NR 327 Maternal-Child Nursing: Obstetric Complications Practice Pack
2026 |Chamberlain College
1. A nurse is assessing a pregnant client at 34 weeks of gestation who has mild
preeclampsia. Which of the following findings is the most indicative of
worsening condition?
A. 1+ pitting edema in the lower extremities
B. Weight gain of 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) in one week
C. Blood pressure of 142/92 mmHg
D. Reports of a persistent frontal headache
Answer: D
Rationale: A persistent headache, visual disturbances, or epigastric pain are signs of
severe preeclampsia and potential cerebral edema, indicating the condition is worsening.
2. A client with severe preeclampsia is receiving Magnesium Sulfate via
continuous IV infusion. Which of the following assessments is the priority?
A. Serum Magnesium levels every 24 hours
B. Monitoring of deep tendon reflexes every 4 hours
C. Respiratory rate every hour
D. Daily weights at the same time each morning
Answer: C
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is a CNS depressant. Respiratory depression (less than
12/min) is a critical sign of toxicity that requires immediate intervention.
,3. The nurse is caring for a client with a suspected placenta previa. Which of the
following provider orders should the nurse clarify?
A. Obtain a transabdominal ultrasound
B. Perform a sterile vaginal examination to check cervical dilation
C. Initiate continuous external fetal monitoring
D. Draw blood for type and crossmatch
Answer: B
Rationale: Vaginal examinations are strictly contraindicated in clients with placenta previa
because they can trigger massive, life-threatening hemorrhage.
4. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of abruptio placentae?
A. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
B. Board-like, rigid abdomen with severe pain
C. Soft, non-tender uterus on palpation
D. Slow, insidious onset of symptoms
Answer: B
Rationale: Abruptio placentae is characterized by sudden onset, dark red vaginal bleeding
(if present), and a board-like, rigid, and tender abdomen.
5. A client at 36 weeks of gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal
bleeding. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Abruptio placentae
B. Eclampsia
C. Preeclampsia
D. Placenta previa
Answer: D
Rationale: Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester is the
classic sign of placenta previa.
, 6. The nurse notes a client’s magnesium level is 9 mEq/L. Which of the following
medications should the nurse prepare to administer?
A. Calcium gluconate
B. Oxytocin
C. Naloxone
D. Terbutaline
Answer: A
Rationale: Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity and should be
readily available whenever magnesium is being infused.
7. What lab finding is a hallmark of HELLP syndrome?
A. Low platelet count (less than 100,000/mm3)
B. Decreased Liver enzymes (AST/ALT)
C. Elevated Hemoglobin levels
D. Decreased Uric acid levels
Answer: A
Rationale: HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets. A low
platelet count is a diagnostic criterion.
8. A nurse is caring for a client with severe preeclampsia. Which of the following
is an appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Maintain the client in a quiet, darkened environment
B. Encourage frequent ambulation to prevent DVT
C. Place the client in a supine position
D. Provide a high-sodium diet to maintain fluid balance
Answer: A
Rationale: Seizure precautions for preeclampsia include a quiet, dark environment to
minimize CNS stimulation and reduce the risk of eclampsia.
2026 |Chamberlain College
1. A nurse is assessing a pregnant client at 34 weeks of gestation who has mild
preeclampsia. Which of the following findings is the most indicative of
worsening condition?
A. 1+ pitting edema in the lower extremities
B. Weight gain of 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) in one week
C. Blood pressure of 142/92 mmHg
D. Reports of a persistent frontal headache
Answer: D
Rationale: A persistent headache, visual disturbances, or epigastric pain are signs of
severe preeclampsia and potential cerebral edema, indicating the condition is worsening.
2. A client with severe preeclampsia is receiving Magnesium Sulfate via
continuous IV infusion. Which of the following assessments is the priority?
A. Serum Magnesium levels every 24 hours
B. Monitoring of deep tendon reflexes every 4 hours
C. Respiratory rate every hour
D. Daily weights at the same time each morning
Answer: C
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is a CNS depressant. Respiratory depression (less than
12/min) is a critical sign of toxicity that requires immediate intervention.
,3. The nurse is caring for a client with a suspected placenta previa. Which of the
following provider orders should the nurse clarify?
A. Obtain a transabdominal ultrasound
B. Perform a sterile vaginal examination to check cervical dilation
C. Initiate continuous external fetal monitoring
D. Draw blood for type and crossmatch
Answer: B
Rationale: Vaginal examinations are strictly contraindicated in clients with placenta previa
because they can trigger massive, life-threatening hemorrhage.
4. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of abruptio placentae?
A. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
B. Board-like, rigid abdomen with severe pain
C. Soft, non-tender uterus on palpation
D. Slow, insidious onset of symptoms
Answer: B
Rationale: Abruptio placentae is characterized by sudden onset, dark red vaginal bleeding
(if present), and a board-like, rigid, and tender abdomen.
5. A client at 36 weeks of gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal
bleeding. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Abruptio placentae
B. Eclampsia
C. Preeclampsia
D. Placenta previa
Answer: D
Rationale: Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester is the
classic sign of placenta previa.
, 6. The nurse notes a client’s magnesium level is 9 mEq/L. Which of the following
medications should the nurse prepare to administer?
A. Calcium gluconate
B. Oxytocin
C. Naloxone
D. Terbutaline
Answer: A
Rationale: Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity and should be
readily available whenever magnesium is being infused.
7. What lab finding is a hallmark of HELLP syndrome?
A. Low platelet count (less than 100,000/mm3)
B. Decreased Liver enzymes (AST/ALT)
C. Elevated Hemoglobin levels
D. Decreased Uric acid levels
Answer: A
Rationale: HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets. A low
platelet count is a diagnostic criterion.
8. A nurse is caring for a client with severe preeclampsia. Which of the following
is an appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Maintain the client in a quiet, darkened environment
B. Encourage frequent ambulation to prevent DVT
C. Place the client in a supine position
D. Provide a high-sodium diet to maintain fluid balance
Answer: A
Rationale: Seizure precautions for preeclampsia include a quiet, dark environment to
minimize CNS stimulation and reduce the risk of eclampsia.
