NURS 203 | NURS 203 Maternity Exam 1 Version 1 |
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Saint Paul’s School
of Nursing
1. Where does fertilization typically occur in the female reproductive tract?
A. The fundus of the uterus
B. The cervical os
C. The ampulla of the fallopian tube
D. The fimbriae
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Fertilization occurs when the sperm meets the ovum in the
outer third of the fallopian tube. This specific region is known as the ampulla and
provides the ideal environment for the union. Once fertilized, the zygote begins its
journey toward the uterus for implantation. This transit usually takes several days
as the cells continue to divide. Understanding this anatomy is essential for
identifying risks like ectopic pregnancies.
2. A woman’s last menstrual period began on June 10th. Using Naegele’s rule, what is
her estimated date of delivery (EDD)?
A. February 17th
,B. March 3rd
C. March 10th
D. March 17th
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Naegele’s rule is a standard method used to calculate the
expected date of birth. You start with the first day of the last menstrual period and
subtract three months. Then, you add seven days and adjust the year as necessary.
For a June 10th start date, subtracting three months leads to March, and adding
seven days leads to the 17th. This calculation assumes a standard 28-day cycle for
the patient.
3. Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum during
early pregnancy?
A. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
B. Progesterone
C. Estrogen
D. Luteinizing hormone
Correct Answer: A
,Expert Explanation: Human chorionic gonadotropin is produced by the
trophoblastic cells after fertilization occurs. This hormone signals the corpus luteum
to continue producing progesterone and estrogen. Without this signal, the corpus
luteum would regress and the uterine lining would shed. High levels of hCG are also
what pregnancy tests detect in the blood or urine. This hormonal support is vital
until the placenta is developed enough to take over.
4. What is the primary purpose of the amniotic fluid during fetal development?
A. To provide direct nourishment to the fetus
B. To stimulate the production of fetal red blood cells
C. To maintain a constant body temperature and allow movement
D. To serve as the primary site for gas exchange
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Amniotic fluid serves several critical functions for the growing
fetus in the womb. It acts as a cushion to protect the fetus from external physical
trauma. The fluid maintains a consistent thermal environment which is necessary
for stable metabolism. It also allows the fetus to move freely, which aids in
musculoskeletal development. Finally, the fetus swallows the fluid, which helps in
the development of the digestive and renal systems.
, 5. During a prenatal visit at 20 weeks gestation, where should the nurse expect to find
the fundus?
A. At the level of the umbilicus
B. Halfway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus
C. At the level of the symphysis pubis
D. At the level of the xiphoid process
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The height of the fundus is a key indicator of fetal growth and
gestational age. At 12 weeks, the fundus is usually palpable just above the
symphysis pubis. By 20 weeks, it typically reaches the level of the umbilicus in a
normal pregnancy. After 20 weeks, the fundal height in centimeters usually matches
the weeks of gestation. Significant deviations from this pattern may indicate issues
like growth restriction or polyhydramnios.
6. Which vitamin supplement is most critical in the preconception period to prevent
neural tube defects?
A. Folic acid
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin K
Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Saint Paul’s School
of Nursing
1. Where does fertilization typically occur in the female reproductive tract?
A. The fundus of the uterus
B. The cervical os
C. The ampulla of the fallopian tube
D. The fimbriae
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Fertilization occurs when the sperm meets the ovum in the
outer third of the fallopian tube. This specific region is known as the ampulla and
provides the ideal environment for the union. Once fertilized, the zygote begins its
journey toward the uterus for implantation. This transit usually takes several days
as the cells continue to divide. Understanding this anatomy is essential for
identifying risks like ectopic pregnancies.
2. A woman’s last menstrual period began on June 10th. Using Naegele’s rule, what is
her estimated date of delivery (EDD)?
A. February 17th
,B. March 3rd
C. March 10th
D. March 17th
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Naegele’s rule is a standard method used to calculate the
expected date of birth. You start with the first day of the last menstrual period and
subtract three months. Then, you add seven days and adjust the year as necessary.
For a June 10th start date, subtracting three months leads to March, and adding
seven days leads to the 17th. This calculation assumes a standard 28-day cycle for
the patient.
3. Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum during
early pregnancy?
A. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
B. Progesterone
C. Estrogen
D. Luteinizing hormone
Correct Answer: A
,Expert Explanation: Human chorionic gonadotropin is produced by the
trophoblastic cells after fertilization occurs. This hormone signals the corpus luteum
to continue producing progesterone and estrogen. Without this signal, the corpus
luteum would regress and the uterine lining would shed. High levels of hCG are also
what pregnancy tests detect in the blood or urine. This hormonal support is vital
until the placenta is developed enough to take over.
4. What is the primary purpose of the amniotic fluid during fetal development?
A. To provide direct nourishment to the fetus
B. To stimulate the production of fetal red blood cells
C. To maintain a constant body temperature and allow movement
D. To serve as the primary site for gas exchange
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Amniotic fluid serves several critical functions for the growing
fetus in the womb. It acts as a cushion to protect the fetus from external physical
trauma. The fluid maintains a consistent thermal environment which is necessary
for stable metabolism. It also allows the fetus to move freely, which aids in
musculoskeletal development. Finally, the fetus swallows the fluid, which helps in
the development of the digestive and renal systems.
, 5. During a prenatal visit at 20 weeks gestation, where should the nurse expect to find
the fundus?
A. At the level of the umbilicus
B. Halfway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus
C. At the level of the symphysis pubis
D. At the level of the xiphoid process
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The height of the fundus is a key indicator of fetal growth and
gestational age. At 12 weeks, the fundus is usually palpable just above the
symphysis pubis. By 20 weeks, it typically reaches the level of the umbilicus in a
normal pregnancy. After 20 weeks, the fundal height in centimeters usually matches
the weeks of gestation. Significant deviations from this pattern may indicate issues
like growth restriction or polyhydramnios.
6. Which vitamin supplement is most critical in the preconception period to prevent
neural tube defects?
A. Folic acid
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin K
