NUR 230 MATERNAL EXAM 1 | GALEN COLLEGE OF
NURSING | STUDY GUIDE | LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027
| ACTUAL EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | EXAM REVIEW | 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS | VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
This comprehensive practice examination is designed for nursing students preparing for the
NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 at Galen College of Nursing. It features 100 rigorously developed
multiple-choice questions that align with the 2026/2027 curriculum and exam blueprint for
maternal-newborn nursing. Content covers reproductive anatomy, physiology, prenatal care,
fetal development, maternal adaptations to pregnancy, antenatal testing, and common
complications. Each question incorporates critical thinking, prioritization, and clinical judgment
skills essential for nursing practice. Detailed rationales are provided for each answer to
reinforce learning and identify knowledge gaps for the 2026 examination period.
Table of Contents
1. Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology (Menstrual Cycle, Hormonal Regulation)
2. Antepartum Care (Prenatal Assessments, Danger Signs, Nutrition)
3. Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy (Presumptive, Probable, Positive)
4. Maternal Adaptations to Pregnancy (Cardiovascular, Respiratory, GI Changes)
5. Fetal Development and Fetal Circulation
6. Prenatal Diagnostic Testing (Ultrasound, GTT, GBS, Amniocentesis)
7. Complications of Pregnancy (Preeclampsia, Hyperemesis, Ectopic, Abortion)
8. Postpartum Assessment and Newborn Care
,Question 1: The nurse is teaching a class about female reproductive anatomy. Which structure is
responsible for the production of estrogen and progesterone?
A) Fallopian tubes
B) Ovaries
C) Uterus
D) Cervix
Correct Answer: B The ovaries are the primary female reproductive organs responsible for
producing estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, pregnancy,
and secondary sex characteristics. The fallopian tubes (Option A) transport the ovum, the uterus
(Option C) is the site of implantation, and the cervix (Option D) is the lower portion of the
uterus .
Question 2: The nurse is assessing a patient's menstrual history. Ovulation typically occurs on
which day of a 28-day menstrual cycle?
A) Day 7
B) Day 10
C) Day 14
D) Day 21
Correct Answer: C Ovulation typically occurs on day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle,
approximately 14 days before the next menstrual period. This is when the mature ovarian follicle
releases an ovum. The surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary triggers
ovulation .
Question 3: The hormone responsible for the "let-down" reflex during breastfeeding is:
A) Prolactin
B) Estrogen
C) Oxytocin
D) Progesterone
Correct Answer: C Oxytocin is responsible for the milk ejection reflex (let-down). It is released
from the posterior pituitary in response to nipple stimulation and causes contraction of the
,myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli in the breast. Prolactin (Option A) stimulates milk
production, not ejection .
Question 4: A nurse is reviewing fetal circulation. Which vessel carries oxygenated blood from
the placenta to the fetus?
A) Umbilical artery
B) Umbilical vein
C) Ductus arteriosus
D) Foramen ovale
Correct Answer: B The umbilical vein carries oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta
to the fetus. The two umbilical arteries (Option A) carry deoxygenated blood back to the
placenta. The ductus arteriosus (Option C) and foramen ovale (Option D) are fetal shunts that
bypass the lungs .
Question 5: What is gravida?
A) The number of viable pregnancies
B) The total number of pregnancies
C) The number of living children
D) The number of pregnancies that reached term
Correct Answer: B Gravida is the total number of pregnancies a woman has had, regardless of
outcome (including current pregnancy, miscarriages, abortions, and ectopic pregnancies). Para
(Option A) is the number of viable pregnancies (≥20 weeks gestation). Living children is a
separate count .
Question 6: The nurse is teaching a patient about Naegele's Rule to determine the estimated date
of delivery (EDD). Which calculation is correct?
A) First day of last period + 7 days - 3 months
B) First day of last period + 3 months + 7 days
C) First day of last period - 7 days + 3 months
D) First day of last period + 9 months
, Correct Answer: A Naegele's Rule is used to determine the expected date of delivery (EDD). The
calculation is: (First day of last menstrual period + 7 days) - 3 months. The result gives the
estimated due date .
Question 7: Which of the following is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A) Goodell's sign
B) Fetal heart tones
C) Amenorrhea and breast tenderness
D) Ultrasound visualization of fetus
Correct Answer: C Presumptive signs of pregnancy are subjective and can be caused by
conditions other than pregnancy. These include amenorrhea, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, breast
tenderness, urinary frequency, and quickening. Goodell's sign (Option A) is a probable sign.
Fetal heart tones (Option B) and ultrasound visualization (Option D) are positive signs .
Question 8: Which of the following is considered a probable sign of pregnancy?
A) Chadwick's sign
B) Fetal movement palpated by the examiner
C) Hearing fetal heart tones with a Doppler
D) Visualization of fetal parts on ultrasound
Correct Answer: A Probable signs are objective findings detected by an examiner but are not
definitive proof of pregnancy. These include Goodell's sign, Chadwick's sign, Hegar's sign, a
positive pregnancy test, and Braxton Hicks contractions. Chadwick's sign is a bluish
discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia, seen as early as 6-8 weeks after conception .
Question 9: Which finding is a positive sign of pregnancy?
