RN exams maternity and newborn practice questions, set 13
RN exams · maternity and newborn
RN exams maternity and newborn practice questionsset 13
You work labor, postpartum, and newborn safety items the way maternity exams write the next action. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the RN exams exam guide or more RN exams practice questions.
Five maternity and newborn questions with answers
Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.
Question 1
Cardiovascular system changes occur during pregnancy. Which finding would be considered normal for a woman in her second trimester?
A. Less audible heart sounds (S , S ) 1 2
B. Increased pulse rate
C. Increased blood pressure
D. Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Increased pulse rate
The correct answer is B: Increased pulse rate. During the second trimester of pregnancy, it is normal for a woman's heart rate to increase due to the increased blood volume and cardiac output needed to support the growing fetus. This physiological change helps meet the increased metabolic demands of both the mother and the baby.
A: Less audible heart sounds (S1, S2) is incorrect because heart sounds are typically more audible during pregnancy due to the increased blood flow and volume in the cardiovascular system.
C: Increased blood pressure is incorrect because blood pressure tends to decrease slightly during the second trimester before rising again in the third trimester.
D: Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production is incorrect because RBC production actually increases during pregnancy to support the increased oxygen-carrying capacity required for the mother and the fetus.
Question 2
The laboring person is in pain and very anxious. They do not want to use traditional pain relief methods. What can the nurse offer the laboring person to help with relaxation and reducing anxiety?
A. lavender oil
B. epidural
C. nalbuphine hydrochloride (Nubain)
D. cold rag
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — lavender oil
The correct answer is A: lavender oil. Lavender oil is a natural remedy known for its calming and relaxing properties, which can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in laboring individuals. It is safe and non-invasive, making it an ideal choice for someone who does not want traditional pain relief methods.
Incorrect choices:
B: Epidural is a commonly used pain relief method that involves injecting anesthesia into the epidural space, providing effective pain relief but not specifically targeting relaxation and anxiety reduction.
C: Nalbuphine hydrochloride (Nubain) is a synthetic opioid analgesic that can help manage pain but may not address the individual's desire for non-traditional methods.
D: Cold rag may provide some temporary relief for discomfort but may not be as effective in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety compared to the calming effects of lavender oil.
Question 3
A nurse is providing prenatal care to a 24-week pregnant patient. Which of the following findings should be reported immediately?
A. Mild leg swelling and varicosities
B. Slight back pain and cramping
C. Severe headaches and visual disturbances
D. Increased appetite and weight gain
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Severe headaches and visual disturbances
The correct answer is C: Severe headaches and visual disturbances. These symptoms can indicate a serious condition such as preeclampsia, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby. Severe headaches and visual disturbances are signs of increased blood pressure, protein in the urine, and potential organ damage. Reporting these findings promptly allows for timely intervention.
Incorrect choices:
A: Mild leg swelling and varicosities are common in pregnancy and typically not urgent unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
B: Slight back pain and cramping are common discomforts in pregnancy and may not indicate a serious issue unless they are severe or persistent.
D: Increased appetite and weight gain are expected during pregnancy and may not require immediate reporting unless there are other concerning symptoms present.
Question 4
The laboring person is in pain and very anxious. They do not want to use traditional pain relief methods. What can the nurse offer the laboring person to help with relaxation and reducing anxiety?
A. lavender oil
B. epidural
C. nalbuphine hydrochloride (Nubain)
D. cold rag
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — lavender oil
The correct answer is A: lavender oil. Lavender oil is a natural remedy known for its calming and relaxing properties, which can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in laboring individuals. It is safe and non-invasive, making it an ideal choice for someone who does not want traditional pain relief methods.
Incorrect choices:
B: Epidural is a commonly used pain relief method that involves injecting anesthesia into the epidural space, providing effective pain relief but not specifically targeting relaxation and anxiety reduction.
C: Nalbuphine hydrochloride (Nubain) is a synthetic opioid analgesic that can help manage pain but may not address the individual's desire for non-traditional methods.
