RN exams maternity and newborn practice questions, set 15
RN exams · maternity and newborn
RN exams maternity and newborn practice questionsset 15
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
What changes in hormones initiate labor?
A. decreased progesterone, decreased estrogen, absence of oxytocin
B. increased progesterone, decreased estrogen, absence of oxytocin
C. increased progesterone, decreased estrogen, presence of oxytocin
D. decreased progesterone, increased estrogen, effects of oxytocin
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — decreased progesterone, increased estrogen, effects of oxytocin
The correct answer is D because decreased progesterone, increased estrogen, and the effects of oxytocin are the hormonal changes that initiate labor. Progesterone inhibits contractions, so its decrease allows labor to begin. Estrogen promotes uterine sensitivity to oxytocin, which stimulates contractions. Oxytocin is released in response to labor contractions and helps to strengthen contractions.
A: Incorrect because decreased progesterone is needed for labor to start, estrogen needs to increase, and oxytocin is present during labor.
B: Incorrect because increased progesterone inhibits labor, estrogen should increase, and oxytocin is present during labor.
C: Incorrect because progesterone should decrease, estrogen should increase, and oxytocin is present during labor.
Question 2
The process of labor places significant metabolic demands on the obstetric patient. Which physiologic findings would be expected?
A. Decreased maternal blood pressure as a result of stimulation of alpha receptors
B. Uterine vasoconstriction as a result of stimulation of beta receptors
C. Increased maternal demand for oxygen
D. Increased blood flow to placenta because of catecholamine release
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Increased maternal demand for oxygen
Step-by-step rationale for why choice C is correct:
1. Labor is a physically demanding process that requires increased energy expenditure.
2. Increased uterine activity during labor leads to higher oxygen consumption by the mother.
3. Maternal demand for oxygen increases to meet the metabolic needs of both the mother and the fetus.
4. Adequate oxygen supply is crucial to support the increased workload during labor.
Summary:
A: Incorrect. Labor typically leads to increased blood pressure due to sympathetic activation, not decreased.
B: Incorrect. Uterine vasoconstriction is not expected during labor as it needs adequate blood supply for contractions.
D: Incorrect. Catecholamine release during labor can lead to vasoconstriction, not increased blood flow to the placenta.
Question 3
The postpartum nurse is observing a patient holding the baby she delivered less than 24 hours ago. The partner is watching his wife and asking questions about newborn care. The
A. Report the incident to the social services department.
B. Advise the parents that the older son needs to be reprimande
C. No action; this is a normal family adjusting to family change
D. Report to oncoming staff that the mother is probably not a good disciplinarian.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — No action; this is a normal family adjusting to family change
Correct Answer: C - No action; this is a normal family adjusting to family change.
Rationale:
1. It is normal for new parents to have questions and concerns about newborn care.
2. The parents are actively engaged with the newborn and seeking information, indicating a positive adjustment.
3. The mother's behavior with the newborn does not raise any immediate concerns for intervention.
4. Reporting to social services or assuming parenting styles based on limited observation is unwarranted.
Summary:
A: Reporting to social services is unnecessary as there are no signs of neglect or abuse.
B: Reprimanding the older son is unrelated to the situation and inappropriate.
D: Assuming the mother's parenting style based on limited observation is unjustified and unprofessional.
Question 4
The nurse educates the person recovering from a cesarean birth on how to care for the incision. What education is discussed?
A. Scrub the incision well twice daily.
B. Remove the dressing the day after birth.
C. Staples will be removed the day after birth.
D. Vertical incisions heal faster with less pain.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Scrub the incision well twice daily.
The correct answer is A: Scrub the incision well twice daily. This is the correct answer because it emphasizes proper hygiene to prevent infection without causing harm to the incision site. Cleaning the incision twice daily helps to keep it clean and reduce the risk of infection.
B: Removing the dressing the day after birth is incorrect as it may disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
C: Staples being removed the day after birth is incorrect because staple removal timing varies depending on individual healing progress and is typically done by a healthcare provider.
D: Vertical incisions healing faster with less pain is incorrect as healing time and pain tolerance vary among individuals and are not solely determined by the incision type.
Question 5
The labor and delivery unit nurses are adopting methods to reduce the number of women who develop postpartum depression. Research from Dennis and Dowswell (2013) provides evidence-based suggestions regarding beneficial interventions. Which suggestions do the nurses consider? Select all that apply.
A. Telephone-based peer support
B. Partner report of symptoms
C. Interpersonal psychotherapy
D. Teaching for self-recognition of problems
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Interpersonal psychotherapy
The correct answer is C: Interpersonal psychotherapy. This is supported by research as an evidence-based intervention for reducing postpartum depression. It focuses on improving relationships and communication skills, which can help women cope with the challenges of motherhood.
A: Telephone-based peer support may be helpful, but it is not specifically mentioned in the research by Dennis and Dowswell (2013) as a beneficial intervention.
