Saunders NCLEX Review Maternity Practice
Questions
The nurse is preparing to teach a A, B, D
prenatal class about fetal circulation. A. "The ductus arteriosus allows blood to bypass the fetal lungs."
Which statements would be included B. "One vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus."
in the teaching plan? Select all that D. "Two arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste products away
apply. from the fetus to the placenta."
A. "The ductus arteriosus allows
blood to bypass the fetal lungs." The ductus arteriosus is a unique fetal circulation structure that allows
B."One vein carries oxygenated blood to bypass the nonfunctioning fetal lungs. Oxygenated blood is
blood from the placenta to the transported to the fetus by one umbilical vein. The normal fetal heartbeat
fetus." range is considered to be 110 to 160 beats per minute. Two arteries carry
C. "The normal fetal heartbeat range deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus, and one
is 160 to 180 beats per minute in umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood and provides oxygen and
pregnancy." nutrients to the fetus. Blood pumped by the embryo's heart leaves the
D."Two arteries carry deoxygenated embryo through two umbilical arteries.
blood and waste products away from
the fetus to the placenta."
E."Two veins carry blood that is high
in carbon dioxide and other waste
products away from the fetus to the
placenta."
The nursing instructor teaches a C. "It connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava."
group of students about fetal
circulation and then asks a student The ductus venosus connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena
to describe fetal circulation, cava. The foramen ovale is a temporary opening between the right and
specically the ductus venosus. Which left atria. The ductus arteriosus joins the aorta and the pulmonary
statement by the student indicates artery.
an understanding of the ductus
venosus?
A. "It connects the pulmonary artery
to the aorta."
B."It is an opening between the
right and left atria."
C. "It connects the umbilical vein
to the inferior vena cava."
D."It connects the umbilical artery
to the inferior vena cava."
,A pregnant client tells the clinic nurse A. The appearance of the fetal external genitalia.
that they want to know the sex of the
baby as soon as it can be determined. Between weeks 16 and 20, the external genitalia of the fetus have
The nurse plans to inform the client developed to such a degree that the sex of the fetus can be determined
that they will be able to find out the visually. Differentiation of the external genitalia occurs at the end of the
sex at 16 weeks' gestation because of ninth week. Testes begin to descend into the scrotal sac at the end of
which factor? the 38th week. Internal differences in the genders occur at the end of
A. The appearance of the fetal the seventh week.
external genitalia.
B. The beginning of
differentiation in the fetal groin.
C. The fetal testes are descended
into the scrotal sac.
D. The internal differences
in different genders become
apparent.
The nurse is performing an B. Notify the obstetrician (OB).
assessment on a client who is at 38
weeks' gestation and notes that the The FHR depends on gestational age and ranges from 160 to 170 beats
fetal heart rate (FHR) is 174 beats per per minute in the first trimester but slows with fetal growth to 110 to 160
minute. On the basis of this finding, beats per minute. If the FHR is less than 110 beats per minute or more than
what is the priority nursing action? 160 beats per minute with the uterus at rest, the fetus may be in distress.
A. Document the finding. Because the FHR is increased from the reference range, the nurse would
B.Notify the obstetrician (OB). notify the OB. Options 3 and 4 are inappropriate actions based on the
C. Check the mother's heart rate. information in the question. Although the nurse documents the findings,
D. Tell the client that the fetal based on the information in the question, the OB needs to be notified.
heart rate is normal.
The nurse is conducting a prenatal C. "It promotes the fertilized ovum's normal implantation in the top
class on the re- productive system. portion of the uterus."
When a client in the class asks why
the fertilized ovum stays in the The tubal isthmus remains contracted until 3 days after conception to
fallopian tube for 3 days, what is the allow the fertilized ovum to develop within the tube. This initial growth
nurse's best response? of the fertilized ovum promotes its normal implantation in the fundal
A. "It promotes the fertilized portion of the uterine corpus. Estrogen is a hormone produced by the
ovum's chances of survival." ovarian follicles, corpus luteum, adrenal cortex, and placenta during
B."It promotes the fertilized pregnancy. Progesterone is a hormone secreted by the corpus luteum of
ovum's exposure to estrogen and the ovary, adrenal glands, and placenta dur- ing pregnancy. Luteinizing
progesterone." hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone are excreted by the anterior
C. "It promotes the fertilized ovum's pituitary gland. The survival of the fertilized ovum does not depend on it
normal implantation in the top staying in the fallopian tube for 3 days.
portion of the uterus."
