanation: A detailed sexual history helps identify exposure risks for sexually transmitted
infections. The number and types of partners, partner characteristics, sexual practices, and
barrier use are particularly relevant when determining STI risk and appropriate screening.
Question 2.
Which approach best demonstrates trauma-informed care during a reproductive health
examination?
A. Proceeding rapidly without explaining the examination
B. Asking the patient to remain silent during the examination
C. Explaining each step and obtaining permission before proceeding
D. Avoiding discussion of previous traumatic experiences
Correct Answer: C. Explaining each step and obtaining permission before proceeding
,Explanation: Trauma-informed care emphasizes safety, control, transparency, and patient
autonomy. Explaining what will happen and obtaining permission can reduce anxiety and
promote trust.
Question 3.
A patient reports having regular menstrual cycles every 28 days. Which phase of the
menstrual cycle is characterized by ovulation in a typical cycle?
A. Follicular phase
B. Ovulatory phase
C. Menstrual phase
D. Early luteal phase
Correct Answer: B. Ovulatory phase
Explanation: Ovulation occurs when the dominant ovarian follicle releases an oocyte,
typically around the middle of a regular cycle. The timing varies among individuals and
cycles.
Question 4.
Which hormone is primarily responsible for triggering ovulation?
A. Follicle-stimulating hormone
B. Prolactin
C. Luteinizing hormone
D. Progesterone
Correct Answer: C. Luteinizing hormone
Explanation: A midcycle surge in luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation. FSH contributes to
follicular development, while progesterone becomes dominant after ovulation.
Question 5.
Which finding is most characteristic of primary dysmenorrhea?
A. Pelvic pain caused by an identifiable pelvic mass
B. Menstrual pain without an underlying pelvic pathology
C. Pain occurring only after menopause
D. Pain caused exclusively by pelvic infection
Correct Answer: B. Menstrual pain without an underlying pelvic pathology
Explanation: Primary dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation without an identifiable
structural pelvic abnormality. Prostaglandin-mediated uterine contractions are an important
mechanism.
,Question 6.
A patient with dysmenorrhea asks why an NSAID is recommended. What is the best
explanation?
A. NSAIDs increase progesterone production
B. NSAIDs suppress ovarian follicle development
C. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis
D. NSAIDs permanently prevent uterine contractions
Correct Answer: C. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis
Explanation: NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes and reduce prostaglandin production.
Because prostaglandins contribute to uterine contractions and menstrual pain, NSAIDs are
effective for dysmenorrhea.
Question 7.
Which symptom should raise concern for secondary dysmenorrhea rather than primary
dysmenorrhea?
A. Cramping beginning shortly before menstruation
B. Pain that improves with NSAIDs
C. New severe menstrual pain in adulthood
D. Mild pelvic discomfort during the first day of menses
Correct Answer: C. New severe menstrual pain in adulthood
Explanation: New or progressively worsening dysmenorrhea, particularly later in
reproductive life, suggests an underlying condition such as endometriosis, adenomyosis,
fibroids, or pelvic pathology.
Question 8.
Which condition is characterized by endometrial-like tissue located outside the uterine
cavity?
A. Endometriosis
B. Cervicitis
C. Vaginitis
D. Leiomyoma
Correct Answer: A. Endometriosis
Explanation: Endometriosis involves endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. It may cause
dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, infertility, and other symptoms.
Question 9.
, Which presentation is particularly suggestive of endometriosis?
A. Painless menstruation with regular cycles
B. Cyclic pelvic pain and deep dyspareunia
C. Isolated urinary frequency without pelvic symptoms
D. Asymptomatic vaginal discharge
Correct Answer: B. Cyclic pelvic pain and deep dyspareunia
Explanation: Endometriosis commonly produces cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, deep
dyspareunia, and sometimes infertility. Symptoms vary considerably among patients.
Question 10.
Which uterine condition commonly presents with heavy menstrual bleeding and an enlarged
irregular uterus?
A. Uterine leiomyomas
B. Vulvovaginal candidiasis
C. Cervicitis
D. Genital herpes
Correct Answer: A. Uterine leiomyomas
Explanation: Leiomyomas, also called fibroids, are benign smooth-muscle tumors of the
uterus. Depending on their size and location, they can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure,
pain, and reproductive problems.
Question 11.
A patient reports heavy menstrual bleeding. Which history question is most useful for
assessing the severity of bleeding?
A. "What was your first childhood vaccination?"
B. "How frequently are you changing pads or tampons?"
C. "What is your favorite exercise?"
D. "When did you last have a dental cleaning?"
Correct Answer: B. "How frequently are you changing pads or tampons?"
Explanation: Quantifying menstrual product use helps estimate bleeding severity. Additional
questions should address flooding, passage of clots, duration, nighttime changes, fatigue,
dizziness, and effects on daily activities.
Question 12.
Which laboratory test is particularly important when evaluating reproductive-age patients
with abnormal uterine bleeding?