B: Partner report of symptoms can be useful in identifying postpartum depression, but it is not a recommended intervention according to the research.
D: Teaching for self-recognition of problems is important, but it is not as effective as interpersonal psychotherapy in reducing postpartum depression according to the research.
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Question 6
The nurse is collecting the urine of a postpartum patient who is passing large clots. For which reason does the nurse examine the large collected clots?
A. To validate the presence of clotting
B. To determine the presence of tissue
C. To obtain an accurate description
D. To document the number of clots
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: To determine the presence of tissue. By examining the large collected clots, the nurse can differentiate between clots and actual tissue, which is crucial for identifying any potential complications postpartum. This step ensures accurate assessment and appropriate intervention if necessary.
Incorrect choices:
A: To validate the presence of clotting - This is not necessary as the presence of large clots already indicates clotting.
C: To obtain an accurate description - While important, the primary purpose of examining large clots in this context is to differentiate tissue from clots.
D: To document the number of clots - While documenting the number of clots is important, it is not the main reason for examining them in this scenario.
To reassure and educate pregnant patients about changes in the cervix, vagina, and position of the fetus, nurses should be aware that:
A. because of a number of changes in the cervix, abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) tests
are much easier to evaluate.
B. Quickening is a technique of palpating the fetus to engage it in passive movement.
C. the deepening color of the vaginal mucosa and cervix (Chadwick's sign) usually appears in the second trimester or later as the vagina prepares to stretch during labor.
D. increased vascularity of the vagina increases sensitivity and may lead to a high degree of arousal, especially in the second trimester.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D because increased vascularity of the vagina during pregnancy leads to heightened sensitivity and can result in increased arousal, especially in the second trimester. This is due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes affecting the vaginal tissues. This physiological response is a normal part of pregnancy and can enhance sexual experiences for some women.
A is incorrect because changes in the cervix do not impact the evaluation of abnormal Pap tests. B is incorrect as quickening refers to the first perception of fetal movements by the pregnant woman, not palpating the fetus. C is incorrect as Chadwick's sign, the deepening color of the vaginal mucosa and cervix, typically appears in the first trimester, not the second trimester.
The labor and delivery unit nurses are adopting methods to reduce the number of women who develop postpartum depression. Research from Dennis and Dowswell (2013) provides evidence-based suggestions regarding beneficial interventions. Which suggestions do the nurses consider? Select all that apply.
A. Telephone-based peer support
B. Partner report of symptoms
C. Interpersonal psychotherapy
D. Teaching for self-recognition of problems
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Interpersonal psychotherapy. This is supported by research as an evidence-based intervention for reducing postpartum depression. It focuses on improving relationships and communication skills, which can help women cope with the challenges of motherhood.
A: Telephone-based peer support may be helpful, but it is not specifically mentioned in the research by Dennis and Dowswell (2013) as a beneficial intervention.
B: Partner report of symptoms can be useful in identifying postpartum depression, but it is not a recommended intervention according to the research.
D: Teaching for self-recognition of problems is important, but it is not as effective as interpersonal psychotherapy in reducing postpartum depression according to the research.
The nurse is preparing a patient for a cesarean birth scheduled to be performed under general
A. Which should the nurse plan to administer, if ordered by the health care provider, to prevent aspiration of gastric contents? (Select all that apply.)
B. Citric acid (Bicitr
C. Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
D. Ranitidine (Zanta
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Citric acid (Bicitr). Citric acid helps decrease the acidity of gastric contents, reducing the risk of aspiration during general anesthesia. Citric acid works as an antacid and helps neutralize stomach acid, which can help prevent complications during surgery.
Incorrect choices:
A: This choice is incorrect because it does not address the prevention of aspiration of gastric contents.
C: Bromocriptine is a medication used to treat conditions like hyperprolactinemia and Parkinson's disease. It is not indicated for preventing aspiration during surgery.
D: Ranitidine is an H2 blocker used to reduce stomach acid production. While it can help with heartburn and acid reflux, it is not typically used to prevent aspiration during surgery.
The nurse is observing a new mother interact with her baby and notices the mother holding the baby close to her body. However, the nurse also notices that the mother does not hold the baby in an enface position. Which question is most appropriate for the nurse to ask?
A. Can I help you with a nice position in which to hold your baby?'
B. What can you tell me about your family's beliefs with new babies?'
C. Is there some reason that I have not seen you look into your baby's eyes?'
D. Your baby is so expressive, have you looked into his eyes yet?'
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: "What can you tell me about your family's beliefs with new babies?". This question is most appropriate as it opens up a dialogue about the mother's cultural or familial practices regarding infant care, which may explain why she is not holding the baby in an enface position. By asking about the family's beliefs, the nurse can gain insight into the mother's perspective and provide culturally sensitive care.
Choice A is incorrect as it assumes the mother needs help without considering her cultural background. Choice C is incorrect as it may come off as judgmental and accusatory. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on the action of looking into the baby's eyes rather than understanding the cultural context behind the mother's behavior.
