RNSG 1517 A Maternity Exam | Complete
Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Rationales - Latest Update 2026
SECTION 1: NORMAL PREGNANCY
1. At what point during pregnancy does the fundal
height typically reach the umbilicus?
A) 12 weeks
B) 16 weeks
C) 20 weeks
D) 24 weeks
Answer: C) 20 weeks
Rationale: At 20 weeks gestation, the fundus reaches the
umbilicus. Fundal height measured in centimeters from
the symphysis pubis to the top of the fundus typically
correlates with the number of weeks of gestation (plus or
minus 2 cm) from 20-36 weeks.
2. The nurse is assessing a client at 12 weeks gestation.
Which finding is consistent with normal pregnancy at
this stage?
A) Fundus palpable at the umbilicus
,B) Fundus palpable just above the symphysis pubis
C) Quickening reported by the client
D) Braxton Hicks contractions noted
Answer: B) Fundus palpable just above the symphysis
pubis
Rationale: At 12 weeks, the fundus is palpable just above
the symphysis pubis. The fundus reaches the umbilicus at
20 weeks. Quickening (fetal movement) is typically felt at
16-20 weeks. Braxton Hicks contractions may occur in the
second and third trimesters.
3. A client at 8 weeks gestation reports nausea and
vomiting, especially in the morning. The nurse should
recommend:
A) Avoid fluids with meals
B) Drink fluids between meals
C) Eat a heavy meal before bedtime
D) Skip breakfast
Answer: B) Drink fluids between meals
Rationale: To manage nausea and vomiting in early
pregnancy, clients should drink fluids between meals
rather than with meals to avoid gastric distension. Eating
,small, frequent meals and avoiding fatty/spicy foods is
also recommended.
4. Chadwick's sign in pregnancy refers to:
A) Softening of the cervix
B) Bluish-purple discoloration of the vaginal mucosa and
cervix
C) Palpable uterine contractions
D) Fetal movement felt by the examiner
Answer: B) Bluish-purple discoloration of the vaginal
mucosa and cervix
Rationale: Chadwick's sign is the bluish-purple coloration
of the vaginal mucosa and cervix due to increased
vascularity. It is a probable sign of pregnancy. Goodell's
sign is softening of the cervix. Hegar's sign is softening of
the lower uterine segment.
5. A client at 16 weeks gestation asks if she should be
feeling fetal movement. The nurse should respond:
A) "Most women feel movement by 12 weeks."
B) "You should feel movement by now; we should assess
the fetus."
C) "Primigravidas often feel movement at 18-20 weeks."
D) "You won't feel movement until the third trimester."
, Answer: C) "Primigravidas often feel movement at 18-20
weeks."
Rationale: Quickening (first fetal movement) is typically
felt by primigravidas at 18-20 weeks and by multigravidas
at 16-18 weeks. Reassuring the client with this
information is appropriate.
6. Preconception counseling should include folic acid
supplementation at what dose?
A) 0.2 mg/day
B) 0.4 mg/day
C) 0.8 mg/day
D) 4.0 mg/day
Answer: B) 0.4 mg/day
Rationale: The CDC recommends 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of
folic acid daily for all women of childbearing age to
reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Higher doses (4.0
mg) are recommended for women with a history of
neural tube defects.
7. Nagele's rule is used to:
A) Determine fetal position
B) Estimate the expected date of delivery
C) Calculate weight gain during pregnancy
Questions with Correct Answers and Detailed
Rationales - Latest Update 2026
SECTION 1: NORMAL PREGNANCY
1. At what point during pregnancy does the fundal
height typically reach the umbilicus?
A) 12 weeks
B) 16 weeks
C) 20 weeks
D) 24 weeks
Answer: C) 20 weeks
Rationale: At 20 weeks gestation, the fundus reaches the
umbilicus. Fundal height measured in centimeters from
the symphysis pubis to the top of the fundus typically
correlates with the number of weeks of gestation (plus or
minus 2 cm) from 20-36 weeks.
2. The nurse is assessing a client at 12 weeks gestation.
Which finding is consistent with normal pregnancy at
this stage?
A) Fundus palpable at the umbilicus
,B) Fundus palpable just above the symphysis pubis
C) Quickening reported by the client
D) Braxton Hicks contractions noted
Answer: B) Fundus palpable just above the symphysis
pubis
Rationale: At 12 weeks, the fundus is palpable just above
the symphysis pubis. The fundus reaches the umbilicus at
20 weeks. Quickening (fetal movement) is typically felt at
16-20 weeks. Braxton Hicks contractions may occur in the
second and third trimesters.
3. A client at 8 weeks gestation reports nausea and
vomiting, especially in the morning. The nurse should
recommend:
A) Avoid fluids with meals
B) Drink fluids between meals
C) Eat a heavy meal before bedtime
D) Skip breakfast
Answer: B) Drink fluids between meals
Rationale: To manage nausea and vomiting in early
pregnancy, clients should drink fluids between meals
rather than with meals to avoid gastric distension. Eating
,small, frequent meals and avoiding fatty/spicy foods is
also recommended.
4. Chadwick's sign in pregnancy refers to:
A) Softening of the cervix
B) Bluish-purple discoloration of the vaginal mucosa and
cervix
C) Palpable uterine contractions
D) Fetal movement felt by the examiner
Answer: B) Bluish-purple discoloration of the vaginal
mucosa and cervix
Rationale: Chadwick's sign is the bluish-purple coloration
of the vaginal mucosa and cervix due to increased
vascularity. It is a probable sign of pregnancy. Goodell's
sign is softening of the cervix. Hegar's sign is softening of
the lower uterine segment.
5. A client at 16 weeks gestation asks if she should be
feeling fetal movement. The nurse should respond:
A) "Most women feel movement by 12 weeks."
B) "You should feel movement by now; we should assess
the fetus."
C) "Primigravidas often feel movement at 18-20 weeks."
D) "You won't feel movement until the third trimester."
, Answer: C) "Primigravidas often feel movement at 18-20
weeks."
Rationale: Quickening (first fetal movement) is typically
felt by primigravidas at 18-20 weeks and by multigravidas
at 16-18 weeks. Reassuring the client with this
information is appropriate.
6. Preconception counseling should include folic acid
supplementation at what dose?
A) 0.2 mg/day
B) 0.4 mg/day
C) 0.8 mg/day
D) 4.0 mg/day
Answer: B) 0.4 mg/day
Rationale: The CDC recommends 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of
folic acid daily for all women of childbearing age to
reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Higher doses (4.0
mg) are recommended for women with a history of
neural tube defects.
7. Nagele's rule is used to:
A) Determine fetal position
B) Estimate the expected date of delivery
C) Calculate weight gain during pregnancy
