MATERNITY FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS STUDY GUIDE | COMPLETE MATERNAL-
NEWBORN NURSING EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026/2027
CH4 - ANS ✔✔
54. A 20-year-old woman tells the nurse that she performs breast self-examination (BSE) on a regular
basis. The nurse evaluates the woman's understanding of BSE and ability to perform the technique
correctly. Which actions by the woman indicate that she needs further instruction regarding BSE? (Circle
all that apply.)
A. Performs BSE every month on the first day of her menstrual cycle.
B. Observes the size of her breasts, direction of her nipples, and appearance of her skin, including the
presence of dimpling, when looking at her breasts in the mirror.
C. Lies down on a bed and puts a pillow under the shoulder of the breast she is going to palpate. Then
she places the arm on that side under her head.
D. Uses the tips of two fingers to palpate her breast.
E. Palpates her breast, using an overlapping circular pattern around her entire breast.
F. Palpates her breasts again, including up into her axillae, while taki - ANS ✔✔Choices A and D are
correct; a woman should perform BSE every month at the end of menstruation when the breasts are the
least tender; she should use the finger- pads of her three middle fingers for palpation.
55. When palpating the small breasts of a young, slender woman the nurse should:
A. Wear clean gloves
B. Lift the hands when moving from one segment of the breast to another
C. Use both hands
D. Follow a systematic, overlapping pattern - ANS ✔✔Choice D is correct; clean gloves are required only
if open lesions are present and when compressing the nipple if discharge is anticipated; fingers should
not be lifted; two hands are used for women with large, pendulous breasts.
56. A nurse instructed a female client regarding vulvar self-examination (VSE). Which statement made by
the client indicates that further instruction is needed?
A. "I will perform this examination at least once a month, especially if I change sexual partners or am
sexually active."
B. "I will become familiar with how my genitalia look and feel so that I will be able to detect changes."
C. "I will use the examination to determine when I should get medications at the pharmacy for
infections."
D. "I will wash my hands thoroughly before and after I examine myself." - ANS ✔✔56. Choice C is correct;
self-examination should not be used for self-diagnosis but rather to detect early changes, which would
call for the guidance of a health care provider.
57. A women's health nurse practitioner is going to perform a pelvic examination on a female client.
Which nursing action would be least effective in enhancing the client's comfort and relaxation during the
examination?
,A. Encourage the client to ask questions and express feelings and concerns before and after the
examination.
B. Ask the client questions as the examination is performed.
C. Allow the client to keep her shoes and socks on when placing her feet in the stirrups.
D. Instruct the client to place her hands over her diaphragm and take deep, slow breaths. - ANS ✔✔57.
Choice B is correct; do not ask questions during the examination because it may distract the client, inter-
fering with relaxation measures she may be using; offer explanations only as needed during the exami-
nation.
58. When assessing women it is important for a nurse to keep in mind the possibility that they are
victims of violence. The nurse should:
A. Use an abuse assessment screen during the assessment of every woman
B. Recognize that abuse rarely occurs during pregnancy
C. Assess a woman's legs and back as the most commonly injured areas
D. Notify the woman's partner immediately if abuse is suspected - ANS ✔✔58. Choice A is correct; all
women should be screened because abuse can happen to any woman; abuse can begin or escalate
during pregnancy; the most com- monly injured sites are head, neck, chest, abdomen, breasts, and
upper extremities. If abuse is suspected, the nurse needs to assess further to encourage disclo- sure and
then assist the woman to take action and formulate a safety plan. Nurses should follow the laws of their
state with regard to reporting instances of abuse.
59. A 52-year-old woman asks the nurse practitioner about how often she should be assessed for the
common health problems that women of her age could experience. The nurse recommends:
A. An endometrial biopsy every 3 to 4 years
B. A fecal occult blood test annually
C. A mammogram every other year
D. Bone mineral density testing annually - ANS ✔✔59. Choice B is correct; bone mineral density testing
should be initiated at 65 years of age or older unless risk factors are present; endometrial biopsies are
not recommended on a routine basis for most women but women at risk for endometrial cancer should
have one done at menopause; mammograms should be done annually for women 50 years of age and
older.
60. Which statement is most accurate regarding persons who should participate in preconception
counseling?
A. All women and their partners as they make decisions about their reproductive future, including
becoming parents
B. Women older than 40 years of age who wish to become pregnant
C. Sexually active women who do not use birth control
D. Women with chronic illnesses such as diabetes who are planning to get pregnant - ANS ✔✔60. Choice
A is correct; all women—not just specific groups—should participate in preconception care
approximately 1 year before planning to become pregnant.
