NR 327 MATERNAL-CHILD NURSING EXAM |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED ANSWERS
PLUS RATIONALES | EXAM ALREADY GRADED A+ |
LATEST EXAM
1. A pregnant client at 28 weeks’ gestation reports feeling sudden gushes of fluid from her
vagina. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Assess fetal heart rate
B. Ask the client to ambulate
C. Check maternal blood pressure
D. Perform Leopold’s maneuvers
Answer: A. Assess fetal heart rate
Rationale: Sudden gushes may indicate rupture of membranes. Assessing fetal well-being is the
priority to ensure the baby is not in distress.
2. A nurse is teaching a primigravida about normal weight gain during pregnancy. What is
the recommended total weight gain for a woman with a normal BMI?
A. 11–20 pounds
B. 25–35 pounds
C. 35–45 pounds
D. 15–25 pounds
Answer: B. 25–35 pounds
Rationale: According to guidelines, a woman with a normal BMI (18.5–24.9) should gain
approximately 25–35 pounds during pregnancy.
3. Which intervention is appropriate for a newborn with a heart rate of 85 bpm immediately
after birth?
A. Continue routine care
B. Begin chest compressions
C. Initiate resuscitation with positive pressure ventilation
D. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
Answer: C. Initiate resuscitation with positive pressure ventilation
Rationale: A heart rate below 100 bpm in a newborn indicates the need for assisted ventilation
per neonatal resuscitation guidelines.
4. A nurse assesses a postpartum client 2 hours after delivery. The fundus is boggy, and
there is heavy lochia. What is the first nursing action?
A. Massage the fundus
B. Call the physician
, C. Increase IV fluids
D. Monitor vital signs
Answer: A. Massage the fundus
Rationale: Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Fundal massage
stimulates uterine contraction and reduces bleeding.
5. A mother asks about feeding her newborn who has been vomiting frequently. Which
response by the nurse is correct?
A. “Increase the amount of each feeding.”
B. “Feed smaller, more frequent amounts.”
C. “Switch to cow’s milk immediately.”
D. “Hold feedings for 24 hours.”
Answer: B. “Feed smaller, more frequent amounts.”
Rationale: Smaller, frequent feedings reduce stress on the infant’s gastrointestinal system and
decrease vomiting.
6. During a prenatal visit, a client at 32 weeks gestation reports swelling in the face and
hands and blurred vision. The nurse should assess for:
A. Gestational diabetes
B. Preeclampsia
C. Hyperemesis gravidarum
D. Urinary tract infection
Answer: B. Preeclampsia
Rationale: Facial/hand edema and visual disturbances are classic signs of preeclampsia, a
potentially dangerous condition.
7. A nurse is caring for a newborn with jaundice on the first day of life. What is the
appropriate action?
A. Initiate phototherapy
B. Assess bilirubin levels
C. Begin formula feeding
D. Administer vitamin K
Answer: B. Assess bilirubin levels
Rationale: Jaundice in the first 24 hours is abnormal. Bilirubin levels need assessment to
determine treatment.
8. A client in labor has been receiving oxytocin for 2 hours. The nurse notes contractions
every 1–2 minutes lasting 90 seconds. The priority nursing action is:
A. Document the findings
B. Stop the oxytocin infusion
C. Encourage the client to rest
D. Administer pain medication
,Answer: B. Stop the oxytocin infusion
Rationale: Hyperstimulation of the uterus can compromise fetal oxygenation and cause uterine
rupture. The infusion should be stopped immediately.
9. Which newborn reflex should be assessed by touching the infant’s cheek?
A. Moro reflex
B. Rooting reflex
C. Sucking reflex
D. Babinski reflex
Answer: B. Rooting reflex
Rationale: Stroking the cheek causes the infant to turn toward the stimulus, indicating the
rooting reflex, important for feeding.
10. A postpartum client has a temperature of 38.3°C (100.9°F) on the first day after delivery.
What is the appropriate nursing action?
A. Notify the provider immediately
B. Encourage hydration and monitor
C. Administer antibiotics
D. Encourage early ambulation
Answer: B. Encourage hydration and monitor
Rationale: Mild fever is common during the first 24 hours postpartum due to dehydration and
exertion. Monitor and encourage fluids.