D: Cold rag may provide some temporary relief for discomfort but may not be as effective in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety compared to the calming effects of lavender oil.
Question 5
A patient who is about to undergo a cesarean section for breech presentation without fetal distress asks her nurse what kind of anesthesia would be best for her. The nurse explains that which of the following is the preferred method of anesthesia in this nonemergent case?
A. Spinal block
B. Epidural block
C. General anesthesia
D. Intravenous sedation
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Spinal block
The correct answer is A: Spinal block. In a non-emergent cesarean section for breech presentation without fetal distress, a spinal block is preferred due to its rapid onset, reliable anesthesia for surgical procedures, and minimal risk to the fetus. Spinal block provides adequate pain relief and muscle relaxation without affecting the mother's ability to breathe and interact with the newborn immediately after delivery.
Summary of other choices:
B: Epidural block - Epidural block may not provide a dense enough block for a cesarean section and might require more time to administer.
C: General anesthesia - General anesthesia poses more risks to both the mother and the fetus compared to regional anesthesia methods.
D: Intravenous sedation - Intravenous sedation may not provide sufficient anesthesia for a cesarean section and is not the preferred method for this type of surgery.
Keep going past these 15 questions
Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.
Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.
Question 6
Cardiovascular system changes occur during pregnancy. Which finding would be considered normal for a woman in her second trimester?
A. Less audible heart sounds (S , S ) 1 2
B. Increased pulse rate
C. Increased blood pressure
D. Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Increased pulse rate. During the second trimester of pregnancy, it is normal for a woman's heart rate to increase due to the increased blood volume and cardiac output needed to support the growing fetus. This physiological change helps meet the increased metabolic demands of both the mother and the baby.
A: Less audible heart sounds (S1, S2) is incorrect because heart sounds are typically more audible during pregnancy due to the increased blood flow and volume in the cardiovascular system.
C: Increased blood pressure is incorrect because blood pressure tends to decrease slightly during the second trimester before rising again in the third trimester.
D: Decreased red blood cell (RBC) production is incorrect because RBC production actually increases during pregnancy to support the increased oxygen-carrying capacity required for the mother and the fetus.
What is the best explanation that the nurse can provide to a patient who is concerned that she has "pseudoanemia" of pregnancy?
A. Have her write down her concerns and tell her that you will ask the physician to
respond once the lab results have been evaluated.
B. Tell her that this is a benign self-limiting condition that can be easily corrected by switching to a high-iron diet.
C. Inform her that because of the pregnancy, her blood volume has increased, leading
D. Contact the physician and get a prescription for iron pills to correct this condition.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because pseudoanemia of pregnancy is a normal physiological change where the blood volume expands more rapidly than red blood cell production, leading to a relative decrease in the concentration of red blood cells. By informing the patient that due to the pregnancy, her blood volume has increased, the nurse is addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This explanation reassures the patient that the pseudoanemia is a common occurrence during pregnancy and does not indicate a true anemia requiring treatment.
Choice A is incorrect as it does not address the patient's concerns about pseudoanemia and delays providing a clear explanation. Choice B is incorrect because pseudoanemia does not require a high-iron diet for correction. Choice D is incorrect as prescribing iron pills is unnecessary for pseudoanemia, which is a normal variant of pregnancy.
What is the best explanation that the nurse can provide to a patient who is concerned that she has "pseudoanemia" of pregnancy?
A. Have her write down her concerns and tell her that you will ask the physician to
respond once the lab results have been evaluated.
B. Tell her that this is a benign self-limiting condition that can be easily corrected by switching to a high-iron diet.
C. Inform her that because of the pregnancy, her blood volume has increased, leading
D. Contact the physician and get a prescription for iron pills to correct this condition.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because pseudoanemia of pregnancy is a normal physiological change where the blood volume expands more rapidly than red blood cell production, leading to a relative decrease in the concentration of red blood cells. By informing the patient that due to the pregnancy, her blood volume has increased, the nurse is addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This explanation reassures the patient that the pseudoanemia is a common occurrence during pregnancy and does not indicate a true anemia requiring treatment.
