NUR231 Exam 2 V1 | NUR 231 Childbearing &
Child Caring Family Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
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This exam preparation resource focuses on labor and delivery nursing care, intrapartum
management, and newborn assessment concepts. The material is designed to strengthen
understanding of childbirth processes and evidence-based maternal-newborn nursing
interventions.
The questions included in this version closely mirror the style and complexity of actual maternal-
child nursing exams. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical reasoning
and maternal-newborn nursing management skills.
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The Exam Covers:
• Stages of labor
• Fetal monitoring and assessment
• Pain management during labor
• Vaginal and cesarean delivery care
• Newborn transition and adaptation
• Immediate newborn assessment
• Intrapartum nursing interventions
• Family support during childbirth
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1. A nurse is caring for a client in the active phase of labor. The nurse notes the fetal heart
rate (FHR) shows early decelerations. What is the most likely cause of this finding?
A. Uteroplacental insufficiency
B. Umbilical cord compression
,C. Fetal head compression
D. Maternal hypotension
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Early decelerations are a result of fetal head compression during a
contraction. They mirror the contraction and are generally considered a benign finding. No
specific intervention is required other than continued monitoring.
2. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize for a client who just received an
epidural block for labor pain?
A. Maternal temperature
B. Fetal position
C. Maternal blood pressure
D. Frequency of contractions
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Maternal hypotension is a common side effect of epidural anesthesia
due to sympathetic blockade. This can lead to decreased placental perfusion and fetal
distress. The nurse should monitor blood pressure frequently and be prepared to
administer intravenous fluids.
3. A client is in the second stage of labor. Which of the following defines this stage?
A. From the onset of regular contractions to 10 cm dilation
, B. From full cervical dilation to the birth of the baby
C. From 8 cm dilation to 10 cm dilation
D. From the birth of the baby to the delivery of the placenta
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is fully dilated (10
cm) and ends with the delivery of the infant. This is the ‘pushing’ stage where the mother
actively participates in the birth. Nurses monitor the fetal heart rate and maternal vitals
closely during this exertion.
4. The nurse observes a fetal heart rate pattern showing variable decelerations. Which
nursing intervention is the highest priority?
A. Increase the oxytocin infusion rate
B. Change the maternal position
C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
D. Perform a sterile vaginal exam
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Variable decelerations are caused by umbilical cord compression.
Changing the maternal position (to side-lying or knee-chest) often relieves the pressure on
the cord. If the pattern persists, further interventions like amnioinfusion may be
considered.
Child Caring Family Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
────────────────────────────────────
This exam preparation resource focuses on labor and delivery nursing care, intrapartum
management, and newborn assessment concepts. The material is designed to strengthen
understanding of childbirth processes and evidence-based maternal-newborn nursing
interventions.
The questions included in this version closely mirror the style and complexity of actual maternal-
child nursing exams. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical reasoning
and maternal-newborn nursing management skills.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Stages of labor
• Fetal monitoring and assessment
• Pain management during labor
• Vaginal and cesarean delivery care
• Newborn transition and adaptation
• Immediate newborn assessment
• Intrapartum nursing interventions
• Family support during childbirth
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is caring for a client in the active phase of labor. The nurse notes the fetal heart
rate (FHR) shows early decelerations. What is the most likely cause of this finding?
A. Uteroplacental insufficiency
B. Umbilical cord compression
,C. Fetal head compression
D. Maternal hypotension
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Early decelerations are a result of fetal head compression during a
contraction. They mirror the contraction and are generally considered a benign finding. No
specific intervention is required other than continued monitoring.
2. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize for a client who just received an
epidural block for labor pain?
A. Maternal temperature
B. Fetal position
C. Maternal blood pressure
D. Frequency of contractions
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Maternal hypotension is a common side effect of epidural anesthesia
due to sympathetic blockade. This can lead to decreased placental perfusion and fetal
distress. The nurse should monitor blood pressure frequently and be prepared to
administer intravenous fluids.
3. A client is in the second stage of labor. Which of the following defines this stage?
A. From the onset of regular contractions to 10 cm dilation
, B. From full cervical dilation to the birth of the baby
C. From 8 cm dilation to 10 cm dilation
D. From the birth of the baby to the delivery of the placenta
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is fully dilated (10
cm) and ends with the delivery of the infant. This is the ‘pushing’ stage where the mother
actively participates in the birth. Nurses monitor the fetal heart rate and maternal vitals
closely during this exertion.
4. The nurse observes a fetal heart rate pattern showing variable decelerations. Which
nursing intervention is the highest priority?
A. Increase the oxytocin infusion rate
B. Change the maternal position
C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
D. Perform a sterile vaginal exam
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Variable decelerations are caused by umbilical cord compression.
Changing the maternal position (to side-lying or knee-chest) often relieves the pressure on
the cord. If the pattern persists, further interventions like amnioinfusion may be
considered.
