NUR 335 Exam 4: Maternal Health Theory & Application
V1 - Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. What is the primary goal of performing a fundal massage on a postpartum patient?
A. To stimulate uterine contractions and prevent hemorrhage
B. To reduce the patient’s pain levels
C. To assist in the delivery of the placenta
D. To assess for signs of infection in the uterus
Ans: A
Explanation: Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage in the early recovery
period. Massaging the fundus helps the uterus contract and become firm, which compresses bleeding
vessels. If the uterus remains boggy, it cannot effectively control blood loss after delivery. Nurses must
monitor the fundus frequently to ensure it stays midline and at the appropriate level. This intervention is
critical for maintaining maternal safety and preventing hypovolemic shock.
2. Which of the following describes lochia rubra?
A. Yellowish-white discharge occurring 10 days postpartum
B. Pinkish-brown discharge occurring 3 to 10 days postpartum
C. Clear fluid discharge occurring after the first week
D. Bright red discharge occurring for the first 1 to 3 days postpartum
Ans: D
Explanation: Lochia rubra is the initial vaginal discharge after childbirth consisting mostly of blood and
decidual debris. It typically lasts for the first three days following delivery before transitioning to lochia
,serosa. The presence of large clots or a foul odor in lochia rubra may indicate complications such as
retained fragments or infection. Nurses should educate patients on the expected progression of lochia to
ensure they recognize abnormal changes. Proper monitoring of lochia helps in assessing the normal
involution process of the uterus.
3. What is the purpose of administering Vitamin K to a newborn shortly after birth?
A. To promote the development of intestinal flora
B. To prevent Vitamin K deficiency bleeding or hemorrhagic disease
C. To stimulate the newborn’s immune system response
D. To assist in the digestion of breast milk or formula
Ans: B
Explanation: Newborns are born with low levels of Vitamin K because it does not cross the placenta well.
Their sterile intestinal tracts cannot produce Vitamin K until normal gut flora is established through
feeding. Administering an intramuscular injection of Vitamin K helps the liver produce necessary clotting
factors. This preventative measure is essential to avoid potentially fatal bleeding episodes in the neonate.
It is a standard of care for all infants to receive this injection within the first hours of life.
4. Which assessment finding is a hallmark sign of preeclampsia?
A. Hypertension and proteinuria
B. Hypoglycemia and increased appetite
C. Hypotension and bradycardia
D. Decreased deep tendon reflexes and lethargy
Ans: A
, Explanation: Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder characterized by new-onset hypertension after 20
weeks of gestation. Proteinuria is a classic diagnostic finding indicating glomerular damage caused by the
high blood pressure. Patients may also experience symptoms like headaches, visual disturbances, and
epigastric pain. Early detection through regular prenatal screening is vital to prevent progression to
eclampsia or seizures. Managing blood pressure and monitoring fetal well-being are the primary goals of
care for these patients.
5. At what times should the Apgar score typically be assessed?
A. At 5 minutes and 10 minutes after birth
B. Every 30 minutes for the first two hours
C. At 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth
D. Immediately upon crowning and after the first cry
Ans: C
Explanation: The Apgar score provides a quick evaluation of the newborn’s physical condition and
transition to extrauterine life. The 1-minute score reflects how the baby tolerated the birthing process
itself. The 5-minute score indicates how well the baby is adapting to the new environment. If the 5-
minute score is low, further assessments may be conducted at 10-minute intervals. This scoring system
helps healthcare providers determine if immediate resuscitative interventions are required for the infant.
6. Which breastfeeding position is often recommended for mothers who have had a Cesarean section?
A. Cradle hold
B. Cross-cradle hold
C. Football hold
D. Standing position
V1 - Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. What is the primary goal of performing a fundal massage on a postpartum patient?
A. To stimulate uterine contractions and prevent hemorrhage
B. To reduce the patient’s pain levels
C. To assist in the delivery of the placenta
D. To assess for signs of infection in the uterus
Ans: A
Explanation: Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage in the early recovery
period. Massaging the fundus helps the uterus contract and become firm, which compresses bleeding
vessels. If the uterus remains boggy, it cannot effectively control blood loss after delivery. Nurses must
monitor the fundus frequently to ensure it stays midline and at the appropriate level. This intervention is
critical for maintaining maternal safety and preventing hypovolemic shock.
2. Which of the following describes lochia rubra?
A. Yellowish-white discharge occurring 10 days postpartum
B. Pinkish-brown discharge occurring 3 to 10 days postpartum
C. Clear fluid discharge occurring after the first week
D. Bright red discharge occurring for the first 1 to 3 days postpartum
Ans: D
Explanation: Lochia rubra is the initial vaginal discharge after childbirth consisting mostly of blood and
decidual debris. It typically lasts for the first three days following delivery before transitioning to lochia
,serosa. The presence of large clots or a foul odor in lochia rubra may indicate complications such as
retained fragments or infection. Nurses should educate patients on the expected progression of lochia to
ensure they recognize abnormal changes. Proper monitoring of lochia helps in assessing the normal
involution process of the uterus.
3. What is the purpose of administering Vitamin K to a newborn shortly after birth?
A. To promote the development of intestinal flora
B. To prevent Vitamin K deficiency bleeding or hemorrhagic disease
C. To stimulate the newborn’s immune system response
D. To assist in the digestion of breast milk or formula
Ans: B
Explanation: Newborns are born with low levels of Vitamin K because it does not cross the placenta well.
Their sterile intestinal tracts cannot produce Vitamin K until normal gut flora is established through
feeding. Administering an intramuscular injection of Vitamin K helps the liver produce necessary clotting
factors. This preventative measure is essential to avoid potentially fatal bleeding episodes in the neonate.
It is a standard of care for all infants to receive this injection within the first hours of life.
4. Which assessment finding is a hallmark sign of preeclampsia?
A. Hypertension and proteinuria
B. Hypoglycemia and increased appetite
C. Hypotension and bradycardia
D. Decreased deep tendon reflexes and lethargy
Ans: A
, Explanation: Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder characterized by new-onset hypertension after 20
weeks of gestation. Proteinuria is a classic diagnostic finding indicating glomerular damage caused by the
high blood pressure. Patients may also experience symptoms like headaches, visual disturbances, and
epigastric pain. Early detection through regular prenatal screening is vital to prevent progression to
eclampsia or seizures. Managing blood pressure and monitoring fetal well-being are the primary goals of
care for these patients.
5. At what times should the Apgar score typically be assessed?
A. At 5 minutes and 10 minutes after birth
B. Every 30 minutes for the first two hours
C. At 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth
D. Immediately upon crowning and after the first cry
Ans: C
Explanation: The Apgar score provides a quick evaluation of the newborn’s physical condition and
transition to extrauterine life. The 1-minute score reflects how the baby tolerated the birthing process
itself. The 5-minute score indicates how well the baby is adapting to the new environment. If the 5-
minute score is low, further assessments may be conducted at 10-minute intervals. This scoring system
helps healthcare providers determine if immediate resuscitative interventions are required for the infant.
6. Which breastfeeding position is often recommended for mothers who have had a Cesarean section?
A. Cradle hold
B. Cross-cradle hold
C. Football hold
D. Standing position
