1.

A postpartum patient was in labor for 30 hours and had ruptured membranes for 24
hours. For which of the following would the nurse be alert?
A. Endometritis
B. Endometriosis
C. Salpingitis
D. Pelvic thrombophlebitis
2. A client at 36 weeks gestation is scheduled for a routine ultrasound prior to an
amniocentesis. After teaching the client about the purpose for the ultrasound, which of
the following client statements would indicate to the nurse in charge that the client needs
further instruction?
A. The ultrasound will help to locate the placenta
B. The ultrasound identifies blood flow through the umbilical cord
C. The test will determine where to insert the needle
D. The ultrasound locates a pool of amniotic fluid
3. While the postpartum client is receiving heparin for thrombophlebitis, which of the
following drugs would the nurse expect to administer if the client develops
complications related to heparin therapy?
A. Calcium gluconate
B. Protamine sulfate
C. Methylergonovine (Methergine)
D. Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin)
4. When caring for a 3-day-old neonate who is receiving phototherapy to treat jaundice,
the nurse in charge would expect to do which of the following?
A. Turn the neonate every 6 hours
B. Encourage the mother to discontinue breastfeeding
C. Notify the physician if the skin becomes bronze in color
D. Check the vital signs every 2 to 4 hours
5. A primigravida in active labor is about 9 days post-term. The client desires a bilateral
pudendal block anesthesia before delivery. After the nurse explains this type of
anesthesia to the client, which of the following locations identified by the client as the
area of relief would indicate to the nurse that the teaching was effective?
A. Back
B. Abdomen
C. Fundus
D. Perineum
6. The nurse is caring for a primigravida at about 2 months and 1-week gestation. After
explaining self-care measures for common discomforts of pregnancy, the nurse
determines that the client understands the instructions when she says:
A. “Nausea and vomiting can be decreased if I eat a few crackers before arising.”
B. “If I start to leak colostrum, I should cleanse my nipples with soap and water.”
C. “If I have a vaginal discharge, I should wear nylon underwear.”
D. “Leg cramps can be alleviated if I put an ice pack on the area.”
7. Forty-eight hours after delivery, the nurse in charge plans discharge teaching for the
client about infant care. By this time, the nurse expects that the phase of postpartum
psychological adaptation that the client would be in would be termed which of the
following?
A. Taking in
B. Letting go
C. Taking hold
D. Resolution
8. A pregnant client is diagnosed with partial placenta previa. In explaining the diagnosis,
the nurse tells the client that the usual treatment for partial placenta previa is which of
the following?
A. Activity limited to bed rest
B. Platelet infusion
C. Immediate cesarean delivery
D. Labor induction with oxytocin
9. The nurse plans to instruct the postpartum client about methods to prevent breast
engorgement. Which of the following measures would the nurse include in the teaching
plan?
A. Feeding the neonate a maximum of 5 minutes per side on the first day
B. Wearing a supportive brassiere with nipple shields
C. Breast-feeding the neonate at frequent intervals
D. Decreasing fluid intake for the first 24 to 48 hours
10. When the nurse on duty accidentally bumps the bassinet, the neonate throws out its
arms, hands opened, and begins to cry. The nurse interprets this reaction as indicative of
which of the following reflexes?
A. Startle reflex
B. Babinski reflex
C. Grasping reflex
D. Tonic neck reflex
11. A primigravida client at 25 weeks gestation visits the clinic and tells the nurse that
her lower back aches when she arrives home from work. The nurse should suggest that
the client perform:
A. Tailor sitting
B. Leg lifting
C. Shoulder circling
D. Squatting exercises
12. Which of the following would the nurse in charge do first after observing a 2-cm circle
of bright red bleeding on the diaper of a neonate who just had a circumcision?
A. Notify the neonate’s pediatrician immediately
B. Check the diaper and circumcision again in 30 minutes
C. Secure the diaper tightly to apply pressure on the site
D. Apply gentle pressure to the site with a sterile gauze pad
13. Which of the following would the nurse most likely expect to find when assessing a
pregnant client with abruption placenta?
A. Excessive vaginal bleeding
B. Rigid, board-like abdomen
C. Titanic uterine contractions
D. Premature rupture of membranes
14. While the client is in active labor with twins and the cervix is 5 cm dilates, the nurse
observes contractions occurring at a rate of every 7 to 8 minutes in a 30-minute period.
Which of the following would be the nurse’s most appropriate action?
