NUR 254 Exam 1 2026 (350+ Questions) – Maternal-Newborn Nursing – Pregnancy Signs, Prenatal Care, Labor & Delivery, Fetal Monitoring & Obstetric Complications Q&A

This document contains over 350 fully answered exam questions for NUR 254 Exam 1 2026, covering foundational maternal-newborn nursing concepts including presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy; Naegele’s rule; gravida and para classification; fetal assessment milestones; physiologic changes in pregnancy; and trimester-specific discomforts and laboratory screenings. The material systematically reviews cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and hematologic adaptations during pregnancy, along with normal laboratory values (Hgb 11, Hct 33%, platelets 100,000) and key prenatal screening tests such as glucose tolerance testing, Group B strep swabbing, HIV, Hep B, VDRL/RPR, and Rh management with Rhogam at 28 weeks. The study guide provides comprehensive coverage of obstetric complications including placenta previa (painless bright red bleeding), abruptio placentae (painful dark bleeding with rigid abdomen), incompetent cervix with cerclage management, chronic and gestational hypertension, mild and severe preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and magnesium sulfate therapy with calcium gluconate antidote. Diabetes in pregnancy is addressed in detail, including pregestational versus gestational diabetes, insulin management, maternal and fetal risks such as macrosomia and respiratory distress, and screening protocols at 24–28 weeks. Labor and delivery content includes the Five P’s (Passenger, Passageway, Powers, Position, Psychological response), fetal presentation, lie, attitude, position, and station, as well as induction methods (prostaglandins, pitocin, mechanical dilation), augmentation, amniotomy, forceps and vacuum use, and recognition of true versus false labor. The stages of labor are clearly outlined from cervical dilation to placental delivery and immediate postpartum recovery, including nursing priorities for hemorrhage prevention and fundal assessment. Fetal monitoring interpretation is emphasized through VEAL CHOP correlation, identification of early, variable, and late decelerations, acceleration patterns, prolapsed cord management, and emergency interventions such as repositioning, oxygen administration, discontinuation of pitocin, and preparation for cesarean delivery. Pain management options including epidural anesthesia, fentanyl, stadol, and nitrous oxide are reviewed along with associated side effects and maternal-fetal implications. This document is particularly relevant for: Nursing students enrolled in maternal-newborn or OB nursing courses ADN and BSN students preparing for Exam 1 in obstetrics NCLEX candidates reviewing maternity content LPN-to-RN bridge students Students in NUR 254 or equivalent Maternal-Newborn Nursing courses It is suitable for courses such as: Maternal-Newborn Nursing Obstetric Nursing Reproductive Health Nursing Family-Centered Maternity Care Foundations of Perinatal Nursing Keywords: NUR 254 exam 1 2026, maternal newborn nursing exam prep, presumptive probable positive pregnancy signs, Naegeles rule due date calculation, gravida para term preterm abortion living, Rhogam 28 weeks Rh negative, gestational diabetes screening 24 28 weeks, magnesium sulfate preeclampsia protocol, HELLP syndrome hemolysis elevated liver enzymes low platelets, placenta previa painless bright red bleeding, abruptio placentae rigid abdomen, stages of labor dilation expulsion placenta recovery, five Ps of labor, fetal presentation lie attitude station, VEAL CHOP fetal monitoring, early variable late decelerations, prolapsed cord management, epidural side effects hypotension bradycardia, postpartum hemorrhage assessment fundus lochia