D."It promotes the fertilized
ovum's exposure to luteinizing
hormone and follicle-
stimulating hormone."
,The nursing instructor asks a nursing A. Allows for fetal movement.
student to explain the characteristics B.Surrounds, cushions, and protects the fetus.
of the amniotic fluid. The student C. Maintains the body temperature of the fetus.
responds correctly by explaining D.Can be used to measure fetal kidney function.
which as characteristics of amniotic
fluid? Select all that apply. The amniotic fluid surrounds, cushions, and protects the fetus. It allows
A. Allows for fetal movement. the fetus to move freely and maintains the body temperature of the fetus.
B.Surrounds, cushions, and In addition, the amniotic fluid contains urine from the fetus and can be
protects the fetus. used to assess fetal kidney function.
C. Maintains the body temperature The placenta prevents large particles such as bacteria from passing to
of the fetus. the fetus and provides an exchange of nutrients and waste products
D.Can be used to measure fetal between the birthing parent and the fetus.
kidney function.
E.Prevents large particles such as
bacteria from passing to the fetus.
F. Provides an exchange of
nutrients and waste products
between the birthing parent and the
fetus.
A couple comes to the family B. "Do you plan to have any other children?"
planning clinic and asks about
sterilization procedures. Which Sterilization is a method of contraception for couples who have
question by the nurse would completed their families. It should be considered a permanent end to
determine whether this method of fertility, because reversal surgery is not always successful. The nurse
family planning would be most would ask the couple about their plans for having children in the future.
appropriate? Options 1, 3, and 4 are unrelated to this procedure.
A. "Have you ever had surgery?"
B."Do you plan to have any
other children?"
C. "Do either of you have
diabetes mellitus?"
D."Do either of you have
problems with high blood
pressure?"
The nurse would plan to make B. "Your type of pelvis is the most favorable for labor and birth."
which statement to a pregnant
client found to have a gynecoid A gynecoid pelvis is a normal pelvis and is the most favorable for
pelvis? successful labor and birth. An android
A. "Your type of pelvis has a narrow pelvis would be unfavorable for labor because of the narrow pelvic
pubic arch." planes. An anthropoid pelvis has an outlet that is adequate, with a
B."Your type of pelvis is the most normal or moderately narrow pubic arch. A platypelloid pelvis (flat
favorable for labor and birth." pelvis) has a wide transverse diameter, but the anteroposterior
C. "Your type of pelvis is a wide pelvis, diameter is short, making the outlet inadequate.
but it has a short diameter."
D."You will need a cesarean section
because this type of pelvis is not
favorable for a vaginal delivery."
, Which purposes of placental C. It is the way the baby gets food and oxygen.
functioning would the nurse plan to E. It provides an exchange of nutrients and waste products between the
include in a prenatal class? Select all birthing parent and developing fetus.
that apply.
A. It cushions and protects the baby. The placenta provides an exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste
B.It maintains the temperature of the products between the birthing parent and the fetus. The amniotic fluid
baby. surrounds, cushions, and protects the fetus and maintains the body
C. It is the way the baby gets temperature of the fetus. Nutrients, medications, antibodies, and viruses
food and oxygen. can pass through the placenta.
D.It prevents all antibodies and
viruses from passing to the baby.
E.It provides an exchange of
nutrients and waste products
between the birthing parent and
developing fetus.
A 55-year-old client condes in the B. "Please share with me more about your concerns."
nurse about being concerned about
sexual function. What is the nurse's The nurse needs to establish trust when discussing sexual relationships.
best response? The nurse would open the conversation with broad statements to
A. "How often do you have sexual determine the true nature of the client's concerns. The frequency of
relations?" intercourse is not a relevant first question to establish trust.
