Maternal-Newborn Nursing Exam 2026-
2027 | 179 NCLEX-Style Questions &
Answers | Stages of Labor, Fetal Heart
Rate, Postpartum Hemorrhage, Newborn
Resuscitation
Description:
Ace your maternal-newborn nursing exam in 2026-2027 with 179 comprehensive
NCLEX-style questions and answers. Covers stages of labor, fetal heart rate
interpretation (VEAL CHOP), postpartum hemorrhage management, preeclampsia,
newborn resuscitation (NRP 2026 guidelines), and all core obstetrics topics. Written for
nursing students, NCLEX candidates, and practicing nurses.
Download the complete 2026-2027 exam prep guide now.
, Maternal-Newborn Nursing Exam 2026-2027: 179 Questions &
Answers
Section 1: Stages of Labor
Question 1
The first stage of labor is defined as which of the following time periods?
A. From the onset of regular contractions to full cervical dilation and effacement
B. From full cervical dilation to the delivery of the baby
C. From delivery of the baby to placental expulsion
D. From placental expulsion to maternal stabilization
Answer: A
Explanation: The first stage of labor begins with the onset of regular contractions and ends
when the cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm and 100% effaced. This stage involves progressive
cervical change and fetal descent into the pelvis.
Question 2
During the first stage of labor, which physiologic changes occur?
A. Contractions decrease in frequency as cervical dilation progresses
B. Contractions intensify and become closer together, causing cervical change and fetal
descent
C. The mother experiences an overwhelming urge to push
D. The placenta separates from the uterine wall
Answer: B
Explanation: As the first stage of labor progresses, contractions grow stronger and more
frequent. These contractions cause the cervix to dilate and efface while encouraging the baby
to descend into the pelvis in preparation for delivery.
,Question 3
The second stage of labor begins with which event and ends with which event?
A. Onset of contractions; full dilation
B. Full cervical dilation; delivery of the baby
C. Delivery of the baby; placental expulsion
D. Placental expulsion; maternal stabilization
Answer: B
Explanation: The second stage of labor commences once the cervix is fully dilated and
effaced. This stage concludes with the birth of the infant.
Question 4
Which maternal actions characterize the second stage of labor?
A. Resting between mild contractions
B. Experiencing progressively stronger contractions and active pushing
C. Delivering the placenta
D. Recovering from anesthesia
Answer: B
Explanation: During the second stage, contractions intensify further, and the mother actively
pushes. This coordinated effort moves the baby through the birth canal until delivery occurs.
Question 5
The third stage of labor spans which time frame?
A. Onset of contractions to full dilation
B. Full dilation to delivery of the baby
C. Delivery of the baby to complete placental expulsion
D. Placental expulsion to maternal stabilization (approximately 4 hours)
Answer: C
Explanation: The third stage begins immediately after the baby is born and continues until
the placenta has completely separated from the uterine wall and been expelled.
, Question 6
What occurs during the third stage of labor?
A. The mother begins pushing
B. The cervix dilates from 8 cm to 10 cm
C. Continued uterine contractions cause placental detachment and expulsion
D. The uterus returns to its nonpregnant size
Answer: C
Explanation: Following delivery of the infant, the uterus continues to contract. These
contractions cause the placenta to separate from the uterine wall and be expelled, often
accompanied by a brief gush of blood and lengthening of the umbilical cord.
Question 7
The fourth stage of labor is best described as:
A. The period from delivery of the baby to placental expulsion
B. The period from placental expulsion to maternal stabilization (usually 4 hours)
C. The period from onset of contractions to full dilation
D. The period from full dilation to delivery of the baby
Answer: B
Explanation: The fourth stage begins with placental expulsion and ends once the mother's
condition stabilizes, typically within 4 hours postpartum. This is a critical period for
monitoring and preventing complications.
Question 8
Which nursing actions are priorities during the fourth stage of labor?
