NU143
Maternal Infant Nursing
Final Exam Review
2026
(With Solutions)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
A 28-year-old pregnant woman at 34 weeks gestation presents with hypertension and proteinuria.
Which complication should the nurse anticipate?
A) Gestational diabetes
B) Placenta previa
C) Preeclampsia
D) Ectopic pregnancy
Answer: C) Preeclampsia
Rationale: Hypertension with proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation is indicative of preeclampsia, a
serious pregnancy complication affecting maternal and fetal health.
2. In newborns, what is the most accurate method for assessing hydration status?
A) Number of wet diapers
B) Capillary refill time
C) Fontanelle tension
D) Skin turgor
Answer: A) Number of wet diapers
Rationale: Newborns produce a predictable number of wet diapers; decreased output often reflects
dehydration.
3. Which medication is contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers due to potential neonatal adverse
effects?
A) Acetaminophen
B) Diazepam
C) Penicillin
D) Vitamin D supplementation
Answer: B) Diazepam
Rationale: Diazepam is lipid soluble, crosses into breast milk, and can cause sedation or respiratory
depression in infants.
,4. What is the primary physiological change in the cardiovascular system of a newborn immediately
after birth?
A) Closure of the ductus arteriosus
B) Increased pulmonary vascular resistance
C) Closure of the foramen ovale
D) Increased systemic vascular resistance
Answer: C) Closure of the foramen ovale
Rationale: The foramen ovale closes shortly after birth due to changes in pressure gradients,
redirecting blood flow through the lungs.
5. In managing a postpartum hemorrhage, which intervention is first priority?
A) Administer prophylactic antibiotics
B) Perform fundal massage
C) Measure blood glucose
D) Insert a Foley catheter
Answer: B) Perform fundal massage
Rationale: Fundal massage stimulates uterine contraction, which helps control bleeding and is the
immediate action in postpartum hemorrhage.
True/False Questions
True or False: Neonatal jaundice is always pathological and requires immediate treatment.
Answer: False
Rationale: Physiologic jaundice is common and usually resolves without intervention; only severe or
prolonged jaundice warrants treatment.
True or False: Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in women diagnosed with severe
preeclampsia.
Answer: True
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate acts as a CNS depressant to reduce seizure risk.
True or False: Breastfeeding mothers should avoid all medications as they potentially harm the infant.
Answer: False
Rationale: Many medications are safe during breastfeeding; risks must be balanced with benefits.
True or False: A prolonged second stage of labor increases the risk for fetal acidosis.
Answer: True
Rationale: Extended delivery increases fetal stress and possible hypoxia leading to acidosis.
True or False: The APGAR score is assessed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to evaluate the newborn’s
adaptation to extrauterine life.
Answer: True
Rationale: The APGAR score measures heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflex, and color for initial
assessment.
Short Answer Questions
What is the normal range for serum bilirubin in term newborns on day 3 of life?
,Answer: 5-12 mg/dL
Rationale: Bilirubin peaks physiologically within this range around day 3 in healthy term newborns.
Name two signs of neonatal respiratory distress.
Answer: Grunting and nasal flaring
Rationale: These signs indicate increased work of breathing and possible respiratory compromise.
What is the significance of a positive Kleihauer-Betke test in pregnancy?
Answer: It detects maternal-fetal hemorrhage by quantifying fetal red cells in maternal blood.
Rationale: Helps guide the dosage of Rh immunoglobulin to prevent isoimmunization.
What is the most common cause of early postpartum fever?
Answer: Endometritis
Rationale: Infection of the uterine lining commonly causes fever within the first 48 hours postpartum.
Identify the hormone responsible for milk let-down during breastfeeding.
Answer: Oxytocin
Rationale: Oxytocin causes myoepithelial cells around alveoli to contract, releasing milk.
Fill in the Blank Questions
The primary energy source for the neonate immediately after birth is __________.
Answer: glucose
Rationale: Glucose supports vital organ function, especially the brain.
In postpartum care, Lochia that is bright red and heavier than a normal menstrual period is called
__________.
Answer: Lochia rubra
Rationale: Lochia rubra occurs in the first few days postpartum and contains blood and decidual tissue.
The medication __________ is used to promote lung maturation in preterm infants.
Answer: betamethasone
Rationale: Betamethasone accelerates surfactant production reducing respiratory distress syndrome
risk.