B. "Please share with me more about Testosterone declines with the aging process.
your concerns."
C. "You are still young and have
nothing to be concerned about."
E. "You should not have a decline in
testosterone until you are in your
80s."
The nurse is providing instructions to a C. An informed consent needs to be signed before the procedure.
pregnant client who is scheduled for
an amniocentesis. What instruction Because amniocentesis is an invasive procedure, informed consent
would the nurse provide? needs to be obtained before the procedure. After the procedure, the
A. Strict bed rest is required client is instructed to rest, but may resume light activity after the
after the procedure. cramping subsides. The client is instructed to keep the puncture site
B.Hospitalization is necessary for 24 clean and to report any complications, such as chills, fever, bleeding,
hours after the procedure. leakage of fluid at the needle insertion site, decreased fetal movement,
C. An informed consent needs to be uterine contractions, or cramping. Amniocentesis is an outpatient
signed before the procedure. procedure and may be done in the obstetrician's office or in a special
D. A fever is expected after prenatal testing unit. Hospitalization is not necessary after the
the procedure because of the procedure.
trauma to the abdomen.
A pregnant client in the first B. "The vaginal discharge may be bothersome, but is a normal occurrence."
trimester calls the nurse at a health
care clinic and reports noticing a Leukorrhea begins during the first trimester. Many clients notice a thin,
thin, colorless vaginal drainage. The colorless, or yellow vaginal discharge throughout pregnancy. Some clients
nurse would make which statement become distressed about this condition, but it does not require that the
to the client? client report to the health care clinic or emergency department
A. "Come to the clinic immediately." immediately. If vaginal discharge is profuse, the client may use panty
B."The vaginal discharge may be liners, but should not wear tampons because of the risk of infection. If the
bothersome, but is a normal client uses panty liners, the client needs to change them frequently.
occurrence."
C. "Report to the emergency
department at the maternity center
immediately."
D."Use tampons if the discharge
is bothersome, but be sure to
change the tampons every 2
hours."
Questions
The nurse is preparing to teach a A, B, D
prenatal class about fetal circulation. A. "The ductus arteriosus allows blood to bypass the fetal lungs."
Which statements would be included B. "One vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus."
in the teaching plan? Select all that D. "Two arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste products away
apply. from the fetus to the placenta."
A. "The ductus arteriosus allows
blood to bypass the fetal lungs." The ductus arteriosus is a unique fetal circulation structure that allows
B."One vein carries oxygenated blood to bypass the nonfunctioning fetal lungs. Oxygenated blood is
blood from the placenta to the transported to the fetus by one umbilical vein. The normal fetal heartbeat
fetus." range is considered to be 110 to 160 beats per minute. Two arteries carry
C. "The normal fetal heartbeat range deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus, and one
is 160 to 180 beats per minute in umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood and provides oxygen and
pregnancy." nutrients to the fetus. Blood pumped by the embryo's heart leaves the
D."Two arteries carry deoxygenated embryo through two umbilical arteries.
blood and waste products away from
the fetus to the placenta."
E."Two veins carry blood that is high
in carbon dioxide and other waste
products away from the fetus to the
placenta."
The nursing instructor teaches a C. "It connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava."
group of students about fetal
circulation and then asks a student The ductus venosus connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena
to describe fetal circulation, cava. The foramen ovale is a temporary opening between the right and
specically the ductus venosus. Which left atria. The ductus arteriosus joins the aorta and the pulmonary
statement by the student indicates artery.
an understanding of the ductus
venosus?
A. "It connects the pulmonary artery
to the aorta."
B."It is an opening between the
right and left atria."
C. "It connects the umbilical vein
to the inferior vena cava."
D."It connects the umbilical artery
to the inferior vena cava."
