Maternal Nursing Practice Questions:
Postpartum and Labor Care (NURS 201)
A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who is breastfeeding. The client
reports feeling engorged and has difficulty breastfeeding. Which of the
following interventions is most appropriate for the nurse to suggest?
● a) Encourage the client to use a warm compress before breastfeeding.
● b) Instruct the client to avoid breastfeeding until the engorgement resolves.
● c) Apply ice packs to the breasts after each feeding.
● d) Teach the client to pump and store milk for later feedings.
Correct Answer: a) Encourage the client to use a warm compress before breastfeeding.
● Rationale: A warm compress can help soften the breasts before
breastfeeding, making it easier for the baby to latch. It can also help relieve
discomfort associated with engorgement.
2. Which of the following is the most important action for the nurse to take
when caring for a client in the active phase of labor?
● a) Perform a vaginal exam every hour to assess cervical dilation.
● b) Encourage the client to walk to facilitate labor progression.
● c) Assess the fetal heart rate (FHR) every 15 minutes.
● d) Offer fluids frequently to keep the client hydrated.
Correct Answer: c) Assess the fetal heart rate (FHR) every 15 minutes.
● Rationale: Monitoring the FHR is crucial to assess fetal well-being, especially
during the active phase of labor. The nurse should assess the FHR regularly
to detect any signs of fetal distress.
3. A client in the second stage of labor is pushing with each contraction.
The nurse notices that the baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
● a) Tell the client to stop pushing immediately.
● b) Apply gentle pressure to the perineum to prevent tearing.
● c) Increase the speed of the labor by encouraging rapid pushing.
● d) Perform an episiotomy to facilitate delivery.
Correct Answer: b) Apply gentle pressure to the perineum to prevent tearing.
● Rationale: Gentle pressure to the perineum can help prevent excessive
tearing during delivery. It is important to avoid rapid pushing or an
episiotomy unless indicated.
, Maternal Nursing Practice Questions:
Postpartum and Labor Care (NURS 201)
4. A client who gave birth 12 hours ago reports feeling lightheaded and
weak when attempting to stand. Her vital signs include a blood pressure of
90/60 mmHg, heart rate of 110 beats per minute, and a respiratory rate of
18 breaths per minute. Which of the following is the nurse's priority
action?
● a) Administer an antihypertensive medication.
● b) Encourage the client to rest in bed with her legs elevated.
● c) Increase the client's fluid intake.
● d) Perform a thorough abdominal assessment.
Correct Answer: c) Increase the client's fluid intake.
● Rationale: The client's vital signs indicate signs of hypotension, which could
be a result of blood loss or dehydration. Increasing fluid intake will help
restore circulatory volume and prevent further complications.
5. A client in the postpartum period is at risk for developing deep vein
thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following interventions should the nurse
implement to prevent this complication?
● a) Encourage the client to sit in a chair for 30 minutes every 2 hours.
● b) Instruct the client to perform leg exercises while in bed.
● c) Apply warm compresses to the legs every 2 hours.
● d) Advise the client to remain in bed for the first 48 hours postpartum.
Correct Answer: b) Instruct the client to perform leg exercises while in bed.
● Rationale: Leg exercises promote circulation and help prevent the
formation of blood clots, which is important for clients at risk for DVT in the
postpartum period. Prolonged bed rest should be avoided to reduce the
risk of thrombosis.
6. Which of the following findings is most indicative of postpartum
hemorrhage (PPH) in a client who is 4 hours postpartum?
● a) A firm and contracted uterus.
● b) A drop in blood pressure to 100/60 mmHg.
● c) The soaking of one perineal pad in 30 minutes.
● d) Lochia rubra with small blood clots.
Correct Answer: c) The soaking of one perineal pad in 30 minutes.
● Rationale: Soaking one pad in 30 minutes is a sign of excessive bleeding,
which may indicate postpartum hemorrhage. Immediate assessment and
intervention are needed to prevent further complications.
, Maternal Nursing Practice Questions:
Postpartum and Labor Care (NURS 201)
7. The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing preterm labor at 32
weeks gestation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
● a) Encourage the client to walk to stimulate labor progression.
● b) Administer magnesium sulfate as prescribed to prevent contractions.
● c) Advise the client to rest at home in a comfortable position.
● d) Administer oxytocin to strengthen contractions.
Correct Answer: b) Administer magnesium sulfate as prescribed to prevent contractions.
● Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is commonly used to stop preterm labor by
inhibiting uterine contractions. The nurse should follow orders to
administer magnesium sulfate and monitor for side effects.
8. A postpartum client asks about when she can resume sexual
activity. Which of the following responses should the nurse provide?
● a) "You should wait until your 6-week follow-up appointment to resume sexual
activity."
● b) "You can resume sexual activity as soon as you feel comfortable."
● c) "You can resume sexual activity when your vaginal discharge stops."
● d) "You need to wait at least 8 weeks before having sex after childbirth."
Correct Answer: a) "You should wait until your 6-week follow-up appointment to resume
sexual activity."