11. A nurse is assessing a neonate born at 36 weeks. Which finding is expected?
A. Plantar creases covering the entire foot
B. Smooth, shiny skin
C. Lanugo present on shoulders and back
D. Thick vernix caseosa
Answer: C. Lanugo present on shoulders and back
Rationale: Lanugo, fine hair on the body, is common in late preterm infants. Plantar creases and
thick vernix are more prominent in term infants.
12. A mother reports severe breast engorgement on postpartum day 3. What nursing advice is
appropriate?
A. Avoid breastfeeding until pain subsides
B. Apply cold compresses and feed frequently
C. Apply heat only
D. Pump only, do not breastfeed
Answer: B. Apply cold compresses and feed frequently
Rationale: Frequent feeding and cold compresses reduce engorgement and promote milk flow.
, 13. During a prenatal visit, a client at 26 weeks gestation reports decreased fetal movement.
What is the first action?
A. Advise the client to rest
B. Perform a nonstress test
C. Administer tocolytics
D. Encourage hydration and monitor at home
Answer: B. Perform a nonstress test
Rationale: Decreased fetal movement may indicate fetal compromise. A nonstress test evaluates
fetal well-being.
14. A nurse is teaching a client about iron supplementation in pregnancy. Which statement
indicates understanding?
A. “I should take iron with milk to increase absorption.”
B. “I should take iron with vitamin C to increase absorption.”
C. “I should avoid taking iron with juice.”
D. “Iron supplements are not necessary if I eat meat.”
Answer: B. “I should take iron with vitamin C to increase absorption.”
Rationale: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption. Milk and antacids decrease absorption.
15. A newborn has nasal flaring, grunting, and chest retractions. The nurse recognizes these
as signs of:
A. Normal newborn adaptation
B. Respiratory distress
C. Hyperbilirubinemia
D. Hypoglycemia
Answer: B. Respiratory distress
Rationale: These are classic signs of neonatal respiratory distress, requiring immediate
evaluation.
16. Which vaccine is safe to administer during pregnancy?
A. MMR
B. Varicella
C. Tdap
D. Live influenza
Answer: C. Tdap
Rationale: Tdap is recommended during pregnancy to protect the mother and neonate from
pertussis. Live vaccines like MMR and varicella are contraindicated.
17. A mother asks about safe medications for postpartum pain while breastfeeding. Which is
appropriate?
A. Ibuprofen
B. Codeine
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED ANSWERS
PLUS RATIONALES | EXAM ALREADY GRADED A+ |
LATEST EXAM
1. A pregnant client at 28 weeks’ gestation reports feeling sudden gushes of fluid from her
vagina. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Assess fetal heart rate
B. Ask the client to ambulate
C. Check maternal blood pressure
D. Perform Leopold’s maneuvers
Answer: A. Assess fetal heart rate
Rationale: Sudden gushes may indicate rupture of membranes. Assessing fetal well-being is the
priority to ensure the baby is not in distress.
2. A nurse is teaching a primigravida about normal weight gain during pregnancy. What is
the recommended total weight gain for a woman with a normal BMI?
A. 11–20 pounds
B. 25–35 pounds
C. 35–45 pounds
D. 15–25 pounds
Answer: B. 25–35 pounds
Rationale: According to guidelines, a woman with a normal BMI (18.5–24.9) should gain
approximately 25–35 pounds during pregnancy.
3. Which intervention is appropriate for a newborn with a heart rate of 85 bpm immediately
after birth?
A. Continue routine care
B. Begin chest compressions
C. Initiate resuscitation with positive pressure ventilation
D. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
Answer: C. Initiate resuscitation with positive pressure ventilation
Rationale: A heart rate below 100 bpm in a newborn indicates the need for assisted ventilation
per neonatal resuscitation guidelines.
4. A nurse assesses a postpartum client 2 hours after delivery. The fundus is boggy, and
there is heavy lochia. What is the first nursing action?
A. Massage the fundus
B. Call the physician
, C. Increase IV fluids
D. Monitor vital signs
Answer: A. Massage the fundus
Rationale: Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Fundal massage
stimulates uterine contraction and reduces bleeding.
5. A mother asks about feeding her newborn who has been vomiting frequently. Which
response by the nurse is correct?
A. “Increase the amount of each feeding.”
B. “Feed smaller, more frequent amounts.”
C. “Switch to cow’s milk immediately.”
D. “Hold feedings for 24 hours.”
Answer: B. “Feed smaller, more frequent amounts.”
Rationale: Smaller, frequent feedings reduce stress on the infant’s gastrointestinal system and
decrease vomiting.