The maternity nurse understands that vascular volume increases 40% to 45% during pregnancy to:
A. compensate for decreased renal plasma flow.
B. provide adequate perfusion of the placenta
C. eliminate metabolic wastes of the mother.
D. prevent maternal and fetal dehydration.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B because the increased vascular volume during pregnancy is essential to provide adequate perfusion of the placenta, ensuring proper nutrient and oxygen exchange between the mother and fetus. This is crucial for the optimal growth and development of the fetus.
A: The increased vascular volume during pregnancy does not compensate for decreased renal plasma flow but rather supports the increased metabolic demands of pregnancy.
C: The elimination of metabolic wastes of the mother is primarily carried out by the kidneys and liver, not solely through increased vascular volume.
D: Preventing maternal and fetal dehydration is more related to adequate fluid intake and retention, rather than the increase in vascular volume during pregnancy.
To reassure and educate pregnant patients about changes in the cervix, vagina, and position of the fetus, nurses should be aware that:
A. because of a number of changes in the cervix, abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) tests
are much easier to evaluate.
B. Quickening is a technique of palpating the fetus to engage it in passive movement.
C. the deepening color of the vaginal mucosa and cervix (Chadwick's sign) usually appears in the second trimester or later as the vagina prepares to stretch during labor.
D. increased vascularity of the vagina increases sensitivity and may lead to a high degree of arousal, especially in the second trimester.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D because increased vascularity of the vagina during pregnancy leads to heightened sensitivity and can result in increased arousal, especially in the second trimester. This is due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes affecting the vaginal tissues. This physiological response is a normal part of pregnancy and can enhance sexual experiences for some women.
A is incorrect because changes in the cervix do not impact the evaluation of abnormal Pap tests. B is incorrect as quickening refers to the first perception of fetal movements by the pregnant woman, not palpating the fetus. C is incorrect as Chadwick's sign, the deepening color of the vaginal mucosa and cervix, typically appears in the first trimester, not the second trimester.
The labor and delivery nurse reviews a client’s prenatal records and notes that the client had a positive GBS culture at 27 weeks gestation. Based on current guidelines, what is the recommended plan?
A. Send a GBS to the laboratory immediately
B. Prepare to administer penicillin prophylactically
C. Determine if a follow-up culture was done at 38 weeks gestation
D. Determine if the patient received antibiotics for the positive strep
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Prepare to administer penicillin prophylactically. This is recommended by current guidelines for clients with a positive GBS culture at 27 weeks gestation to prevent transmission to the newborn during delivery. Administering penicillin prophylactically during labor significantly reduces the risk of early-onset GBS disease in newborns.
A: Sending a GBS to the laboratory immediately is not necessary as the client's GBS status is already known.
C: Checking for a follow-up culture at 38 weeks gestation is not the recommended plan based on current guidelines.
D: Determining if the patient received antibiotics for the positive strep is not the immediate action needed; prophylactic antibiotics during labor are the standard of care.
A patient with an IUD in place has a positive pregnancy test. When planning care, the nurse will base decisions on which anticipated action?
A. A therapeutic abortion will need to be scheduled since fetal damage is inevitable.
B. Hormonal analyses will be done to determine the underlying cause of the false-positive test result.
C. The IUD will need to be removed to avoid complications such as miscarriage or infection.
D. The IUD will need to remain in place to avoid injuring the fetus.
Correct answer:
Rationale:
C is correct because when a patient with an IUD in place has a positive pregnancy test, the IUD should be removed to avoid complications such as ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or infection. Leaving the IUD in place can increase the risk of adverse outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. Removing the IUD allows for safer management of the pregnancy and reduces potential harm.
Summary:
A: Incorrect. Fetal damage is not inevitable, and a therapeutic abortion is not the immediate action required in this situation.
B: Incorrect. Hormonal analyses are not the priority when a positive pregnancy test with an IUD in place is detected.
D: Incorrect. Leaving the IUD in place can lead to complications and is not the recommended course of action.
The nurse is collecting the urine of a postpartum patient who is passing large clots. For which reason does the nurse examine the large collected clots?
A. To validate the presence of clotting
B. To determine the presence of tissue
C. To obtain an accurate description
D. To document the number of clots
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: To determine the presence of tissue. By examining the large collected clots, the nurse can differentiate between clots and actual tissue, which is crucial for identifying any potential complications postpartum. This step ensures accurate assessment and appropriate intervention if necessary.
Incorrect choices:
A: To validate the presence of clotting - This is not necessary as the presence of large clots already indicates clotting.
C: To obtain an accurate description - While important, the primary purpose of examining large clots in this context is to differentiate tissue from clots.
D: To document the number of clots - While documenting the number of clots is important, it is not the main reason for examining them in this scenario.
About these RN exams maternity and newborn questions
RN exams maternity and newborn practice questions, set 15 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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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.
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