Maternal-Child Nursing Exam | Questions and
Verified Answers| Graded A -
Question 1:
Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the uterine lining
during pregnancy and preventing menstruation?
a) Estrogen
b) Progesterone
c) Oxytocin
d) Relaxin
Answer: b) Progesterone
Explanation:
Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum and later by the placenta during
pregnancy. It maintains the endometrial lining, creating a supportive environment
for the fertilized ovum to implant and develop. It also inhibits uterine contractions
to prevent premature labor. Estrogen supports uterine growth but does not maintain
the lining. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions and milk letdown, while
relaxin helps in softening the cervix and ligaments.
Question 2:
A pregnant client at 32 weeks gestation reports sudden gush of fluid from her
vagina. What is the nurse’s priority action?
a) Assess fetal heart rate
b) Prepare for immediate delivery
c) Check maternal vital signs and assess for signs of infection
d) Educate client on bed rest
,Answer: c) Check maternal vital signs and assess for signs of infection
Explanation:
A sudden gush of fluid suggests possible rupture of membranes (ROM). The nurse
should first assess for signs of infection and monitor maternal vital signs because
premature rupture increases the risk of infection (chorioamnionitis). Assessing fetal
heart rate is also important but after maternal stability. Immediate delivery may not
be indicated unless other complications arise. Educating on bed rest is appropriate
but secondary to assessment.
Question 3:
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to reduce the risk of
postpartum hemorrhage?
a) Encourage early ambulation
b) Administer uterotonic medications as prescribed
c) Limit fluid intake
d) Delay breastfeeding initiation
Answer: b) Administer uterotonic medications as prescribed
Explanation:
Uterotonic agents like oxytocin promote uterine contractions, helping the uterus
contract effectively after delivery and reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Early ambulation is important but does not directly reduce hemorrhage risk.
Adequate fluid intake is necessary; limiting fluids may cause dehydration.
Breastfeeding stimulates natural oxytocin release, which helps reduce bleeding, so
it should not be delayed.
Question 4:
A newborn has a temperature of 36.0°C (96.8°F). What is the nurse’s priority
action?
a) Place the newborn under a radiant warmer
b) Increase room temperature
,c) Swaddle the newborn in blankets and monitor temperature
d) Initiate feeding
Answer: a) Place the newborn under a radiant warmer
Explanation:
A temperature of 36.0°C indicates hypothermia in a newborn. Immediate
intervention is necessary to prevent complications like respiratory distress or
hypoglycemia. The newborn should be placed under a radiant warmer to quickly
restore normothermia. Increasing room temperature and swaddling may help but
are not sufficient for hypothermia. Feeding is important but secondary to
stabilizing temperature.
Question 5:
Which finding in a newborn requires immediate intervention?
a) Heart rate of 140 beats per minute
b) Respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute
c) Central cyanosis when crying
d) Mild jaundice on day 3 of life
Answer: c) Central cyanosis when crying
Explanation:
Central cyanosis indicates inadequate oxygenation and requires immediate
assessment and intervention. Normal newborn heart rate ranges from 120 to 160
bpm, so 140 is normal. Respiratory rate up to 60 is normal for a newborn. Mild
jaundice on day 3 is common (physiologic jaundice) and usually not urgent unless
severe or rising rapidly.
Question 6:
What is the most important nursing assessment to monitor for early signs of
respiratory distress in a newborn?
a) Skin color and temperature
b) Respiratory rate and effort
, c) Heart rate
d) Feeding pattern
Answer: b) Respiratory rate and effort
Explanation:
Respiratory distress is characterized by increased respiratory rate, nasal flaring,
grunting, retractions, and use of accessory muscles. Monitoring respiratory rate and
effort provides early warning of respiratory compromise. Skin color changes can
be late signs. Heart rate and feeding are important but less sensitive for early
respiratory distress.
Question 7:
A postpartum client is breastfeeding and reports nipple pain and cracking.
What is the best nursing intervention?
a) Advise to stop breastfeeding temporarily
b) Educate on proper latch and positioning
c) Suggest using nipple creams only
d) Recommend switching to formula feeding
Answer: b) Educate on proper latch and positioning
Explanation:
Incorrect latch is the most common cause of nipple pain and cracking. Teaching the
mother proper breastfeeding technique can alleviate pain and prevent damage.
Stopping breastfeeding is not recommended as it can interfere with milk supply.
Nipple creams may help but should be combined with education. Formula feeding
is a last resort if breastfeeding is not possible.
Question 8:
Which assessment finding indicates a need for further evaluation in a child
with suspected developmental delay?
a) Unable to sit without support by 9 months
b) Walking independently at 14 months