A. Note the fetal heart rate patterns
B. Notify the physician immediately
C. Administer oxygen at 6 liters by mask
D. Have the client pant-blow during the contractions
15. A client tells the nurse, “I think my baby likes to hear me talk to him.” When
discussing neonates and stimulation with sound, which of the following would the nurse
include as a means to elicit the best response?
A. High-pitched speech with tonal variations
B. Low-pitched speech with a sameness of tone
C. Cooing sounds rather than words
D. Repeated stimulation with loud sounds
16. A 31-year-old multipara is admitted to the birthing room after initial examination
reveals her cervix to be at 8 cm, completely effaced (100 %), and at 0 station. What phase
of labor is she in?
A. Active phase
B. Latent phase
C. Expulsive phase
D. Transitional phase
17. A pregnant patient asks the nurse if she can take castor oil for her constipation. How
should the nurse respond?
A. “Yes, it produces no adverse effect.”
B. “No, it can initiate premature uterine contractions.”
C. “No, it can promote sodium retention.”
D. “No, it can lead to increased absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.”
18. A patient in her 14th week of pregnancy has presented with abdominal cramping and
vaginal bleeding for the past 8 hours. She has passed several clots. What is the
primary nursing diagnosis for this patient?
A. Knowledge deficit
B. Fluid volume deficit
C. Anticipatory grieving
D. Pain
19. Immediately after delivery, the nurse-midwife assesses the neonate’s head for signs
of molding. Which factors determine the type of molding?
A. Fetal body flexion or extension
B. Maternal age, body frame, and weight
C. Maternal and paternal ethnic backgrounds
D. Maternal parity and gravidity
20. For a patient in active labor, the nurse-midwife plans to use an internal electronic
fetal monitoring (EFM) device. What must occur before the internal EFM can be applied?
A. The membranes must rupture
B. The fetus must be at 0 station
C. The cervix must be dilated fully
D. The patient must receive anesthesia
21. A primigravida patient is admitted to the labor delivery area. Assessment reveals that
she is in the early part of the first stage of labor. Her pain is likely to be most intense:
A. Around the pelvic girdle
B. Around the pelvic girdle and in the upper arms
C. Around the pelvic girdle and at the perineum
D. At the perineum
22. A female adult patient is taking a progestin-only oral contraceptive or mini pill.
Progestin use may increase the patient’s risk for:
A. Endometriosis
B. Female hypogonadism
C. Premenstrual syndrome
D. Tubal or ectopic pregnancy
23. A patient with pregnancy-induced hypertension probably exhibits which of the
following symptoms?
A. Proteinuria, headaches, vaginal bleeding
B. Headaches, double vision, vaginal bleeding
C. Proteinuria, headaches, double vision
D. Proteinuria, double vision, uterine contractions
24. Because cervical effacement and dilation are not progressing in a patient in labor, the
doctor orders I.V. administration of oxytocin (Pitocin). Why must the nurse monitor the
patient’s fluid intake and output closely during oxytocin administration?
A. Oxytocin causes water intoxication
B. Oxytocin causes excessive thirst
C. Oxytocin is toxic to the kidneys
D. Oxytocin has a diuretic effect
25. Five hours after birth, a neonate is transferred to the nursery, where the nurse
intervenes to prevent hypothermia. What is a common source of radiant heat loss?
A. Low room humidity
B. Cold weight scale
C. Cool incubator walls
D. Cool room temperature
26. After administering bethanechol to a patient with urine retention, the nurse in charge
monitors the patient for adverse effects. Which is most likely to occur?
A. Decreased peristalsis
B. Increase heart rate
C. Dry mucous membranes
D. Nausea and Vomiting
27. The nurse in charge is caring for a patient who is in the first stage of labor. What is
the shortest but most difficult part of this stage?
A. Active phase
B. Complete phase
C. Latent phase
D. Transitional phase
28. After 3 days of breastfeeding, a postpartal patient reports nipple soreness. To relieve
her discomfort, the nurse should suggest that she:
A. Apply warm compresses to her nipples just before feedings
B. Lubricate her nipples with expressed milk before feeding
C. Dry her nipples with a soft towel after feedings
D. Apply soap directly to her nipples, and then rinse
29. The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a patient who is 8 weeks pregnant. The
nurse should tell the patient that she can expect to feel the fetus move at which time?
A. Between 10 and 12 weeks’ gestation
B. Between 16 and 20 weeks’ gestation
C. Between 21 and 23 weeks’ gestation
D. Between 24 and 26 weeks’ gestation
30. Normal lochial findings in the first 24 hours post-delivery include:
A. Bright red blood
B. Large clots or tissue fragments
C. A foul odor
D. The complete absence of lochia
Answers and Rationale
1. Answer: A. Endometritis
Endometritis is an infection of the uterine lining and can occur after prolonged rupture of
membranes.