,A pregnant client tells the clinic nurse A. The appearance of the fetal external genitalia.
that they want to know the sex of the
baby as soon as it can be determined. Between weeks 16 and 20, the external genitalia of the fetus have
The nurse plans to inform the client developed to such a degree that the sex of the fetus can be determined
that they will be able to find out the visually. Differentiation of the external genitalia occurs at the end of the
sex at 16 weeks' gestation because of ninth week. Testes begin to descend into the scrotal sac at the end of
which factor? the 38th week. Internal differences in the genders occur at the end of
A. The appearance of the fetal the seventh week.
external genitalia.
B. The beginning of
differentiation in the fetal groin.
C. The fetal testes are descended
into the scrotal sac.
D. The internal differences
in different genders become
apparent.
The nurse is performing an B. Notify the obstetrician (OB).
assessment on a client who is at 38
weeks' gestation and notes that the The FHR depends on gestational age and ranges from 160 to 170 beats
fetal heart rate (FHR) is 174 beats per per minute in the first trimester but slows with fetal growth to 110 to 160
minute. On the basis of this finding, beats per minute. If the FHR is less than 110 beats per minute or more than
what is the priority nursing action? 160 beats per minute with the uterus at rest, the fetus may be in distress.
A. Document the finding. Because the FHR is increased from the reference range, the nurse would
B.Notify the obstetrician (OB). notify the OB. Options 3 and 4 are inappropriate actions based on the
C. Check the mother's heart rate. information in the question. Although the nurse documents the findings,
D. Tell the client that the fetal based on the information in the question, the OB needs to be notified.
heart rate is normal.
The nurse is conducting a prenatal C. "It promotes the fertilized ovum's normal implantation in the top
class on the re- productive system. portion of the uterus."
When a client in the class asks why
the fertilized ovum stays in the The tubal isthmus remains contracted until 3 days after conception to
fallopian tube for 3 days, what is the allow the fertilized ovum to develop within the tube. This initial growth
nurse's best response? of the fertilized ovum promotes its normal implantation in the fundal
A. "It promotes the fertilized portion of the uterine corpus. Estrogen is a hormone produced by the
ovum's chances of survival." ovarian follicles, corpus luteum, adrenal cortex, and placenta during
B."It promotes the fertilized pregnancy. Progesterone is a hormone secreted by the corpus luteum of
ovum's exposure to estrogen and the ovary, adrenal glands, and placenta dur- ing pregnancy. Luteinizing
progesterone." hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone are excreted by the anterior
C. "It promotes the fertilized ovum's pituitary gland. The survival of the fertilized ovum does not depend on it
normal implantation in the top staying in the fallopian tube for 3 days.
portion of the uterus."
D."It promotes the fertilized
ovum's exposure to luteinizing
hormone and follicle-
stimulating hormone."
,The nursing instructor asks a nursing A. Allows for fetal movement.
student to explain the characteristics B.Surrounds, cushions, and protects the fetus.
of the amniotic fluid. The student C. Maintains the body temperature of the fetus.
responds correctly by explaining D.Can be used to measure fetal kidney function.
which as characteristics of amniotic
fluid? Select all that apply. The amniotic fluid surrounds, cushions, and protects the fetus. It allows
A. Allows for fetal movement. the fetus to move freely and maintains the body temperature of the fetus.
B.Surrounds, cushions, and In addition, the amniotic fluid contains urine from the fetus and can be
protects the fetus. used to assess fetal kidney function.
C. Maintains the body temperature The placenta prevents large particles such as bacteria from passing to
of the fetus. the fetus and provides an exchange of nutrients and waste products
D.Can be used to measure fetal between the birthing parent and the fetus.
kidney function.
E.Prevents large particles such as
bacteria from passing to the fetus.
F. Provides an exchange of
nutrients and waste products
between the birthing parent and the
fetus.
A couple comes to the family B. "Do you plan to have any other children?"
planning clinic and asks about
sterilization procedures. Which Sterilization is a method of contraception for couples who have
question by the nurse would completed their families. It should be considered a permanent end to
determine whether this method of fertility, because reversal surgery is not always successful. The nurse
family planning would be most would ask the couple about their plans for having children in the future.
appropriate? Options 1, 3, and 4 are unrelated to this procedure.
A. "Have you ever had surgery?"
B."Do you plan to have any
other children?"
