ADN Week 8 Quiz | Maternal (OB/L&D) Nursing | 2026/2027 Update
Galen College
1. A nurse is monitoring a client in labor and notices late decelerations on the
fetal heart rate monitor. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Increase the rate of the oxytocin infusion
B. Place the client in a lateral position
C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 2L/min
D. Perform a vaginal exam to check for cord prolapse
Answer: B
Rationale: Late decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency. The priority is to
improve oxygenation by turning the client to the side, increasing IV fluids, and applying
oxygen via non-rebreather mask.
2. Which clinical finding is characteristic of abruptio placentae rather than
placenta previa?
A. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
B. Board-like, tender abdomen
C. Soft, non-tender abdomen
D. Normal fetal heart rate patterns
Answer: B
Rationale: Abruptio placentae involves the premature separation of the placenta, causing
painful, dark red bleeding and a rigid, board-like abdomen. Placenta previa is usually
painless and bright red.
,3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia.
Which finding should the nurse report immediately?
A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
B. Blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg
C. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+
D. Urinary output of 40 mL per hour
Answer: A
Rationale: A respiratory rate below 12/min is a sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity. Other
signs include absent deep tendon reflexes and decreased urinary output (<30 mL/hr).
4. What is the primary purpose of administering Vitamin K to a newborn within
the first hours of life?
A. To stimulate the production of red blood cells
B. To prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn
C. To promote lung maturity
D. To prevent ophthalmia neonatorum
Answer: B
Rationale: Newborns have a sterile gut and lack Vitamin K-producing bacteria, which is
necessary for the synthesis of clotting factors. Vitamin K prevents early bleeding disorders.
5. During the fourth stage of labor, the nurse finds the client’s fundus is boggy
and displaced to the right. What is the first action the nurse should take?
A. Administer oxytocin as ordered
B. Massage the fundus until firm
C. Assist the client to void or catheterize if necessary
D. Call the healthcare provider immediately
Answer: C
, Rationale: A fundus displaced to the right usually indicates a full bladder, which prevents
the uterus from contracting. Emptying the bladder is the priority to allow for effective
fundal massage/contraction.
6. Which medication is specifically contraindicated for a client with a history of
asthma who is experiencing postpartum hemorrhage?
A. Oxytocin (Pitocin)
B. Methylergonovine (Methergine)
C. Carboprost tromethamine (Hemabate)
D. Misoprostol (Cytotec)
Answer: C
Rationale: Hemabate can cause severe bronchoconstriction and is contraindicated in
clients with asthma. Methergine is contraindicated in clients with hypertension.
7. A newborn has an Apgar score of 8 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes. What does
this score indicate?
A. Severe distress requiring resuscitation
B. Minimal to no difficulty adjusting to extrauterine life
C. Moderate difficulty adjusting to extrauterine life
D. The need for immediate oxygen administration
Answer: B
Rationale: Apgar scores of 7 to 10 are considered normal and indicate that the newborn is
in good condition and making an effective transition.
Galen College
1. A nurse is monitoring a client in labor and notices late decelerations on the
fetal heart rate monitor. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Increase the rate of the oxytocin infusion
B. Place the client in a lateral position
C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 2L/min
D. Perform a vaginal exam to check for cord prolapse
Answer: B
Rationale: Late decelerations are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency. The priority is to
improve oxygenation by turning the client to the side, increasing IV fluids, and applying
oxygen via non-rebreather mask.
2. Which clinical finding is characteristic of abruptio placentae rather than
placenta previa?
A. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
B. Board-like, tender abdomen
C. Soft, non-tender abdomen
D. Normal fetal heart rate patterns
Answer: B
Rationale: Abruptio placentae involves the premature separation of the placenta, causing
painful, dark red bleeding and a rigid, board-like abdomen. Placenta previa is usually
painless and bright red.
,3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia.
Which finding should the nurse report immediately?
A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
B. Blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg
C. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+
D. Urinary output of 40 mL per hour
Answer: A
Rationale: A respiratory rate below 12/min is a sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity. Other
signs include absent deep tendon reflexes and decreased urinary output (<30 mL/hr).
4. What is the primary purpose of administering Vitamin K to a newborn within
the first hours of life?
A. To stimulate the production of red blood cells
B. To prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn
C. To promote lung maturity
D. To prevent ophthalmia neonatorum
Answer: B
Rationale: Newborns have a sterile gut and lack Vitamin K-producing bacteria, which is
necessary for the synthesis of clotting factors. Vitamin K prevents early bleeding disorders.
5. During the fourth stage of labor, the nurse finds the client’s fundus is boggy
and displaced to the right. What is the first action the nurse should take?
A. Administer oxytocin as ordered
B. Massage the fundus until firm
C. Assist the client to void or catheterize if necessary
D. Call the healthcare provider immediately
Answer: C
, Rationale: A fundus displaced to the right usually indicates a full bladder, which prevents
the uterus from contracting. Emptying the bladder is the priority to allow for effective
fundal massage/contraction.
6. Which medication is specifically contraindicated for a client with a history of
asthma who is experiencing postpartum hemorrhage?
A. Oxytocin (Pitocin)
B. Methylergonovine (Methergine)
C. Carboprost tromethamine (Hemabate)
D. Misoprostol (Cytotec)
Answer: C
Rationale: Hemabate can cause severe bronchoconstriction and is contraindicated in
clients with asthma. Methergine is contraindicated in clients with hypertension.
7. A newborn has an Apgar score of 8 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes. What does
this score indicate?
A. Severe distress requiring resuscitation
B. Minimal to no difficulty adjusting to extrauterine life
C. Moderate difficulty adjusting to extrauterine life
D. The need for immediate oxygen administration
Answer: B
Rationale: Apgar scores of 7 to 10 are considered normal and indicate that the newborn is
in good condition and making an effective transition.