A) A positive pregnancy test
B) Nausea and vomiting
C) Visualization of the fetus on ultrasound
D) Enlargement of the abdomen
Correct Answer: C Positive signs are definitive proof of pregnancy. These include hearing fetal
heart tones (12 weeks), visualization of the fetus on ultrasound (4-6 weeks transvaginally), and
palpating fetal movement by an examiner. A positive pregnancy test (Option A) is a probable
NURSING | STUDY GUIDE | LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027
| ACTUAL EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | EXAM REVIEW | 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS | VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
This comprehensive practice examination is designed for nursing students preparing for the
NUR 230 Maternal Exam 1 at Galen College of Nursing. It features 100 rigorously developed
multiple-choice questions that align with the 2026/2027 curriculum and exam blueprint for
maternal-newborn nursing. Content covers reproductive anatomy, physiology, prenatal care,
fetal development, maternal adaptations to pregnancy, antenatal testing, and common
complications. Each question incorporates critical thinking, prioritization, and clinical judgment
skills essential for nursing practice. Detailed rationales are provided for each answer to
reinforce learning and identify knowledge gaps for the 2026 examination period.
Table of Contents
1. Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology (Menstrual Cycle, Hormonal Regulation)
2. Antepartum Care (Prenatal Assessments, Danger Signs, Nutrition)
3. Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy (Presumptive, Probable, Positive)
4. Maternal Adaptations to Pregnancy (Cardiovascular, Respiratory, GI Changes)
5. Fetal Development and Fetal Circulation
6. Prenatal Diagnostic Testing (Ultrasound, GTT, GBS, Amniocentesis)
7. Complications of Pregnancy (Preeclampsia, Hyperemesis, Ectopic, Abortion)
8. Postpartum Assessment and Newborn Care
,Question 1: The nurse is teaching a class about female reproductive anatomy. Which structure is
responsible for the production of estrogen and progesterone?
A) Fallopian tubes
B) Ovaries
C) Uterus
D) Cervix
Correct Answer: B The ovaries are the primary female reproductive organs responsible for
producing estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, pregnancy,
and secondary sex characteristics. The fallopian tubes (Option A) transport the ovum, the uterus
(Option C) is the site of implantation, and the cervix (Option D) is the lower portion of the
uterus .
Question 2: The nurse is assessing a patient's menstrual history. Ovulation typically occurs on
which day of a 28-day menstrual cycle?
A) Day 7
B) Day 10
C) Day 14
D) Day 21
Correct Answer: C Ovulation typically occurs on day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle,
approximately 14 days before the next menstrual period. This is when the mature ovarian follicle
releases an ovum. The surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary triggers
ovulation .
Question 3: The hormone responsible for the "let-down" reflex during breastfeeding is:
A) Prolactin
B) Estrogen
C) Oxytocin
D) Progesterone
Correct Answer: C Oxytocin is responsible for the milk ejection reflex (let-down). It is released
from the posterior pituitary in response to nipple stimulation and causes contraction of the
,myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli in the breast. Prolactin (Option A) stimulates milk
production, not ejection .
Question 4: A nurse is reviewing fetal circulation. Which vessel carries oxygenated blood from
the placenta to the fetus?
A) Umbilical artery
B) Umbilical vein
C) Ductus arteriosus
D) Foramen ovale
Correct Answer: B The umbilical vein carries oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta
to the fetus. The two umbilical arteries (Option A) carry deoxygenated blood back to the
placenta. The ductus arteriosus (Option C) and foramen ovale (Option D) are fetal shunts that
bypass the lungs .
Question 5: What is gravida?
A) The number of viable pregnancies
B) The total number of pregnancies
C) The number of living children
D) The number of pregnancies that reached term
Correct Answer: B Gravida is the total number of pregnancies a woman has had, regardless of
outcome (including current pregnancy, miscarriages, abortions, and ectopic pregnancies). Para
(Option A) is the number of viable pregnancies (≥20 weeks gestation). Living children is a
separate count .
Question 6: The nurse is teaching a patient about Naegele's Rule to determine the estimated date
of delivery (EDD). Which calculation is correct?
A) First day of last period + 7 days - 3 months
B) First day of last period + 3 months + 7 days
C) First day of last period - 7 days + 3 months
D) First day of last period + 9 months
, Correct Answer: A Naegele's Rule is used to determine the expected date of delivery (EDD). The
calculation is: (First day of last menstrual period + 7 days) - 3 months. The result gives the
estimated due date .
Question 7: Which of the following is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A) Goodell's sign
B) Fetal heart tones
C) Amenorrhea and breast tenderness
D) Ultrasound visualization of fetus
Correct Answer: C Presumptive signs of pregnancy are subjective and can be caused by
conditions other than pregnancy. These include amenorrhea, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, breast
tenderness, urinary frequency, and quickening. Goodell's sign (Option A) is a probable sign.
Fetal heart tones (Option B) and ultrasound visualization (Option D) are positive signs .
Question 8: Which of the following is considered a probable sign of pregnancy?
A) Chadwick's sign
B) Fetal movement palpated by the examiner
C) Hearing fetal heart tones with a Doppler
D) Visualization of fetal parts on ultrasound
Correct Answer: A Probable signs are objective findings detected by an examiner but are not
definitive proof of pregnancy. These include Goodell's sign, Chadwick's sign, Hegar's sign, a
positive pregnancy test, and Braxton Hicks contractions. Chadwick's sign is a bluish
discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia, seen as early as 6-8 weeks after conception .
Question 9: Which finding is a positive sign of pregnancy?
A) A positive pregnancy test
B) Nausea and vomiting
C) Visualization of the fetus on ultrasound
D) Enlargement of the abdomen
Correct Answer: C Positive signs are definitive proof of pregnancy. These include hearing fetal
heart tones (12 weeks), visualization of the fetus on ultrasound (4-6 weeks transvaginally), and
palpating fetal movement by an examiner. A positive pregnancy test (Option A) is a probable
