NR 602 – Week 3 Comprehensive Study Guide for Maternal
& Child Health Nursing – High-Yield Concepts & Rationale
Explained Most-Tested Practice Questions with Answers &
Rationales
Q1: A 28-year-old primigravida presents at 10 weeks gestation for her first prenatal visit. Which
of the following assessments is most important to perform first?
A. Fundal height measurement
B. Review of immunization history
C. Pelvic examination and Pap smear
D. Assessment of fetal heart tones
Answer: B. Review of immunization history
Rationale: Early prenatal visits focus on maternal health and risk factors, including immunity to
rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B.
Q2: Which finding during the first trimester indicates a potential high-risk pregnancy?
A. Mild nausea
B. Systolic blood pressure of 150 mmHg
C. Breast tenderness
D. Heartburn
Answer: B. Systolic blood pressure of 150 mmHg
Rationale: Elevated BP in early pregnancy may indicate chronic hypertension, increasing
maternal/fetal risk.
Q3: A pregnant client at 20 weeks gestation reports sudden abdominal pain and vaginal
bleeding. The nurse should first:
A. Reassure the patient
B. Assess vital signs and fetal heart rate
C. Schedule a routine prenatal visit
D. Advise rest at home
Answer: B. Assess vital signs and fetal heart rate
Rationale: These are signs of possible miscarriage or placental complications requiring urgent
evaluation.
, Q4: Which prenatal lab test detects neural tube defects?
A. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP)
B. Group B streptococcus screening
C. Rubella titer
D. CBC
Answer: A. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP)
Rationale: MSAFP screening between 16–18 weeks identifies neural tube defects.
Q5: A 32-week gestation patient reports decreased fetal movement for 24 hours. The most
appropriate action is:
A. Drink cold water and rest
B. Monitor movements for a week
C. Perform immediate fetal assessment (NST/BPP)
D. Reassure patient
Answer: C. Perform immediate fetal assessment (NST/BPP)
Rationale: Decreased movement may indicate fetal compromise; prompt evaluation is critical.
Q6: Most effective intervention for preventing gestational diabetes complications:
A. Limiting prenatal visits
B. Daily glucose monitoring and dietary management
C. Strict bed rest
D. Avoiding all carbohydrates
Answer: B. Daily glucose monitoring and dietary management
Rationale: Early detection and management reduce maternal/fetal complications.
Q7: A patient at 28 weeks gestation has BP 160/100 mmHg with proteinuria. The nurse should
suspect:
A. Hyperemesis gravidarum
B. Preeclampsia
C. Normal pregnancy
D. Gestational diabetes
Answer: B. Preeclampsia
Rationale: Hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks indicate preeclampsia requiring urgent
monitoring.
& Child Health Nursing – High-Yield Concepts & Rationale
Explained Most-Tested Practice Questions with Answers &
Rationales
Q1: A 28-year-old primigravida presents at 10 weeks gestation for her first prenatal visit. Which
of the following assessments is most important to perform first?
A. Fundal height measurement
B. Review of immunization history
C. Pelvic examination and Pap smear
D. Assessment of fetal heart tones
Answer: B. Review of immunization history
Rationale: Early prenatal visits focus on maternal health and risk factors, including immunity to
rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B.
Q2: Which finding during the first trimester indicates a potential high-risk pregnancy?
A. Mild nausea
B. Systolic blood pressure of 150 mmHg
C. Breast tenderness
D. Heartburn
Answer: B. Systolic blood pressure of 150 mmHg
Rationale: Elevated BP in early pregnancy may indicate chronic hypertension, increasing
maternal/fetal risk.
Q3: A pregnant client at 20 weeks gestation reports sudden abdominal pain and vaginal
bleeding. The nurse should first:
A. Reassure the patient
B. Assess vital signs and fetal heart rate
C. Schedule a routine prenatal visit
D. Advise rest at home
Answer: B. Assess vital signs and fetal heart rate
Rationale: These are signs of possible miscarriage or placental complications requiring urgent
evaluation.
, Q4: Which prenatal lab test detects neural tube defects?
A. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP)
B. Group B streptococcus screening
C. Rubella titer
D. CBC
Answer: A. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP)
Rationale: MSAFP screening between 16–18 weeks identifies neural tube defects.
Q5: A 32-week gestation patient reports decreased fetal movement for 24 hours. The most
appropriate action is:
A. Drink cold water and rest
B. Monitor movements for a week
C. Perform immediate fetal assessment (NST/BPP)
D. Reassure patient
Answer: C. Perform immediate fetal assessment (NST/BPP)
Rationale: Decreased movement may indicate fetal compromise; prompt evaluation is critical.
Q6: Most effective intervention for preventing gestational diabetes complications:
A. Limiting prenatal visits
B. Daily glucose monitoring and dietary management
C. Strict bed rest
D. Avoiding all carbohydrates
Answer: B. Daily glucose monitoring and dietary management
Rationale: Early detection and management reduce maternal/fetal complications.
Q7: A patient at 28 weeks gestation has BP 160/100 mmHg with proteinuria. The nurse should
suspect:
A. Hyperemesis gravidarum
B. Preeclampsia
C. Normal pregnancy
D. Gestational diabetes
Answer: B. Preeclampsia
Rationale: Hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks indicate preeclampsia requiring urgent
monitoring.