During labor, the normal fetal heart rate baseline ranges between __________ and __________ beats
per minute.
Answer: 110; 160
Rationale: This range is the normal fetal heart rate.
A serum progesterone level below __________ ng/mL in early pregnancy may indicate a nonviable
pregnancy.
Answer: 5
Rationale: Low progesterone suggests inadequate hormonal support of pregnancy.
Multiple Choice Questions (continued)
21. Which of the following nursing interventions is priority for a neonate diagnosed with hypoglycemia?
A) Start IV fluids with dextrose
, B) Monitor for seizures
C) Encourage immediate breastfeeding
D) Administer glucagon
Answer: C) Encourage immediate breastfeeding
Rationale: Feeding provides quick glucose and is the first step; IV fluids may be needed if feeding is
inadequate.
22. The recommended position for assessing fetal heart tones during labor is:
A) Supine
B) Left lateral
C) Trendelenburg
D) High Fowler’s
Answer: B) Left lateral
Rationale: The left lateral position optimizes uteroplacental blood flow and reduces vena cava
compression.
23. Which neonatal reflex is assessed by stroking the cheek near the mouth to elicit head turning?
A) Moro reflex
B) Tonic neck reflex
C) Rooting reflex
D) Babinski reflex
Answer: C) Rooting reflex
Rationale: The rooting reflex helps the infant find the nipple for feeding.
24. Hyperemesis gravidarum is primarily characterized by:
A) Severe nausea and vomiting leading to dehydration
B) Hypertension in pregnancy
C) Abnormal placenta attachment
D) Premature rupture of membranes
Answer: A) Severe nausea and vomiting leading to dehydration
Rationale: Hyperemesis gravidarum is excessive vomiting impacting maternal hydration and nutrition.
25. Which lab value confirms the diagnosis of maternal iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy?
A) Low hemoglobin and hematocrit
B) Prolonged PT/INR
C) Elevated WBC count
D) Hyperkalemia
Answer: A) Low hemoglobin and hematocrit
Rationale: Iron deficiency is diagnosed through decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit.
True/False Questions (continued)
True or False: Neonates with untreated respiratory distress syndrome may develop chronic lung
disease.
Answer: True
Maternal Infant Nursing
Final Exam Review
2026
(With Solutions)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
A 28-year-old pregnant woman at 34 weeks gestation presents with hypertension and proteinuria.
Which complication should the nurse anticipate?
A) Gestational diabetes
B) Placenta previa
C) Preeclampsia
D) Ectopic pregnancy
Answer: C) Preeclampsia
Rationale: Hypertension with proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation is indicative of preeclampsia, a
serious pregnancy complication affecting maternal and fetal health.
2. In newborns, what is the most accurate method for assessing hydration status?
A) Number of wet diapers
B) Capillary refill time
C) Fontanelle tension
D) Skin turgor
Answer: A) Number of wet diapers
Rationale: Newborns produce a predictable number of wet diapers; decreased output often reflects
dehydration.
3. Which medication is contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers due to potential neonatal adverse
effects?
A) Acetaminophen
B) Diazepam
C) Penicillin
D) Vitamin D supplementation
Answer: B) Diazepam
Rationale: Diazepam is lipid soluble, crosses into breast milk, and can cause sedation or respiratory
depression in infants.
,4. What is the primary physiological change in the cardiovascular system of a newborn immediately
after birth?
A) Closure of the ductus arteriosus
B) Increased pulmonary vascular resistance
C) Closure of the foramen ovale
D) Increased systemic vascular resistance
Answer: C) Closure of the foramen ovale
Rationale: The foramen ovale closes shortly after birth due to changes in pressure gradients,
redirecting blood flow through the lungs.
5. In managing a postpartum hemorrhage, which intervention is first priority?
A) Administer prophylactic antibiotics
B) Perform fundal massage
C) Measure blood glucose
D) Insert a Foley catheter
Answer: B) Perform fundal massage
Rationale: Fundal massage stimulates uterine contraction, which helps control bleeding and is the
immediate action in postpartum hemorrhage.
True/False Questions
True or False: Neonatal jaundice is always pathological and requires immediate treatment.
Answer: False
Rationale: Physiologic jaundice is common and usually resolves without intervention; only severe or
prolonged jaundice warrants treatment.
True or False: Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in women diagnosed with severe
preeclampsia.
