PN Maternal Newborn Nursing Test Bank | 2025/2026 Edition |Real
Exam Questions with 100% Verified Correct Answers
Practical Nurse (PN) Maternal-Newborn Nursing Content | Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery,
Postpartum Care, Newborn Assessment & Common Complications | Expert-Verified Q&A |
Updated for Latest Test Format
Introduction
This test bank is designed for the 2025/2026 Practical Nursing (PN) Maternal-Newborn
Nursing exam, featuring 80 questions that reflect the current exam structure. It covers key
domains, including prenatal care, labor and delivery stages, postpartum nursing management,
newborn evaluation, breastfeeding guidance, and common maternal and neonatal
complications. Questions are crafted to align with PN licensure preparation (e.g., NCLEX-PN)
and emphasize clinical reasoning, best practices, and patient safety.
Answer Format
Correct answers are marked in bold and green in Times New Roman font for clarity. Each
question includes a concise rationale to reinforce understanding and application of
maternal-newborn nursing concepts.
PN Maternal-Newborn Nursing Test Bank | Verified Questions
& Rationales
| Latest 2025/2026 Edition | Certified Success
A breastfeeding mother presents with redness, swelling, and tenderness in one breast, along
with flu-like symptoms and a fever of 101.5°F (38.6°C). What is the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage the patient to wean the infant immediately.
B. Instruct the patient to apply ice packs to the affected breast.
C. Recommend that the patient continue breastfeeding or pumping frequently.
D. Advise the patient to stop breastfeeding until the infection is resolved.
,Correct Answer: C. Recommend that the patient continue breastfeeding or pumping frequently.
Rationale: Mastitis, common among lactating women, is often caused by milk stasis and
bacterial infection. Continuing to breastfeed or pump helps to empty the breasts, relieve
engorgement, and reduce infection risk. Breastfeeding does not harm the infant and promotes
resolution. Ice packs are not the first intervention, and stopping breastfeeding may worsen milk
stasis.
A 30-year-old female patient presents with anovulatory menstrual cycles, obesity, and acne.
What condition is most likely indicated by these findings?
A. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
B. Endometriosis
C. Hyperprolactinemia
D. Ovarian Cancer
Correct Answer: A. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Rationale: PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism (e.g., acne, hirsutism), oligo- or
anovulation (irregular or absent periods), and polycystic ovarian morphology. Associated
symptoms often include obesity, infertility, and insulin resistance. The other options do not align
with the described symptoms.
A pregnant patient in her second trimester is undergoing a routine checkup. What screening
should be conducted between 24-28 weeks of gestation to detect a common pregnancy
complication?
A. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) culture
B. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
C. Rubella antibody titer
D. Non-stress test (NST)
Correct Answer: B. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
Rationale: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is typically screened between 24-28 weeks using
a glucose tolerance test. Group B Streptococcus culture is done at 35-37 weeks, rubella titer is
part of early pregnancy labs, and non-stress tests are used later in pregnancy for fetal
surveillance.
A nurse is caring for a laboring patient whose fetal monitor strip shows late decelerations. What
is the initial nursing action?
A. Increase the oxytocin infusion rate.
B. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via facemask.
C. Reposition the patient to the left side.
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
,Correct Answer: C. Reposition the patient to the left side.
Rationale: Late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, and repositioning
to the left side improves uteroplacental blood flow. Administering oxygen and notifying the
healthcare provider may follow, but repositioning is the first priority. Increasing oxytocin would
exacerbate the issue and is contraindicated.
A patient with a positive BRCA1 gene mutation and a family history of ovarian cancer asks about
early symptoms to watch for. Which symptom should the nurse emphasize as most concerning?
A. Swollen or bloated abdomen
B. Recurrent urinary tract infections
C. Breast tenderness during the menstrual cycle
D. Mid-cycle spotting
Correct Answer: A. Swollen or bloated abdomen
Rationale: Ovarian cancer often presents with vague and nonspecific symptoms like abdominal
bloating, pelvic or back pain, and urinary urgency. Early diagnosis is challenging due to the
subtlety of symptoms, making patient education crucial. The other options are less indicative of
ovarian cancer.
A patient is experiencing regular uterine contractions that increase in intensity and are not
relieved by changing positions. A cervical examination reveals 4 cm dilation and 80%
effacement. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. True labor
B. False labor
C. Braxton Hicks contractions
D. Preterm labor
Correct Answer: A. True labor
Rationale: True labor is characterized by regular contractions that increase in intensity, are not
relieved by positional changes, and lead to cervical dilation and effacement. The findings of 4
cm dilation and 80% effacement confirm the diagnosis of true labor. False labor and Braxton
Hicks contractions do not result in progressive cervical changes, and preterm labor is not
indicated because the patient appears to be at term.
