,NU 171/NU171 Exam 1 | Maternal Child Nursing (2026)
Q&A | Galen College
1. Which sign is the most reliable indicator of true labor?
A) Irregular contractions that subside with walking
B) Contractions that increase in intensity and frequency
C) Bloody show without contractions
D) Rupture of membranes before contractions begin
Correct Answer: Contractions that increase in intensity and frequency
Rationale: True labor is characterized by regular contractions that become stronger,
longer, and closer together over time. Irregular contractions that ease with rest are
typical of false labor. Bloody show and rupture of membranes can occur in both true
and false l abor and are not definitive alone. Progressive cervical change is the most
reliable indicator, but among the options provided, increasing intensity and
frequency of contractions best describes true labor.
2. The nurse is teaching a pregnant client about signs of false labor. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding?
A) False labor contractions are regular and intensify with activity.
B) False labor contractions are irregular and often stop when I walk or rest.
C) False labor always includes a bloody show.
D) False labor means my baby is in distress.
Correct Answer: False labor contractions are irregular and often stop when I walk
or rest.
Rationale: Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, do not increase in intensity or
frequency, and often subside with position changes or rest. True labor contractions
are regular and progressive. Bloody show is not a defining feature of false labor.
False labor do es not indicate fetal distress.
,3. A nurse is calculating an estimated due date using Naegele's rule. The client's last
menstrual period began on October 13. What is the expected date of delivery?
A) July 20
B) July 13
C) August 20
D) August 13
Correct Answer: July 20
Rationale: Naegele's rule calculates EDD by subtracting 3 months from the first day
of the LMP and adding 7 days: October 13 minus 3 months equals July 13, plus 7 days
equals July 20. This assumes a 28 - day menstrual cycle with ovulation on day 14. The
other options reflect incorrect arithmetic or misinterpretation of the rule.
4. A client is currently pregnant and has a history of one term birth, one preterm
birth, and one miscarriage. She has two living children. Which GTPAL notation is
correct?
A) G3 T1 P1 A1 L2
B) G4 T1 P1 A1 L2
C) G4 T2 P0 A1 L2
D) G3 T2 P0 A1 L2
Correct Answer: G4 T1 P1 A1 L2
Rationale: The current pregnancy is included in gravida, giving G4. The history
includes one term birth, one preterm birth, one abortion or miscarriage, and two
living children. GTPAL stands for Gravida, Term, Preterm, Abortions, and Living
children. The correct not ation reflects all components accurately.
5. Which finding is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A) Fetal heart tones
B) Amenorrhea
C) Ultrasound visualization of the fetus
, D) Fetal movement palpated by the examiner
Correct Answer: Amenorrhea
Rationale: Amenorrhea is a subjective or presumptive sign because causes other
than pregnancy can result in absent menstruation. Fetal heart tones, ultrasound
visualization of the fetus, and fetal movement palpated by the examiner are positive
signs of pregnancy tha t can only be attributed to the presence of a fetus.
6. Which finding is considered a probable sign of pregnancy?
A) Positive pregnancy test
B) Fetal heart tones
C) Amenorrhea
D) Fetal movement palpated by the examiner
Correct Answer: Positive pregnancy test
Rationale: Probable signs of pregnancy are objective findings that can be detected
by the examiner but are not definitive proof of a fetus. A positive pregnancy test is a
probable sign because it detects hCG, which can be elevated in conditions other
than pregnancy. Fetal heart tones and palpated fetal movement are positive signs.
Amenorrhea is a presumptive sign.