Choice A is incorrect as it does not address the patient's concerns about pseudoanemia and delays providing a clear explanation. Choice B is incorrect because pseudoanemia does not require a high-iron diet for correction. Choice D is incorrect as prescribing iron pills is unnecessary for pseudoanemia, which is a normal variant of pregnancy.
The lactation nurse takes a phone call from a mother who is breastfeeding her 2-month-old infant. The mother reports an area of redness and warmth on the breast and a painful burning sensation when breastfeeding. Which statement by the nurse is correct if mastitis is suspected?
A. If your nipples are cracked, you will need to stop breastfeeding.
B. Pump your milk and throw it away until the infection is gone.
C. The baby gave you an infection and needs to be on antibiotics.
D. Continuing to breastfeed will help clear up the condition.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Continuing to breastfeed will help clear up the condition.
Rationale:
1. Continuing to breastfeed helps to empty the breast and prevent milk stasis, which can worsen mastitis.
2. Breastfeeding helps maintain milk production and prevents engorgement, which can exacerbate the infection.
3. Breast milk has antibacterial properties that can help fight the infection.
4. Stopping breastfeeding abruptly can lead to more serious complications like abscess formation.
Summary:
A: Incorrect. Stopping breastfeeding abruptly can lead to complications and does not address the underlying infection.
B: Incorrect. Pumping and throwing away milk does not address the underlying infection and can lead to decreased milk supply.
C: Incorrect. Mastitis is not caused by the baby, and antibiotics are not always necessary if managed promptly with breastfeeding and self-care.
A patient who is about to undergo a cesarean section for breech presentation without fetal distress asks her nurse what kind of anesthesia would be best for her. The nurse explains that which of the following is the preferred method of anesthesia in this nonemergent case?
A. Spinal block
B. Epidural block
C. General anesthesia
D. Intravenous sedation
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Spinal block. In a non-emergent cesarean section for breech presentation without fetal distress, a spinal block is preferred due to its rapid onset, reliable anesthesia for surgical procedures, and minimal risk to the fetus. Spinal block provides adequate pain relief and muscle relaxation without affecting the mother's ability to breathe and interact with the newborn immediately after delivery.
Summary of other choices:
B: Epidural block - Epidural block may not provide a dense enough block for a cesarean section and might require more time to administer.
C: General anesthesia - General anesthesia poses more risks to both the mother and the fetus compared to regional anesthesia methods.
D: Intravenous sedation - Intravenous sedation may not provide sufficient anesthesia for a cesarean section and is not the preferred method for this type of surgery.
A nurse is providing postpartum care to a G4P4 woman who gave birth vaginally 48 hours ago to a 9 pound 10 ounce boy with only a pudendal block for anesthesia. The physician has written orders for the woman to have a sitz bath three times a day. Which information is most closely correlated with the order?
A. The woman is multiparous.
B. The woman has an episiotomy.
C. The woman had a vaginal birth.
D. The woman received a pudendal block for anesthesia.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B because having an episiotomy is directly related to the need for a sitz bath postpartum. An episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum during childbirth to enlarge the vaginal opening, which can cause discomfort and swelling postpartum. A sitz bath helps to soothe and cleanse the area, promote healing, and reduce the risk of infection.
Choice A (The woman is multiparous) is incorrect as the number of pregnancies does not directly correlate with the need for a sitz bath.
Choice C (The woman had a vaginal birth) is incorrect because all women who give birth vaginally can benefit from a sitz bath, not just this woman specifically.
Choice D (The woman received a pudendal block for anesthesia) is incorrect as the type of anesthesia used does not determine the need for a sitz bath; it is more related to the presence of an episiotomy.
The nurse includes the addition of ice sitz baths for the postpartum patient. Which assessment finding indicates the treatment has been effective?
