Women and Health CareWomen and Health Care

NCLEX-Style Questions on Women and Health Care

Reproductive Health & Pregnancy

1. A nurse is counseling a patient who wants to stop taking oral contraceptives. Which
alternative method should the nurse recommend as the most effective for preventing
pregnancy?
o A. Withdrawal method
o B. Diaphragm
o C. Intrauterine device (IUD)
o D. Rhythm method
o Answer: C. Intrauterine device (IUD)
o Rationale: IUDs have a higher efficacy rate compared to diaphragms and natural
methods.
2. A pregnant client is in her first trimester and reports frequent nausea. Which suggestion
should the nurse make?
o A. Eat large meals to prevent an empty stomach.
o B. Drink fluids with meals.
o C. Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed.
o D. Take iron supplements on an empty stomach.
o Answer: C. Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed.
o Rationale: Small, dry foods help reduce morning sickness.

Obstetric Complications

3. A nurse is assessing a pregnant woman at 32 weeks with severe headache, blurred vision,
and swelling in her hands and face. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
o A. Gestational diabetes
o B. Hyperemesis gravidarum
o C. Preeclampsia
o D. Placenta previa
o Answer: C. Preeclampsia
o Rationale: Symptoms such as hypertension, proteinuria, and edema indicate
preeclampsia, which requires immediate intervention.

Postpartum Care

4. A postpartum client reports severe perineal pain and pressure. Upon assessment, the
nurse notes a firm uterus with a large, painful mass in the perineal area. What should the
nurse suspect?
o A. Endometritis
o B. Uterine atony
o C. Hematoma
o D. Retained placental fragments

, o Answer: C. Hematoma
o Rationale: A hematoma presents with firm uterus and localized pain.

Women's Preventive Care

5. A nurse is educating a 50-year-old woman on breast cancer screening. Which statement
requires further teaching?
o A. “I should have a mammogram every two years.”
o B. “I should perform monthly self-breast exams.”
o C. “A clinical breast exam is not necessary if I do self-exams.”
o D. “Regular screenings can help detect breast cancer early.”
o Answer: C. “A clinical breast exam is not necessary if I do self-exams.”
o Rationale: Clinical exams and mammograms are essential for early detection.

Gynecological Disorders

6. A nurse is reviewing risk factors for cervical cancer. Which client is at highest risk?
o A. A 45-year-old woman with one lifetime sexual partner
o B. A 30-year-old woman with multiple sexual partners and HPV infection
o C. A 28-year-old woman using oral contraceptives
o D. A 55-year-old postmenopausal woman
o Answer: B. A 30-year-old woman with multiple sexual partners and HPV
infection
o Rationale: HPV is a primary cause of cervical cancer.

Menopause & Hormone Therapy

7. A postmenopausal client is prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Which
symptom requires immediate intervention?
o A. Hot flashes
o B. Breast tenderness
o C. Leg pain and swelling
o D. Vaginal dryness
o Answer: C. Leg pain and swelling
o Rationale: These symptoms indicate a possible thromboembolism, a serious side
effect of HRT.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

8. A client diagnosed with chlamydia asks why treatment is necessary if she has no
symptoms. What is the best response?
o A. “Chlamydia does not require treatment unless symptoms appear.”
o B. “Untreated chlamydia can cause infertility and other complications.”
o C. “You will only need treatment if your partner tests positive.”
o D. “If you are asymptomatic, the infection will resolve on its own.”
o Answer: B. “Untreated chlamydia can cause infertility and other complications.”

, o Rationale: Chlamydia can lead to serious reproductive complications if untreated.

Violence & Abuse

9. A nurse is caring for a woman who states, “My partner sometimes gets angry and shoves
me, but he always apologizes.” What is the nurse’s priority response?
o A. “That’s a red flag for abuse. Have you considered leaving?”
o B. “It sounds like you two need counseling.”
o C. “I’m concerned about your safety. Can we talk about a safety plan?”
o D. “Try to stay out of situations that trigger his anger.”
o Answer: C. “I’m concerned about your safety. Can we talk about a safety plan?”
o Rationale: A safety plan is essential in cases of intimate partner violence.




Pregnancy & Labor Complications

10. A nurse is caring for a client at 37 weeks gestation who reports painless, bright red
vaginal bleeding. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
o A. Placenta previa
o B. Abruptio placentae
o C. Preterm labor
o D. Uterine rupture
o Answer: A. Placenta previa
o Rationale: Placenta previa presents with painless, bright red bleeding. Abruptio
placentae causes painful, dark red bleeding.
11. A client in labor is experiencing late decelerations on the fetal monitor. What is the
priority nursing action?
o A. Increase IV fluids
o B. Position the client in left lateral position
o C. Apply oxygen via face mask
o D. Notify the provider
o Answer: B. Position the client in left lateral position
o Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The first
action is repositioning to improve circulation.



Postpartum Complications

12. A postpartum client has a boggy uterus and heavy vaginal bleeding. What should the
nurse do first?
o A. Administer oxytocin
o B. Perform fundal massage
o C. Notify the provider