6. During a prenatal visit, a client at 32 weeks gestation reports swelling in the face and
hands and blurred vision. The nurse should assess for:
A. Gestational diabetes
B. Preeclampsia
C. Hyperemesis gravidarum
D. Urinary tract infection
Answer: B. Preeclampsia
Rationale: Facial/hand edema and visual disturbances are classic signs of preeclampsia, a
potentially dangerous condition.
7. A nurse is caring for a newborn with jaundice on the first day of life. What is the
appropriate action?
A. Initiate phototherapy
B. Assess bilirubin levels
C. Begin formula feeding
D. Administer vitamin K
Answer: B. Assess bilirubin levels
Rationale: Jaundice in the first 24 hours is abnormal. Bilirubin levels need assessment to
determine treatment.
8. A client in labor has been receiving oxytocin for 2 hours. The nurse notes contractions
every 1–2 minutes lasting 90 seconds. The priority nursing action is:
A. Document the findings
B. Stop the oxytocin infusion
C. Encourage the client to rest
D. Administer pain medication
,Answer: B. Stop the oxytocin infusion
Rationale: Hyperstimulation of the uterus can compromise fetal oxygenation and cause uterine
rupture. The infusion should be stopped immediately.
9. Which newborn reflex should be assessed by touching the infant’s cheek?
A. Moro reflex
B. Rooting reflex
C. Sucking reflex
D. Babinski reflex
Answer: B. Rooting reflex
Rationale: Stroking the cheek causes the infant to turn toward the stimulus, indicating the
rooting reflex, important for feeding.
10. A postpartum client has a temperature of 38.3°C (100.9°F) on the first day after delivery.
What is the appropriate nursing action?
A. Notify the provider immediately
B. Encourage hydration and monitor
C. Administer antibiotics
D. Encourage early ambulation
Answer: B. Encourage hydration and monitor
Rationale: Mild fever is common during the first 24 hours postpartum due to dehydration and
exertion. Monitor and encourage fluids.
11. A nurse is assessing a neonate born at 36 weeks. Which finding is expected?
A. Plantar creases covering the entire foot
B. Smooth, shiny skin
C. Lanugo present on shoulders and back
D. Thick vernix caseosa
Answer: C. Lanugo present on shoulders and back
Rationale: Lanugo, fine hair on the body, is common in late preterm infants. Plantar creases and
thick vernix are more prominent in term infants.
12. A mother reports severe breast engorgement on postpartum day 3. What nursing advice is
appropriate?
A. Avoid breastfeeding until pain subsides
B. Apply cold compresses and feed frequently
C. Apply heat only
D. Pump only, do not breastfeed
Answer: B. Apply cold compresses and feed frequently
Rationale: Frequent feeding and cold compresses reduce engorgement and promote milk flow.
, 13. During a prenatal visit, a client at 26 weeks gestation reports decreased fetal movement.
What is the first action?
A. Advise the client to rest
B. Perform a nonstress test
C. Administer tocolytics
D. Encourage hydration and monitor at home
Answer: B. Perform a nonstress test
Rationale: Decreased fetal movement may indicate fetal compromise. A nonstress test evaluates
fetal well-being.
14. A nurse is teaching a client about iron supplementation in pregnancy. Which statement
indicates understanding?
A. “I should take iron with milk to increase absorption.”
B. “I should take iron with vitamin C to increase absorption.”
C. “I should avoid taking iron with juice.”
D. “Iron supplements are not necessary if I eat meat.”
Answer: B. “I should take iron with vitamin C to increase absorption.”
Rationale: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption. Milk and antacids decrease absorption.
15. A newborn has nasal flaring, grunting, and chest retractions. The nurse recognizes these
as signs of:
A. Normal newborn adaptation
B. Respiratory distress
C. Hyperbilirubinemia
D. Hypoglycemia
Answer: B. Respiratory distress
Rationale: These are classic signs of neonatal respiratory distress, requiring immediate
evaluation.
16. Which vaccine is safe to administer during pregnancy?
A. MMR
B. Varicella
C. Tdap
D. Live influenza
Answer: C. Tdap
Rationale: Tdap is recommended during pregnancy to protect the mother and neonate from
pertussis. Live vaccines like MMR and varicella are contraindicated.
17. A mother asks about safe medications for postpartum pain while breastfeeding. Which is
appropriate?
A. Ibuprofen
B. Codeine