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 Option A: Endometriosis does not occur after a strong labor and prolonged rupture of
membranes.
 Option B: Salpingitis is a tubal infection and could occur if endometritis is not treated.
 Option C: Pelvic thrombophlebitis involves a clot formation, but it is not a complication of
prolonged rupture of membranes.
2. Answer: B. The ultrasound identifies blood flow through the umbilical cord
Before amniocentesis, a routine ultrasound is valuable in locating the placenta, locating a pool
of amniotic fluid, and showing the physician where to insert the needle. Color Doppler imaging
ultrasonography identifies blood flow through the umbilical cord. A routine ultrasound does not
accomplish this.
3. Answer: B. Protamine sulfate
Protamine sulfate is a heparin antagonist given intravenously to counteract bleeding
complications caused by heparin overdose.
4. Answer: D. Check the vital signs every 2 to 4 hours
While caring for an infant receiving phototherapy for treatment of jaundice, vital signs are
checked every 2 to 4 hours because hyperthermia can occur due to the phototherapy lights.
5. Answer: D. Perineum
A bilateral pudendal block is used for vaginal deliveries to relieve pain primarily in the perineum
and vagina. Pudendal block anesthesia is adequate for episiotomy and its repair.
6. Answer: A. “Nausea and vomiting can be decreased if I eat a few crackers before
arising”
Eating dry crackers before arising can assist in decreasing the common discomfort of nausea
and vomiting. Avoiding strong food odors and eating a high-protein snack before bedtime can
also help.
7. Answer: C. Taking hold
Beginning after completion of the taking-in phase, the taking-hold phase lasts about 10 days.
During this phase, the client is concerned with her need to resume control of all facets of her life
in a competent manner. At this time, she is ready to learn self-care and infant care skills.
8. Answer: A. Activity limited to bed rest
Treatment of partial placenta previa includes bed rest, hydration, and careful monitoring of the
client’s bleeding.
9. Answer: C. Breastfeeding the neonate at frequent intervals
Prevention of breast engorgement is key. The best technique is to empty the breast regularly
with feeding. Engorgement is less likely when the mother and neonate are together, as in single
room maternity care continuous rooming-in, because nursing can be done conveniently to meet
the neonate’s and mother’s needs.
10. Answer: A. Startle reflex
The Moro, or startle, reflex occurs when the neonate responds to stimuli by extending the arms,
hands open, and then moving the arms in an embracing motion. The Moro reflex, present at
birth, disappears at about age 3 months.
11. Answer: A. Tailor sitting
Tailor sitting is an excellent exercise that helps to strengthen the client’s back muscles and also
prepares the client for the process of labor. The client should be encouraged to rest periodically
during the day and avoid standing or sitting in one position for a long time.
12. Answer: D. Apply gentle pressure to the site with a sterile gauze pad
If bleeding occurs after circumcision, the nurse should first apply gently pressure on the area
with sterile gauze. Bleeding is not common but requires attention when it occurs.
13. Answer: B. Rigid, board-like abdomen
The most common assessment finding in a client with abruption placenta is a rigid or boardlike
abdomen. Pain, usually reported as a sharp stabbing sensation high in the uterine fundus with
the initial separation, also is common.
14. Answer: B. Notify the physician immediately
The nurse should contact the physician immediately because the client is most likely
experiencing hypotonic uterine contractions. These contractions tend to be painful but
ineffective. The usual treatment is oxytocin augmentation unless cephalopelvic disproportion
exists.
15. Answer: A. High-pitched speech with tonal variations
Providing stimulation and speaking to neonates is important. Some authorities believe that
speech is the most important type of sensory stimulation for a neonate. Neonates respond best
to speech with tonal variations and a high-pitched voice. A neonate can hear all sound louder
than about 55 decibels.
16. Answer: D. Transitional phase
The transitional phase of labor extends from 8 to 10 cm; it is the shortest but most difficult and
intense for the patient.
 Option A: The active phase extends from 4 to 7 cm; it is moderate for the patient.
 Option B: The latent phase extends from 0 to 3 cm; it is mild in nature.
  Option C: The expulsive phase begins immediately after the birth and ends with
separation and expulsion of the placenta.
17. Answer: B. “No, it can initiate premature uterine contractions.”
Castor oil can initiate premature uterine contractions in pregnant women. It also can produce
other adverse effects, but it does not promote sodium retention. Castor oil is not known to
increase absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, although laxatives, in general, may decrease
absorption if intestinal motility is increased.