● Rationale: It is generally recommended that clients wait until their 6-week
postpartum visit before resuming sexual activity to allow the body time to
heal, especially if there were any complications during delivery.
9. A nurse is educating a pregnant client about signs and symptoms of
preeclampsia. Which of the following signs should the nurse include in the
teaching?
● a) Decreased urine output and severe headache.
● b) Sudden weight loss and swelling of the face.
● c) Edema in the lower extremities and increased appetite.
● d) Increased energy and mild headaches.
Correct Answer: a) Decreased urine output and severe headache.
● Rationale: Preeclampsia often presents with signs like hypertension,
edema, severe headaches, and decreased urine output due to kidney
involvement. It is important to monitor these symptoms for early
detection.
, Maternal Nursing Practice Questions:
Postpartum and Labor Care (NURS 201)
10. A client at 28 weeks gestation is admitted to the hospital with a
diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum. Which of the following interventions
should the nurse prioritize?
● a) Encourage the client to eat small, frequent meals.
● b) Administer antiemetic medications as prescribed.
● c) Increase the client's fluid intake orally.
● d) Monitor the client's weight daily.
Correct Answer: b) Administer antiemetic medications as prescribed.
● Rationale: The primary intervention for hyperemesis gravidarum is to
control nausea and vomiting. Anti-nausea medications (antiemetics) help
reduce the severity of symptoms, and the nurse should ensure these are
administered as prescribed.
11. A client in labor is in the first stage of labor and is requesting pain relief.
The nurse anticipates administering which of the following analgesic
medications to provide pain relief during this stage?
● a) Epidural anesthesia.
● b) Nalbuphine (Nubain).
● c) Local anesthesia.
● d) Fentanyl (Sublimaze).
Correct Answer: b) Nalbuphine (Nubain).
● Rationale: Nalbuphine is an opioid analgesic commonly used during labor for
pain relief. Epidural anesthesia is more commonly used in later stages or
when more profound pain relief is required.
12. A client who delivered vaginally 12 hours ago is experiencing heavy
vaginal bleeding. The nurse notes that the fundus is soft and displaced to
the right. Which of the following is the nurse's priority action?
● a) Perform a vaginal examination to assess for cervical lacerations.
● b) Administer oxytocin as prescribed to stimulate uterine contractions.
● c) Elevate the client's legs to improve venous return.
● d) Assist the client to the bathroom to void.
Correct Answer: d) Assist the client to the bathroom to void.
● Rationale: A displaced, soft fundus is often caused by a full bladder, which
can prevent the uterus from contracting effectively. Encouraging the client
to empty the bladder can help the uterus contract and reduce bleeding.
Postpartum and Labor Care (NURS 201)
A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who is breastfeeding. The client
reports feeling engorged and has difficulty breastfeeding. Which of the
following interventions is most appropriate for the nurse to suggest?
● a) Encourage the client to use a warm compress before breastfeeding.
● b) Instruct the client to avoid breastfeeding until the engorgement resolves.
● c) Apply ice packs to the breasts after each feeding.
● d) Teach the client to pump and store milk for later feedings.
Correct Answer: a) Encourage the client to use a warm compress before breastfeeding.
● Rationale: A warm compress can help soften the breasts before
breastfeeding, making it easier for the baby to latch. It can also help relieve
discomfort associated with engorgement.
2. Which of the following is the most important action for the nurse to take
when caring for a client in the active phase of labor?
● a) Perform a vaginal exam every hour to assess cervical dilation.
● b) Encourage the client to walk to facilitate labor progression.
● c) Assess the fetal heart rate (FHR) every 15 minutes.
● d) Offer fluids frequently to keep the client hydrated.
Correct Answer: c) Assess the fetal heart rate (FHR) every 15 minutes.
● Rationale: Monitoring the FHR is crucial to assess fetal well-being, especially
during the active phase of labor. The nurse should assess the FHR regularly
to detect any signs of fetal distress.
3. A client in the second stage of labor is pushing with each contraction.
The nurse notices that the baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
● a) Tell the client to stop pushing immediately.
● b) Apply gentle pressure to the perineum to prevent tearing.
● c) Increase the speed of the labor by encouraging rapid pushing.
● d) Perform an episiotomy to facilitate delivery.
Correct Answer: b) Apply gentle pressure to the perineum to prevent tearing.
● Rationale: Gentle pressure to the perineum can help prevent excessive
tearing during delivery. It is important to avoid rapid pushing or an
episiotomy unless indicated.
, Maternal Nursing Practice Questions:
Postpartum and Labor Care (NURS 201)
4. A client who gave birth 12 hours ago reports feeling lightheaded and
weak when attempting to stand. Her vital signs include a blood pressure of
90/60 mmHg, heart rate of 110 beats per minute, and a respiratory rate of
18 breaths per minute. Which of the following is the nurse's priority
action?
● a) Administer an antihypertensive medication.
● b) Encourage the client to rest in bed with her legs elevated.
● c) Increase the client's fluid intake.
● d) Perform a thorough abdominal assessment.
Correct Answer: c) Increase the client's fluid intake.