C. "Do either of you have
diabetes mellitus?"
D."Do either of you have
problems with high blood
pressure?"
The nurse would plan to make B. "Your type of pelvis is the most favorable for labor and birth."
which statement to a pregnant
client found to have a gynecoid A gynecoid pelvis is a normal pelvis and is the most favorable for
pelvis? successful labor and birth. An android
A. "Your type of pelvis has a narrow pelvis would be unfavorable for labor because of the narrow pelvic
pubic arch." planes. An anthropoid pelvis has an outlet that is adequate, with a
B."Your type of pelvis is the most normal or moderately narrow pubic arch. A platypelloid pelvis (flat
favorable for labor and birth." pelvis) has a wide transverse diameter, but the anteroposterior
C. "Your type of pelvis is a wide pelvis, diameter is short, making the outlet inadequate.
but it has a short diameter."
D."You will need a cesarean section
because this type of pelvis is not
favorable for a vaginal delivery."
, Which purposes of placental C. It is the way the baby gets food and oxygen.
functioning would the nurse plan to E. It provides an exchange of nutrients and waste products between the
include in a prenatal class? Select all birthing parent and developing fetus.
that apply.
A. It cushions and protects the baby. The placenta provides an exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste
B.It maintains the temperature of the products between the birthing parent and the fetus. The amniotic fluid
baby. surrounds, cushions, and protects the fetus and maintains the body
C. It is the way the baby gets temperature of the fetus. Nutrients, medications, antibodies, and viruses
food and oxygen. can pass through the placenta.
D.It prevents all antibodies and
viruses from passing to the baby.
E.It provides an exchange of
nutrients and waste products
between the birthing parent and
developing fetus.
A 55-year-old client condes in the B. "Please share with me more about your concerns."
nurse about being concerned about
sexual function. What is the nurse's The nurse needs to establish trust when discussing sexual relationships.
best response? The nurse would open the conversation with broad statements to
A. "How often do you have sexual determine the true nature of the client's concerns. The frequency of
relations?" intercourse is not a relevant first question to establish trust.
B. "Please share with me more about Testosterone declines with the aging process.
your concerns."
C. "You are still young and have
nothing to be concerned about."
E. "You should not have a decline in
testosterone until you are in your
80s."
The nurse is providing instructions to a C. An informed consent needs to be signed before the procedure.
pregnant client who is scheduled for
an amniocentesis. What instruction Because amniocentesis is an invasive procedure, informed consent
would the nurse provide? needs to be obtained before the procedure. After the procedure, the
A. Strict bed rest is required client is instructed to rest, but may resume light activity after the
after the procedure. cramping subsides. The client is instructed to keep the puncture site
B.Hospitalization is necessary for 24 clean and to report any complications, such as chills, fever, bleeding,
hours after the procedure. leakage of fluid at the needle insertion site, decreased fetal movement,
C. An informed consent needs to be uterine contractions, or cramping. Amniocentesis is an outpatient
signed before the procedure. procedure and may be done in the obstetrician's office or in a special
D. A fever is expected after prenatal testing unit. Hospitalization is not necessary after the
the procedure because of the procedure.
trauma to the abdomen.
A pregnant client in the first B. "The vaginal discharge may be bothersome, but is a normal occurrence."
trimester calls the nurse at a health
care clinic and reports noticing a Leukorrhea begins during the first trimester. Many clients notice a thin,
thin, colorless vaginal drainage. The colorless, or yellow vaginal discharge throughout pregnancy. Some clients
nurse would make which statement become distressed about this condition, but it does not require that the
to the client? client report to the health care clinic or emergency department
A. "Come to the clinic immediately." immediately. If vaginal discharge is profuse, the client may use panty
B."The vaginal discharge may be liners, but should not wear tampons because of the risk of infection. If the
bothersome, but is a normal client uses panty liners, the client needs to change them frequently.
occurrence."
C. "Report to the emergency
department at the maternity center
immediately."
D."Use tampons if the discharge
is bothersome, but be sure to
change the tampons every 2
hours."