A pregnant patient in her third trimester reports severe itching, particularly on her abdomen.
The nurse notes no rash but suspects a complication. What condition is most likely?
A. Preeclampsia
B. Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP)
, C. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)
D. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
Correct Answer: C. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)
Rationale: ICP is characterized by severe pruritus without rash, typically on the abdomen, palms,
and soles, caused by impaired bile flow during pregnancy. PUPPP involves an itchy rash,
preeclampsia is associated with hypertension and proteinuria, and GDM does not cause itching.
A nurse is caring for a patient with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Which statement made by
the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I can take low-dose hormonal contraceptives to regulate my periods.
"B. "Losing weight might help reduce my symptoms and improve ovulation."
C. "Since I have PCOS, I am not at risk for heart disease or diabetes."
D. "I might need medications to help with fertility if I want to conceive."
Correct Answer: C. "Since I have PCOS, I am not at risk for heart disease or diabetes."
Rationale : This statement reflects a misunderstanding. Patients with PCOS have an increased
risk of metabolic complications, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, due to
insulin resistance. Weight loss (B), hormonal contraceptives (A), and fertility medications (D) are
all appropriate management strategies.
A nurse is educating a group of women about mammograms. Which patient requires more
frequent screenings than average-risk individuals?
A. A 35-year-old woman with no family history of breast cancer
B. A 45-year-old woman with no personal history of cancer
C. A 40-year-old woman with a BRCA1 gene mutation
D. A 50-year-old woman with a normal mammogram last year
Correct Answer: C. A 40-year-old woman with a BRCA1 gene mutation
Rationale: Patients with a BRCA1 gene mutation are at significantly increased risk for breast
cancer and require earlier and more frequent screenings than the general population. Women
without a high-risk profile (A, B, D) follow standard screening guidelines
A pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation is diagnosed with preterm premature rupture of
membranes (PPROM). Which nursing action is priority?
A. Perform a sterile vaginal exam to confirm rupture of membranes.
B. Assess the patient for signs of infection, such as fever or tachycardia.
C. Administer oxytocin to stimulate labor progression.
D. Immediately prepare the patient for cesarean delivery.
Exam Questions with 100% Verified Correct Answers
Practical Nurse (PN) Maternal-Newborn Nursing Content | Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery,
Postpartum Care, Newborn Assessment & Common Complications | Expert-Verified Q&A |
Updated for Latest Test Format
Introduction
This test bank is designed for the 2025/2026 Practical Nursing (PN) Maternal-Newborn
Nursing exam, featuring 80 questions that reflect the current exam structure. It covers key
domains, including prenatal care, labor and delivery stages, postpartum nursing management,
newborn evaluation, breastfeeding guidance, and common maternal and neonatal
complications. Questions are crafted to align with PN licensure preparation (e.g., NCLEX-PN)
and emphasize clinical reasoning, best practices, and patient safety.
Answer Format
Correct answers are marked in bold and green in Times New Roman font for clarity. Each
question includes a concise rationale to reinforce understanding and application of
maternal-newborn nursing concepts.
PN Maternal-Newborn Nursing Test Bank | Verified Questions
& Rationales
| Latest 2025/2026 Edition | Certified Success
A breastfeeding mother presents with redness, swelling, and tenderness in one breast, along
with flu-like symptoms and a fever of 101.5°F (38.6°C). What is the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage the patient to wean the infant immediately.
B. Instruct the patient to apply ice packs to the affected breast.
C. Recommend that the patient continue breastfeeding or pumping frequently.
D. Advise the patient to stop breastfeeding until the infection is resolved.
,Correct Answer: C. Recommend that the patient continue breastfeeding or pumping frequently.
Rationale: Mastitis, common among lactating women, is often caused by milk stasis and
bacterial infection. Continuing to breastfeed or pump helps to empty the breasts, relieve
engorgement, and reduce infection risk. Breastfeeding does not harm the infant and promotes
resolution. Ice packs are not the first intervention, and stopping breastfeeding may worsen milk
stasis.
A 30-year-old female patient presents with anovulatory menstrual cycles, obesity, and acne.
What condition is most likely indicated by these findings?
A. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
B. Endometriosis
C. Hyperprolactinemia
D. Ovarian Cancer
Correct Answer: A. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Rationale: PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism (e.g., acne, hirsutism), oligo- or
anovulation (irregular or absent periods), and polycystic ovarian morphology. Associated
symptoms often include obesity, infertility, and insulin resistance. The other options do not align
with the described symptoms.