A. No swelling or edema to the perineal area
B. Patient complains that the sitz bath is too col
C. Patient reports she took two sitz baths in 12 hours.
D. Edges of the perineal laceration are well approximate
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because the absence of swelling or edema to the perineal area indicates that the ice sitz baths have been effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Swelling and edema are common postpartum, and the use of ice sitz baths can help reduce these symptoms.
Choice B is incorrect because the patient complaining that the sitz bath is too cold does not provide information on the effectiveness of the treatment, only the patient's comfort level.
Choice C is incorrect because the frequency of sitz baths does not necessarily indicate effectiveness. It is more important to assess the outcomes of the treatment rather than the number of baths taken.
Choice D is incorrect because the approximation of perineal laceration edges may be influenced by other factors such as suturing technique, rather than the effectiveness of the ice sitz baths.
The nurse is planning care for a patient during the fourth stage of labor. Which interventions should the nurse plan to implement? (Select all that apply.)
A. Offer the patient a warm blanket.
B. Place an ice pack on the perineum.
C. Massage the uterus if it is boggy.
D. Delay breastfeeding until the patient is reste
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because offering the patient a warm blanket helps prevent hypothermia, which can occur due to heat loss during the delivery process. This intervention promotes patient comfort and helps maintain their body temperature.
Choice B is incorrect because placing an ice pack on the perineum is typically done in the immediate postpartum period to reduce swelling and discomfort, not during the fourth stage of labor.
Choice C is incorrect because massaging the uterus if it is boggy is a postpartum intervention to prevent or treat uterine atony, not typically performed during the fourth stage of labor.
Choice D is incorrect because delaying breastfeeding until the patient is rested is not necessary during the fourth stage of labor. Breastfeeding should be initiated as soon as possible after delivery to promote bonding and stimulate milk production.
A nurse is caring for a laboring person in the second stage of labor. What is the most appropriate intervention when the perineum starts to bulge?
A. apply warm compresses to the perineum
B. apply gentle pressure to the perineum
C. prepare the person for episiotomy
D. perform perineal massage
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: apply gentle pressure to the perineum. This intervention helps to support the perineum and reduce the risk of perineal tearing during childbirth. Applying gentle pressure can slow down the baby's descent and allow the perineum to stretch gradually, reducing the likelihood of severe tearing. This intervention is important to promote a safe and controlled delivery.
Incorrect answer explanations:
A: Applying warm compresses may provide some comfort but does not specifically address the need to support the perineum during childbirth.
C: Episiotomy should be considered only when necessary and not as a routine intervention when the perineum bulges.
D: Perineal massage is typically done during the prenatal period to help prepare the perineum for childbirth but is not the most appropriate intervention when the perineum starts to bulge during labor.
For which patient should the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion be discontinued immediately?
A. A patient in transition with contractions every 2 minutes lasting 90 seconds each
B. A patient in early labor with contractions every 5 minutes lasting 40 seconds each
C. A patient in active labor with contractions every 3 minutes lasting 60 seconds each
D. A patient in active labor with contractions every 2 to 3 minutes lasting 70 to 80 seconds each
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because a patient in transition with contractions every 2 minutes lasting 90 seconds each is experiencing very intense and frequent contractions, indicating high uterine activity. Discontinuing oxytocin infusion is crucial in this scenario to prevent hyperstimulation, which can lead to fetal distress or uterine rupture.
Choice B is incorrect because the patient is in early labor and the contractions are less frequent and less intense compared to the correct answer. Choice C is incorrect as the patient in active labor with contractions every 3 minutes lasting 60 seconds each is not as intense as the patient in transition in the correct answer. Choice D is incorrect because although the contractions are frequent and lasting longer, the intensity described in choice A is more concerning and requires immediate discontinuation of oxytocin infusion.
About these RN exams maternity and newborn questions
RN exams maternity and newborn practice questions, set 13 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the RN exams exam guide.
The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.
Keep going past these 15 questions
Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.