7. Which client should receive postpartum Rho(D) immune globulin when indicated?
A) Rh - positive mother with Rh - negative newborn
B) Rh - negative mother with Rh - positive newborn
C) Rh - positive mother with Rh - positive newborn
D) Rh - negative mother with Rh - negative newborn
Correct Answer: Rh - negative mother with Rh - positive newborn
Rationale: Rho(D) immune globulin prevents an unsensitized Rh - negative client
from forming antibodies against Rh - positive fetal red blood cells. It is indicated
Q&A | Galen College
1. Which sign is the most reliable indicator of true labor?
A) Irregular contractions that subside with walking
B) Contractions that increase in intensity and frequency
C) Bloody show without contractions
D) Rupture of membranes before contractions begin
Correct Answer: Contractions that increase in intensity and frequency
Rationale: True labor is characterized by regular contractions that become stronger,
longer, and closer together over time. Irregular contractions that ease with rest are
typical of false labor. Bloody show and rupture of membranes can occur in both true
and false l abor and are not definitive alone. Progressive cervical change is the most
reliable indicator, but among the options provided, increasing intensity and
frequency of contractions best describes true labor.
2. The nurse is teaching a pregnant client about signs of false labor. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding?
A) False labor contractions are regular and intensify with activity.
B) False labor contractions are irregular and often stop when I walk or rest.
C) False labor always includes a bloody show.
D) False labor means my baby is in distress.
Correct Answer: False labor contractions are irregular and often stop when I walk
or rest.
Rationale: Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, do not increase in intensity or
frequency, and often subside with position changes or rest. True labor contractions
are regular and progressive. Bloody show is not a defining feature of false labor.
False labor do es not indicate fetal distress.
,3. A nurse is calculating an estimated due date using Naegele's rule. The client's last
menstrual period began on October 13. What is the expected date of delivery?
A) July 20
B) July 13
C) August 20
D) August 13
Correct Answer: July 20
Rationale: Naegele's rule calculates EDD by subtracting 3 months from the first day
of the LMP and adding 7 days: October 13 minus 3 months equals July 13, plus 7 days
equals July 20. This assumes a 28 - day menstrual cycle with ovulation on day 14. The
other options reflect incorrect arithmetic or misinterpretation of the rule.
4. A client is currently pregnant and has a history of one term birth, one preterm
birth, and one miscarriage. She has two living children. Which GTPAL notation is
correct?
A) G3 T1 P1 A1 L2
B) G4 T1 P1 A1 L2
C) G4 T2 P0 A1 L2
D) G3 T2 P0 A1 L2
Correct Answer: G4 T1 P1 A1 L2
Rationale: The current pregnancy is included in gravida, giving G4. The history
includes one term birth, one preterm birth, one abortion or miscarriage, and two
living children. GTPAL stands for Gravida, Term, Preterm, Abortions, and Living
children. The correct not ation reflects all components accurately.
5. Which finding is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A) Fetal heart tones
B) Amenorrhea
C) Ultrasound visualization of the fetus
, D) Fetal movement palpated by the examiner
Correct Answer: Amenorrhea
Rationale: Amenorrhea is a subjective or presumptive sign because causes other
than pregnancy can result in absent menstruation. Fetal heart tones, ultrasound
visualization of the fetus, and fetal movement palpated by the examiner are positive
signs of pregnancy tha t can only be attributed to the presence of a fetus.
6. Which finding is considered a probable sign of pregnancy?
A) Positive pregnancy test
B) Fetal heart tones
C) Amenorrhea
D) Fetal movement palpated by the examiner
Correct Answer: Positive pregnancy test
Rationale: Probable signs of pregnancy are objective findings that can be detected
by the examiner but are not definitive proof of a fetus. A positive pregnancy test is a
probable sign because it detects hCG, which can be elevated in conditions other
than pregnancy. Fetal heart tones and palpated fetal movement are positive signs.
Amenorrhea is a presumptive sign.
7. Which client should receive postpartum Rho(D) immune globulin when indicated?
A) Rh - positive mother with Rh - negative newborn
B) Rh - negative mother with Rh - positive newborn
C) Rh - positive mother with Rh - positive newborn
D) Rh - negative mother with Rh - negative newborn
Correct Answer: Rh - negative mother with Rh - positive newborn
Rationale: Rho(D) immune globulin prevents an unsensitized Rh - negative client
from forming antibodies against Rh - positive fetal red blood cells. It is indicated