61. To enhance the accuracy of the Pap test, the nurse should instruct the woman to:
A. Schedule the test just prior to the onset of menses
, B. Stop taking birth control pills for 2 days before the test
C. Avoid intercourse for 24 to 48 hours before the test
D. Douche with a specially prepared antiseptic solution on the night before the test" - ANS ✔✔61.
Choice C is correct; women should not use vaginal medications or douche for 24 to 48 hours before the
test; oral contraceptives can continue; the best time for the test is midcycle.
CH 6 - ANS ✔✔
31. Which woman is at greatest risk for developing hypogonadotropic amenorrhea?
A. A 48-year-old woman in Weight Watchers who lost 20 pounds over 6 months
B. A 14-year-old figure skater
C. An 18-year-old softball player
D. A 30-year-old (G3 P3003) breastfeeding woman - ANS ✔✔31. Choice B is correct; the 14-year-old
reflects several of the risk factors associated with this menstrual disorder, namely participating in a sport
that is stressful, is subjectively scored, and requires contour-revealing clothing and in which success is
favored by a prepubertal body shape.
32. Pharmacologic preparations can be used to treat primary dysmenorrhea. Choose the preparation
that is least effective in relieving the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea.
A. Combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP)
B. Naproxen sodium (Anaprox)
C. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
D. Ibuprofen (Motrin) - ANS ✔✔32. Choice C is correct; choices A, B, and D all interfere with
prostaglandin synthesis whereas acetaminophen has no antiprostaglandin properties; prostaglandins are
a recognized factor in the etiology of primary dysmenorrhea.
33. Women experiencing primary dysmenorrhea should be advised to avoid:
A. Pretzels and potato chips
B. Valerian
C. Cranberry juice
D. Whole-grain cereals - ANS ✔✔33. Choice A is correct; decreasing the ingestion of salty foods and
refined sugars 7 to 10 days before menses decreases fluid retention; asparagus and cranberry juice have
a natural diuretic effect that can reduce edema and related discomforts; valerian is an herb that reduces
menstrual cramping.
34. The nurse counseling a 30-year-old woman regarding effective measures to use to relieve symptoms
associated with PMS could suggest that she: (Circle all that apply.)
A. Decrease intake of fruits, especially peaches and watermelon
B. Take a bugleweed or evening primrose oil supplement
C. Limit alcohol intake to less than 1 oz per day
D. Reduce exercise during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle when symptoms are at their peak
E. Eat small, more frequent meals and snacks - ANS ✔✔34. Choices B, C, and E are correct; alcohol as
well as tobacco and caffeine can worsen symptoms whereas"
NEWBORN NURSING EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026/2027
CH4 - ANS ✔✔
54. A 20-year-old woman tells the nurse that she performs breast self-examination (BSE) on a regular
basis. The nurse evaluates the woman's understanding of BSE and ability to perform the technique
correctly. Which actions by the woman indicate that she needs further instruction regarding BSE? (Circle
all that apply.)
A. Performs BSE every month on the first day of her menstrual cycle.
B. Observes the size of her breasts, direction of her nipples, and appearance of her skin, including the
presence of dimpling, when looking at her breasts in the mirror.
C. Lies down on a bed and puts a pillow under the shoulder of the breast she is going to palpate. Then
she places the arm on that side under her head.
D. Uses the tips of two fingers to palpate her breast.
E. Palpates her breast, using an overlapping circular pattern around her entire breast.
F. Palpates her breasts again, including up into her axillae, while taki - ANS ✔✔Choices A and D are
correct; a woman should perform BSE every month at the end of menstruation when the breasts are the
least tender; she should use the finger- pads of her three middle fingers for palpation.
55. When palpating the small breasts of a young, slender woman the nurse should:
A. Wear clean gloves
B. Lift the hands when moving from one segment of the breast to another
C. Use both hands
D. Follow a systematic, overlapping pattern - ANS ✔✔Choice D is correct; clean gloves are required only
if open lesions are present and when compressing the nipple if discharge is anticipated; fingers should
not be lifted; two hands are used for women with large, pendulous breasts.
56. A nurse instructed a female client regarding vulvar self-examination (VSE). Which statement made by
the client indicates that further instruction is needed?
A. "I will perform this examination at least once a month, especially if I change sexual partners or am
sexually active."
B. "I will become familiar with how my genitalia look and feel so that I will be able to detect changes."
C. "I will use the examination to determine when I should get medications at the pharmacy for
infections."
D. "I will wash my hands thoroughly before and after I examine myself." - ANS ✔✔56. Choice C is correct;
self-examination should not be used for self-diagnosis but rather to detect early changes, which would
call for the guidance of a health care provider.
57. A women's health nurse practitioner is going to perform a pelvic examination on a female client.
Which nursing action would be least effective in enhancing the client's comfort and relaxation during the
examination?
,A. Encourage the client to ask questions and express feelings and concerns before and after the
examination.