A pregnant patient in her second trimester is undergoing a routine checkup. What screening
should be conducted between 24-28 weeks of gestation to detect a common pregnancy
complication?
A. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) culture
B. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
C. Rubella antibody titer
D. Non-stress test (NST)
Correct Answer: B. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
Rationale: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is typically screened between 24-28 weeks using
a glucose tolerance test. Group B Streptococcus culture is done at 35-37 weeks, rubella titer is
part of early pregnancy labs, and non-stress tests are used later in pregnancy for fetal
surveillance.
A nurse is caring for a laboring patient whose fetal monitor strip shows late decelerations. What
is the initial nursing action?
A. Increase the oxytocin infusion rate.
B. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via facemask.
C. Reposition the patient to the left side.
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
,Correct Answer: C. Reposition the patient to the left side.
Rationale: Late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, and repositioning
to the left side improves uteroplacental blood flow. Administering oxygen and notifying the
healthcare provider may follow, but repositioning is the first priority. Increasing oxytocin would
exacerbate the issue and is contraindicated.
A patient with a positive BRCA1 gene mutation and a family history of ovarian cancer asks about
early symptoms to watch for. Which symptom should the nurse emphasize as most concerning?
A. Swollen or bloated abdomen
B. Recurrent urinary tract infections
C. Breast tenderness during the menstrual cycle
D. Mid-cycle spotting
Correct Answer: A. Swollen or bloated abdomen
Rationale: Ovarian cancer often presents with vague and nonspecific symptoms like abdominal
bloating, pelvic or back pain, and urinary urgency. Early diagnosis is challenging due to the
subtlety of symptoms, making patient education crucial. The other options are less indicative of
ovarian cancer.
A patient is experiencing regular uterine contractions that increase in intensity and are not
relieved by changing positions. A cervical examination reveals 4 cm dilation and 80%
effacement. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. True labor
B. False labor
C. Braxton Hicks contractions
D. Preterm labor
Correct Answer: A. True labor
Rationale: True labor is characterized by regular contractions that increase in intensity, are not
relieved by positional changes, and lead to cervical dilation and effacement. The findings of 4
cm dilation and 80% effacement confirm the diagnosis of true labor. False labor and Braxton
Hicks contractions do not result in progressive cervical changes, and preterm labor is not
indicated because the patient appears to be at term.
A pregnant patient in her third trimester reports severe itching, particularly on her abdomen.
The nurse notes no rash but suspects a complication. What condition is most likely?
A. Preeclampsia
B. Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP)
, C. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)
D. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
Correct Answer: C. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)
Rationale: ICP is characterized by severe pruritus without rash, typically on the abdomen, palms,
and soles, caused by impaired bile flow during pregnancy. PUPPP involves an itchy rash,
preeclampsia is associated with hypertension and proteinuria, and GDM does not cause itching.
A nurse is caring for a patient with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Which statement made by
the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I can take low-dose hormonal contraceptives to regulate my periods.
"B. "Losing weight might help reduce my symptoms and improve ovulation."
C. "Since I have PCOS, I am not at risk for heart disease or diabetes."
D. "I might need medications to help with fertility if I want to conceive."
Correct Answer: C. "Since I have PCOS, I am not at risk for heart disease or diabetes."
Rationale : This statement reflects a misunderstanding. Patients with PCOS have an increased
risk of metabolic complications, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, due to
insulin resistance. Weight loss (B), hormonal contraceptives (A), and fertility medications (D) are
all appropriate management strategies.
A nurse is educating a group of women about mammograms. Which patient requires more
frequent screenings than average-risk individuals?
A. A 35-year-old woman with no family history of breast cancer
B. A 45-year-old woman with no personal history of cancer
C. A 40-year-old woman with a BRCA1 gene mutation
D. A 50-year-old woman with a normal mammogram last year
Correct Answer: C. A 40-year-old woman with a BRCA1 gene mutation
Rationale: Patients with a BRCA1 gene mutation are at significantly increased risk for breast
cancer and require earlier and more frequent screenings than the general population. Women
without a high-risk profile (A, B, D) follow standard screening guidelines
A pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation is diagnosed with preterm premature rupture of
membranes (PPROM). Which nursing action is priority?
A. Perform a sterile vaginal exam to confirm rupture of membranes.
B. Assess the patient for signs of infection, such as fever or tachycardia.
C. Administer oxytocin to stimulate labor progression.
D. Immediately prepare the patient for cesarean delivery.