Answer: True
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate acts as a CNS depressant to reduce seizure risk.
True or False: Breastfeeding mothers should avoid all medications as they potentially harm the infant.
Answer: False
Rationale: Many medications are safe during breastfeeding; risks must be balanced with benefits.
True or False: A prolonged second stage of labor increases the risk for fetal acidosis.
Answer: True
Rationale: Extended delivery increases fetal stress and possible hypoxia leading to acidosis.
True or False: The APGAR score is assessed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to evaluate the newborn’s
adaptation to extrauterine life.
Answer: True
Rationale: The APGAR score measures heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflex, and color for initial
assessment.
Short Answer Questions
What is the normal range for serum bilirubin in term newborns on day 3 of life?
,Answer: 5-12 mg/dL
Rationale: Bilirubin peaks physiologically within this range around day 3 in healthy term newborns.
Name two signs of neonatal respiratory distress.
Answer: Grunting and nasal flaring
Rationale: These signs indicate increased work of breathing and possible respiratory compromise.
What is the significance of a positive Kleihauer-Betke test in pregnancy?
Answer: It detects maternal-fetal hemorrhage by quantifying fetal red cells in maternal blood.
Rationale: Helps guide the dosage of Rh immunoglobulin to prevent isoimmunization.
What is the most common cause of early postpartum fever?
Answer: Endometritis
Rationale: Infection of the uterine lining commonly causes fever within the first 48 hours postpartum.
Identify the hormone responsible for milk let-down during breastfeeding.
Answer: Oxytocin
Rationale: Oxytocin causes myoepithelial cells around alveoli to contract, releasing milk.
Fill in the Blank Questions
The primary energy source for the neonate immediately after birth is __________.
Answer: glucose
Rationale: Glucose supports vital organ function, especially the brain.
In postpartum care, Lochia that is bright red and heavier than a normal menstrual period is called
__________.
Answer: Lochia rubra
Rationale: Lochia rubra occurs in the first few days postpartum and contains blood and decidual tissue.
The medication __________ is used to promote lung maturation in preterm infants.
Answer: betamethasone
Rationale: Betamethasone accelerates surfactant production reducing respiratory distress syndrome
risk.
During labor, the normal fetal heart rate baseline ranges between __________ and __________ beats
per minute.
Answer: 110; 160
Rationale: This range is the normal fetal heart rate.
A serum progesterone level below __________ ng/mL in early pregnancy may indicate a nonviable
pregnancy.
Answer: 5
Rationale: Low progesterone suggests inadequate hormonal support of pregnancy.
Multiple Choice Questions (continued)
21. Which of the following nursing interventions is priority for a neonate diagnosed with hypoglycemia?
A) Start IV fluids with dextrose
, B) Monitor for seizures
C) Encourage immediate breastfeeding
D) Administer glucagon
Answer: C) Encourage immediate breastfeeding
Rationale: Feeding provides quick glucose and is the first step; IV fluids may be needed if feeding is
inadequate.
22. The recommended position for assessing fetal heart tones during labor is:
A) Supine
B) Left lateral
C) Trendelenburg
D) High Fowler’s
Answer: B) Left lateral
Rationale: The left lateral position optimizes uteroplacental blood flow and reduces vena cava
compression.
23. Which neonatal reflex is assessed by stroking the cheek near the mouth to elicit head turning?
A) Moro reflex
B) Tonic neck reflex
C) Rooting reflex
D) Babinski reflex
Answer: C) Rooting reflex
Rationale: The rooting reflex helps the infant find the nipple for feeding.
24. Hyperemesis gravidarum is primarily characterized by:
A) Severe nausea and vomiting leading to dehydration
B) Hypertension in pregnancy
C) Abnormal placenta attachment
D) Premature rupture of membranes
Answer: A) Severe nausea and vomiting leading to dehydration
Rationale: Hyperemesis gravidarum is excessive vomiting impacting maternal hydration and nutrition.
25. Which lab value confirms the diagnosis of maternal iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy?
A) Low hemoglobin and hematocrit
B) Prolonged PT/INR
C) Elevated WBC count
D) Hyperkalemia
Answer: A) Low hemoglobin and hematocrit
Rationale: Iron deficiency is diagnosed through decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit.
True/False Questions (continued)
True or False: Neonates with untreated respiratory distress syndrome may develop chronic lung
disease.
Answer: True