● Rationale: The client's vital signs indicate signs of hypotension, which could
be a result of blood loss or dehydration. Increasing fluid intake will help
restore circulatory volume and prevent further complications.
5. A client in the postpartum period is at risk for developing deep vein
thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following interventions should the nurse
implement to prevent this complication?
● a) Encourage the client to sit in a chair for 30 minutes every 2 hours.
● b) Instruct the client to perform leg exercises while in bed.
● c) Apply warm compresses to the legs every 2 hours.
● d) Advise the client to remain in bed for the first 48 hours postpartum.
Correct Answer: b) Instruct the client to perform leg exercises while in bed.
● Rationale: Leg exercises promote circulation and help prevent the
formation of blood clots, which is important for clients at risk for DVT in the
postpartum period. Prolonged bed rest should be avoided to reduce the
risk of thrombosis.
6. Which of the following findings is most indicative of postpartum
hemorrhage (PPH) in a client who is 4 hours postpartum?
● a) A firm and contracted uterus.
● b) A drop in blood pressure to 100/60 mmHg.
● c) The soaking of one perineal pad in 30 minutes.
● d) Lochia rubra with small blood clots.
Correct Answer: c) The soaking of one perineal pad in 30 minutes.
● Rationale: Soaking one pad in 30 minutes is a sign of excessive bleeding,
which may indicate postpartum hemorrhage. Immediate assessment and
intervention are needed to prevent further complications.
, Maternal Nursing Practice Questions:
Postpartum and Labor Care (NURS 201)
7. The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing preterm labor at 32
weeks gestation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
● a) Encourage the client to walk to stimulate labor progression.
● b) Administer magnesium sulfate as prescribed to prevent contractions.
● c) Advise the client to rest at home in a comfortable position.
● d) Administer oxytocin to strengthen contractions.
Correct Answer: b) Administer magnesium sulfate as prescribed to prevent contractions.
● Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is commonly used to stop preterm labor by
inhibiting uterine contractions. The nurse should follow orders to
administer magnesium sulfate and monitor for side effects.
8. A postpartum client asks about when she can resume sexual
activity. Which of the following responses should the nurse provide?
● a) "You should wait until your 6-week follow-up appointment to resume sexual
activity."
● b) "You can resume sexual activity as soon as you feel comfortable."
● c) "You can resume sexual activity when your vaginal discharge stops."
● d) "You need to wait at least 8 weeks before having sex after childbirth."
Correct Answer: a) "You should wait until your 6-week follow-up appointment to resume
sexual activity."
● Rationale: It is generally recommended that clients wait until their 6-week
postpartum visit before resuming sexual activity to allow the body time to
heal, especially if there were any complications during delivery.
9. A nurse is educating a pregnant client about signs and symptoms of
preeclampsia. Which of the following signs should the nurse include in the
teaching?
● a) Decreased urine output and severe headache.
● b) Sudden weight loss and swelling of the face.
● c) Edema in the lower extremities and increased appetite.
● d) Increased energy and mild headaches.
Correct Answer: a) Decreased urine output and severe headache.
● Rationale: Preeclampsia often presents with signs like hypertension,
edema, severe headaches, and decreased urine output due to kidney
involvement. It is important to monitor these symptoms for early
detection.
, Maternal Nursing Practice Questions:
Postpartum and Labor Care (NURS 201)
10. A client at 28 weeks gestation is admitted to the hospital with a
diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum. Which of the following interventions
should the nurse prioritize?
● a) Encourage the client to eat small, frequent meals.
● b) Administer antiemetic medications as prescribed.
● c) Increase the client's fluid intake orally.
● d) Monitor the client's weight daily.
Correct Answer: b) Administer antiemetic medications as prescribed.
● Rationale: The primary intervention for hyperemesis gravidarum is to
control nausea and vomiting. Anti-nausea medications (antiemetics) help
reduce the severity of symptoms, and the nurse should ensure these are
administered as prescribed.
11. A client in labor is in the first stage of labor and is requesting pain relief.
The nurse anticipates administering which of the following analgesic
medications to provide pain relief during this stage?
● a) Epidural anesthesia.
● b) Nalbuphine (Nubain).
● c) Local anesthesia.
● d) Fentanyl (Sublimaze).
Correct Answer: b) Nalbuphine (Nubain).
● Rationale: Nalbuphine is an opioid analgesic commonly used during labor for
pain relief. Epidural anesthesia is more commonly used in later stages or
when more profound pain relief is required.
12. A client who delivered vaginally 12 hours ago is experiencing heavy
vaginal bleeding. The nurse notes that the fundus is soft and displaced to
the right. Which of the following is the nurse's priority action?
● a) Perform a vaginal examination to assess for cervical lacerations.
● b) Administer oxytocin as prescribed to stimulate uterine contractions.
● c) Elevate the client's legs to improve venous return.
● d) Assist the client to the bathroom to void.
Correct Answer: d) Assist the client to the bathroom to void.
● Rationale: A displaced, soft fundus is often caused by a full bladder, which
can prevent the uterus from contracting effectively. Encouraging the client
to empty the bladder can help the uterus contract and reduce bleeding.
