NR 327 Postpartum Care and Complications Exam 2026 |Chamberlain
College
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is 4 hours postpartum and finds the fundus is
firm, two fingerbreadths above the umbilicus, and deviated to the right. What is
the priority nursing action?
A. Assist the client to the bathroom to void
B. Administer oxytocin as prescribed
C. Massage the fundus until it is firm
D. Document the finding as normal
Answer: A
Rationale: A fundus that is displaced above the umbilicus and to the right is a classic sign
of bladder distention, which prevents the uterus from contracting effectively.
2. Which of the following characteristics best describes lochia serosa?
A. Bright red discharge lasting 1-3 days
B. Pinkish-brown discharge occurring from day 4 to day 10
C. Yellowish-white discharge lasting up to 6 weeks
D. Bloody discharge containing large clots
Answer: B
Rationale: Lochia serosa is the second stage of postpartum discharge, appearing pinkish-
brown and typically lasting from the 4th to the 10th day postpartum.
,3. A postpartum client reports calf pain and warmth in her right leg. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Massage the calf to relieve the pain
B. Encourage the client to ambulate to improve circulation
C. Apply a cold compress to the affected area
D. Place the client on bed rest and notify the provider
Answer: D
Rationale: Pain and warmth in the calf are signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
Massaging or ambulating could dislodge a clot, leading to a pulmonary embolism; bed rest
and notification are essential.
4. The nurse is caring for a client who had a vaginal delivery 3 hours ago. Which
finding would be most concerning?
A. Saturation of a perineal pad in 15 minutes
B. Uterine fundus at the level of the umbilicus
C. Pulse rate of 60 beats per minute
D. Temperature of 37.8 C (100 F)
Answer: A
Rationale: Saturating a perineal pad in 15 minutes or less indicates excessive bleeding or
hemorrhage and requires immediate intervention.
5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client regarding postpartum
blues. Which statement should the nurse include?
A. It typically resolves within 10 to 14 days without intervention
B. It usually requires medication and long-term therapy
C. It is characterized by hallucinations and delusions
D. It is rare and affects only 5% of new mothers
Answer: A
, Rationale: Postpartum blues are common (up to 80% of women) and usually resolve
within 10-14 days. If symptoms persist longer, it may be postpartum depression.
6. Which medication is commonly used as a first-line treatment for postpartum
hemorrhage related to uterine atony?
A. Oxytocin
B. Terbutaline
C. Magnesium Sulfate
D. Warfarin
Answer: A
Rationale: Oxytocin is the first-line uterotonic medication used to promote uterine
contractions and control bleeding caused by uterine atony.
7. A client who is breastfeeding is diagnosed with mastitis. Which instruction is
appropriate?
A. Stop breastfeeding from the affected breast immediately
B. Apply ice packs to the breasts every 2 hours
C. Continue to breastfeed frequently from both breasts
D. Limit fluid intake to reduce breast engorgement
Answer: C
Rationale: Emptying the breasts frequently is the best way to resolve mastitis and prevent
abscess formation. The milk is safe for the infant.
8. During the ‘taking-in’ phase of postpartum adjustment, the nurse should
expect the mother to:
A. Express concern about her ability to be a good mother
B. Take full charge of the infant’s care
C. Focus on her own needs for food and sleep
D. Incorporate the infant into her family life
Answer: C
College
1. A nurse is assessing a client who is 4 hours postpartum and finds the fundus is
firm, two fingerbreadths above the umbilicus, and deviated to the right. What is
the priority nursing action?
A. Assist the client to the bathroom to void
B. Administer oxytocin as prescribed
C. Massage the fundus until it is firm
D. Document the finding as normal
Answer: A
Rationale: A fundus that is displaced above the umbilicus and to the right is a classic sign
of bladder distention, which prevents the uterus from contracting effectively.
2. Which of the following characteristics best describes lochia serosa?
A. Bright red discharge lasting 1-3 days
B. Pinkish-brown discharge occurring from day 4 to day 10
C. Yellowish-white discharge lasting up to 6 weeks
D. Bloody discharge containing large clots
Answer: B
Rationale: Lochia serosa is the second stage of postpartum discharge, appearing pinkish-
brown and typically lasting from the 4th to the 10th day postpartum.
,3. A postpartum client reports calf pain and warmth in her right leg. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Massage the calf to relieve the pain
B. Encourage the client to ambulate to improve circulation
C. Apply a cold compress to the affected area
D. Place the client on bed rest and notify the provider
Answer: D
Rationale: Pain and warmth in the calf are signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
Massaging or ambulating could dislodge a clot, leading to a pulmonary embolism; bed rest
and notification are essential.
4. The nurse is caring for a client who had a vaginal delivery 3 hours ago. Which
finding would be most concerning?
A. Saturation of a perineal pad in 15 minutes
B. Uterine fundus at the level of the umbilicus
C. Pulse rate of 60 beats per minute
D. Temperature of 37.8 C (100 F)
Answer: A
Rationale: Saturating a perineal pad in 15 minutes or less indicates excessive bleeding or
hemorrhage and requires immediate intervention.
5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client regarding postpartum
blues. Which statement should the nurse include?
A. It typically resolves within 10 to 14 days without intervention
B. It usually requires medication and long-term therapy
C. It is characterized by hallucinations and delusions
D. It is rare and affects only 5% of new mothers
Answer: A
, Rationale: Postpartum blues are common (up to 80% of women) and usually resolve
within 10-14 days. If symptoms persist longer, it may be postpartum depression.
6. Which medication is commonly used as a first-line treatment for postpartum
hemorrhage related to uterine atony?
A. Oxytocin
B. Terbutaline
C. Magnesium Sulfate
D. Warfarin
Answer: A
Rationale: Oxytocin is the first-line uterotonic medication used to promote uterine
contractions and control bleeding caused by uterine atony.
7. A client who is breastfeeding is diagnosed with mastitis. Which instruction is
appropriate?
A. Stop breastfeeding from the affected breast immediately
B. Apply ice packs to the breasts every 2 hours
C. Continue to breastfeed frequently from both breasts
D. Limit fluid intake to reduce breast engorgement
Answer: C
Rationale: Emptying the breasts frequently is the best way to resolve mastitis and prevent
abscess formation. The milk is safe for the infant.
8. During the ‘taking-in’ phase of postpartum adjustment, the nurse should
expect the mother to:
A. Express concern about her ability to be a good mother
B. Take full charge of the infant’s care
C. Focus on her own needs for food and sleep
D. Incorporate the infant into her family life
Answer: C