A. Initiating breastfeeding and bathing the newborn
B. Monitoring uterine tone, vital signs, and bleeding while ensuring the uterus remains firmly
contracted
C. Discharging the mother to the postpartum unit
D. Performing a complete newborn physical assessment
Answer: B
2027 | 179 NCLEX-Style Questions &
Answers | Stages of Labor, Fetal Heart
Rate, Postpartum Hemorrhage, Newborn
Resuscitation
Description:
Ace your maternal-newborn nursing exam in 2026-2027 with 179 comprehensive
NCLEX-style questions and answers. Covers stages of labor, fetal heart rate
interpretation (VEAL CHOP), postpartum hemorrhage management, preeclampsia,
newborn resuscitation (NRP 2026 guidelines), and all core obstetrics topics. Written for
nursing students, NCLEX candidates, and practicing nurses.
Download the complete 2026-2027 exam prep guide now.
, Maternal-Newborn Nursing Exam 2026-2027: 179 Questions &
Answers
Section 1: Stages of Labor
Question 1
The first stage of labor is defined as which of the following time periods?
A. From the onset of regular contractions to full cervical dilation and effacement
B. From full cervical dilation to the delivery of the baby
C. From delivery of the baby to placental expulsion
D. From placental expulsion to maternal stabilization
Answer: A
Explanation: The first stage of labor begins with the onset of regular contractions and ends
when the cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm and 100% effaced. This stage involves progressive
cervical change and fetal descent into the pelvis.
Question 2
During the first stage of labor, which physiologic changes occur?
A. Contractions decrease in frequency as cervical dilation progresses
B. Contractions intensify and become closer together, causing cervical change and fetal
descent
C. The mother experiences an overwhelming urge to push
D. The placenta separates from the uterine wall
Answer: B
Explanation: As the first stage of labor progresses, contractions grow stronger and more
frequent. These contractions cause the cervix to dilate and efface while encouraging the baby
to descend into the pelvis in preparation for delivery.
,Question 3
The second stage of labor begins with which event and ends with which event?
A. Onset of contractions; full dilation
B. Full cervical dilation; delivery of the baby
C. Delivery of the baby; placental expulsion
D. Placental expulsion; maternal stabilization
Answer: B
Explanation: The second stage of labor commences once the cervix is fully dilated and
effaced. This stage concludes with the birth of the infant.
Question 4
Which maternal actions characterize the second stage of labor?
A. Resting between mild contractions
B. Experiencing progressively stronger contractions and active pushing
C. Delivering the placenta
D. Recovering from anesthesia
Answer: B
Explanation: During the second stage, contractions intensify further, and the mother actively
pushes. This coordinated effort moves the baby through the birth canal until delivery occurs.
Question 5
The third stage of labor spans which time frame?
A. Onset of contractions to full dilation
B. Full dilation to delivery of the baby
C. Delivery of the baby to complete placental expulsion
D. Placental expulsion to maternal stabilization (approximately 4 hours)
Answer: C
Explanation: The third stage begins immediately after the baby is born and continues until
the placenta has completely separated from the uterine wall and been expelled.
, Question 6
What occurs during the third stage of labor?
A. The mother begins pushing
B. The cervix dilates from 8 cm to 10 cm
C. Continued uterine contractions cause placental detachment and expulsion
D. The uterus returns to its nonpregnant size
Answer: C
Explanation: Following delivery of the infant, the uterus continues to contract. These
contractions cause the placenta to separate from the uterine wall and be expelled, often
accompanied by a brief gush of blood and lengthening of the umbilical cord.
Question 7
The fourth stage of labor is best described as:
A. The period from delivery of the baby to placental expulsion
B. The period from placental expulsion to maternal stabilization (usually 4 hours)
C. The period from onset of contractions to full dilation
D. The period from full dilation to delivery of the baby
Answer: B
Explanation: The fourth stage begins with placental expulsion and ends once the mother's
condition stabilizes, typically within 4 hours postpartum. This is a critical period for
monitoring and preventing complications.
Question 8
Which nursing actions are priorities during the fourth stage of labor?
A. Initiating breastfeeding and bathing the newborn
B. Monitoring uterine tone, vital signs, and bleeding while ensuring the uterus remains firmly
contracted
C. Discharging the mother to the postpartum unit
D. Performing a complete newborn physical assessment
Answer: B