18. Answer: B. Fluid volume deficit
If bleeding and clots are excessive, this patient may become hypovolemic. Pad count should be
instituted.
 Options A, C, and D: Although the other diagnoses apply to this patient, they are not the
primary diagnosis.
19. Answer: A. Fetal body flexion or extension
Fetal attitude—the overall degree of body flexion or extension—determines the type of molding
in the head a neonate.
 Options B, C, and D: Molding, is not influenced by maternal age, body frame, weight,
parity, and gravidity or by maternal and paternal ethnic backgrounds.
20. Answer: A. The membranes must rupture
Internal EFM can be applied only after the patient’s membranes have ruptured when the fetus is
at least at the -1 station, and when the cervix is dilated at least 2 cm. Although the patient may
receive anesthesia, it is not required before application of an internal EFM device.
21. Answer: A. Around the pelvic girdle
During most of the first stage of labor, pain centers around the pelvic girdle. During the late part
of this stage and the early part of the second stage, pain spreads to the upper legs and
perineum. During the late part of the second stage and childbirth, intense pain occurs at the
perineum. Upper arm pain is not common during any stage of labor.
22. Answer: D. Tubal or ectopic pregnancy
Women taking the mini pill have a higher incidence of tubal and ectopic pregnancies, possibly
because progestin slows ovum transport through the fallopian tubes.
 Options A, B, and C: Endometriosis, female hypogonadism, and premenstrual syndrome
are not associated with progestin-only oral contraceptives.
23. Answer: C. Proteinuria, headaches, double vision
A patient with pregnancy-induced hypertension complains of a headache, double vision, and
sudden weight gain. A urine specimen reveals proteinuria.
 Options A, B, and D: Vaginal bleeding and uterine contractions are not associated with
pregnancy-induced hypertension.
24. Answer: A. Oxytocin causes water intoxication
The nurse should monitor fluid intake and output because prolonged oxytocin infusion may
cause severe water intoxication, leading to seizures, coma, and death.
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 Option B: Excessive thirst results from the work of labor and limited oral fluid intake—not
oxytocin.
 Options C and D: Oxytocin has no nephrotoxic or diuretic effects. In fact, it produces an
antidiuretic effect.
25. Answer: C. Cools incubator walls
A common source of radiant heat loss includes cool incubator walls and windows.
 Option A: Low room humidity promotes evaporative heat loss.
 Option B: When the skin directly contacts a cooler object, such as a cold weight scale,
conductive heat loss may occur.
 Option D: A cool room temperature may lead to convective heat loss.
26. Answer: D. Nausea and Vomiting
Bethanechol will increase GI motility, which may cause nausea, belching, vomiting, intestinal
cramps, and diarrhea.
 Option A: Peristalsis is increased rather than decreased.
 Option B: With high doses of bethanechol, cardiovascular responses may include
vasodilation, decreased cardiac rate, and decreased the force of cardiac contraction,
which may cause hypotension.
 Option C: Salivation or sweating may gently increase.
27. Answer: D. Transitional phase
The transitional phase, which lasts 1 to 3 hours, is the shortest but most difficult part of the first
stage of labor. This phase is characterized by intense uterine contractions that occur every 1 ½
to 2 minutes and last 45 to 90 seconds.
 Option A: The active phase lasts 4 ½ to 6 hours; it is characterized by contractions that
start out moderately intense, grow stronger, and last about 60 seconds.
 Option B: The complete phase occurs during the second, not first, stage of labor.
 Option C: The latent phase lasts 5 to 8 hours and is marked by mild, short, irregular
contractions.
28. Answer: B. Lubricate her nipples with expressed milk before feeding
Measures that help relieve nipple soreness in a breastfeeding patient include lubrication the
nipples with a few drops of expressed milk before feedings, applying ice compresses just before
feeding, letting the nipples air dry after feedings, and avoiding the use of soap on the nipples.
29. Answer: B. Between 16 and 20 weeks’ gestation
A pregnant woman usually can detect fetal movement (quickening) between 16 and 20 weeks’
gestation. Before 16 weeks, the fetus is not developed enough for the woman to detect
movement. After 20 weeks, the fetus continues to gain weight steadily, the lungs start to
produce surfactant, the brain is grossly formed, and myelination of the spinal cord begins.
30. Answer: A. Bright red blood
Lochia should never contain large clots, tissue fragments, or membranes. A foul odor may
signal infection, as may absence of lochia.