B. Ask the client questions as the examination is performed.
C. Allow the client to keep her shoes and socks on when placing her feet in the stirrups.
D. Instruct the client to place her hands over her diaphragm and take deep, slow breaths. - ANS ✔✔57.
Choice B is correct; do not ask questions during the examination because it may distract the client, inter-
fering with relaxation measures she may be using; offer explanations only as needed during the exami-
nation.
58. When assessing women it is important for a nurse to keep in mind the possibility that they are
victims of violence. The nurse should:
A. Use an abuse assessment screen during the assessment of every woman
B. Recognize that abuse rarely occurs during pregnancy
C. Assess a woman's legs and back as the most commonly injured areas
D. Notify the woman's partner immediately if abuse is suspected - ANS ✔✔58. Choice A is correct; all
women should be screened because abuse can happen to any woman; abuse can begin or escalate
during pregnancy; the most com- monly injured sites are head, neck, chest, abdomen, breasts, and
upper extremities. If abuse is suspected, the nurse needs to assess further to encourage disclo- sure and
then assist the woman to take action and formulate a safety plan. Nurses should follow the laws of their
state with regard to reporting instances of abuse.
59. A 52-year-old woman asks the nurse practitioner about how often she should be assessed for the
common health problems that women of her age could experience. The nurse recommends:
A. An endometrial biopsy every 3 to 4 years
B. A fecal occult blood test annually
C. A mammogram every other year
D. Bone mineral density testing annually - ANS ✔✔59. Choice B is correct; bone mineral density testing
should be initiated at 65 years of age or older unless risk factors are present; endometrial biopsies are
not recommended on a routine basis for most women but women at risk for endometrial cancer should
have one done at menopause; mammograms should be done annually for women 50 years of age and
older.
60. Which statement is most accurate regarding persons who should participate in preconception
counseling?
A. All women and their partners as they make decisions about their reproductive future, including
becoming parents
B. Women older than 40 years of age who wish to become pregnant
C. Sexually active women who do not use birth control
D. Women with chronic illnesses such as diabetes who are planning to get pregnant - ANS ✔✔60. Choice
A is correct; all women—not just specific groups—should participate in preconception care
approximately 1 year before planning to become pregnant.
61. To enhance the accuracy of the Pap test, the nurse should instruct the woman to:
A. Schedule the test just prior to the onset of menses
, B. Stop taking birth control pills for 2 days before the test
C. Avoid intercourse for 24 to 48 hours before the test
D. Douche with a specially prepared antiseptic solution on the night before the test" - ANS ✔✔61.
Choice C is correct; women should not use vaginal medications or douche for 24 to 48 hours before the
test; oral contraceptives can continue; the best time for the test is midcycle.
CH 6 - ANS ✔✔
31. Which woman is at greatest risk for developing hypogonadotropic amenorrhea?
A. A 48-year-old woman in Weight Watchers who lost 20 pounds over 6 months
B. A 14-year-old figure skater
C. An 18-year-old softball player
D. A 30-year-old (G3 P3003) breastfeeding woman - ANS ✔✔31. Choice B is correct; the 14-year-old
reflects several of the risk factors associated with this menstrual disorder, namely participating in a sport
that is stressful, is subjectively scored, and requires contour-revealing clothing and in which success is
favored by a prepubertal body shape.
32. Pharmacologic preparations can be used to treat primary dysmenorrhea. Choose the preparation
that is least effective in relieving the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea.
A. Combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP)
B. Naproxen sodium (Anaprox)
C. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
D. Ibuprofen (Motrin) - ANS ✔✔32. Choice C is correct; choices A, B, and D all interfere with
prostaglandin synthesis whereas acetaminophen has no antiprostaglandin properties; prostaglandins are
a recognized factor in the etiology of primary dysmenorrhea.
33. Women experiencing primary dysmenorrhea should be advised to avoid:
A. Pretzels and potato chips
B. Valerian
C. Cranberry juice
D. Whole-grain cereals - ANS ✔✔33. Choice A is correct; decreasing the ingestion of salty foods and
refined sugars 7 to 10 days before menses decreases fluid retention; asparagus and cranberry juice have
a natural diuretic effect that can reduce edema and related discomforts; valerian is an herb that reduces
menstrual cramping.
34. The nurse counseling a 30-year-old woman regarding effective measures to use to relieve symptoms
associated with PMS could suggest that she: (Circle all that apply.)
A. Decrease intake of fruits, especially peaches and watermelon
B. Take a bugleweed or evening primrose oil supplement
C. Limit alcohol intake to less than 1 oz per day
D. Reduce exercise during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle when symptoms are at their peak
E. Eat small, more frequent meals and snacks - ANS ✔✔34. Choices B, C, and E are correct; alcohol as
well as tobacco and caffeine can worsen symptoms whereas"
