RN exams maternity and newborn practice questions, set 4
RN exams · maternity and newborn
RN exams maternity and newborn practice questionsset 4
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
Which nursing care goal is the highest priority for a woman who had a vaginal delivery 3 hours earlier?
A. The client will wear a well-supported bra.
B. The client will eat 100% of her meals.
C. The client will have a moderate lochia flow.
D. The client will ambulate to the bathroom.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — The client will have a moderate lochia flow.
The correct answer is C: The client will have a moderate lochia flow. This is the highest priority because excessive or scant lochia flow can indicate postpartum hemorrhage or retained placental fragments, which are serious postpartum complications. Ensuring a moderate lochia flow is essential for assessing the woman's postpartum recovery and preventing potential complications.
Choice A (The client will wear a well-supported bra) is not a priority in the immediate postpartum period and does not directly impact the woman's physical health.
Choice B (The client will eat 100% of her meals) is important for the woman's nutrition and recovery but is not as critical as monitoring the lochia flow to prevent complications like hemorrhage.
Choice D (The client will ambulate to the bathroom) is important for preventing complications like blood clots and promoting circulation, but monitoring the lochia flow takes precedence in the immediate postpartum period to assess for any signs of hemorrhage or infection.
Question 2
The labor nurse is reviewing breathing techniques with a primiparous patient admitted for induction of labor. When is the best time to encourage the laboring patient to use slow, deep chest breathing with contractions?
A. During labor, when she can no longer talk through contractions
B. During the first stage of labor, when the contractions are 3 to 4 minutes apart
C. Between contractions, during the transitional phase of the first stage of labor
D. Between her efforts to push to facilitate relaxation between contractions
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — During labor, when she can no longer talk through contractions
The correct answer is A: During labor, when she can no longer talk through contractions. This is the best time to encourage slow, deep chest breathing as it helps the laboring patient stay calm, focused, and manage pain effectively during the intense active phase of labor. When a woman reaches the point where she can no longer talk through contractions, it indicates that she is in the active phase of labor and may benefit from slow, deep breathing to help cope with the intensity of contractions.
Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
B: During the first stage of labor, when the contractions are 3 to 4 minutes apart - Contractions being 3 to 4 minutes apart may not necessarily indicate the active phase of labor requiring slow, deep breathing.
C: Between contractions, during the transitional phase of the first stage of labor - Transitional phase contractions are typically intense and close together, making it less ideal for relaxation breathing between contractions.
D: Between her efforts
Question 3
The nurse is preparing a postpartum patient for discharge. Which patient teaching is most important for the nurse to provide?
A. The signs and symptoms of uterine infection
B. The signs and symptoms of secondary hemorrhage
C. The signs and symptoms of postpartum depression
D. The signs and symptoms of a boggy uterus
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — The signs and symptoms of secondary hemorrhage
The correct answer is B: The signs and symptoms of secondary hemorrhage. This is the most important teaching for the nurse to provide because it is a potentially life-threatening complication that requires immediate medical attention. Secondary hemorrhage can occur after the initial postpartum period and can lead to severe bleeding. Understanding the signs and symptoms of secondary hemorrhage can help the patient seek prompt medical care if needed.
Choice A: The signs and symptoms of uterine infection are important to know, but they are usually treated with antibiotics and are not as immediately life-threatening as secondary hemorrhage.
Choice C: Postpartum depression is a serious concern but does not require immediate medical attention like secondary hemorrhage.
Choice D: A boggy uterus is a sign of uterine atony, which can lead to hemorrhage, but teaching about secondary hemorrhage takes precedence because it directly addresses a more severe form of bleeding that requires urgent intervention.
Question 4
A 32-year-old primigravida is admitted with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Nursing care is based on which of the following?
A. Hemorrhage is the primary concern.
B. She will be unable to conceive in the future.
C. Bed rest and analgesics are the recommended treatment.
D. A D&C will be performed to remove the products of conception.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Hemorrhage is the primary concern.
The correct answer is A: Hemorrhage is the primary concern. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube, which can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. Nursing care focuses on monitoring for signs of hemorrhage, such as abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and signs of shock. Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent serious complications.
Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect:
B: She will be unable to conceive in the future - This statement is not true as having an ectopic pregnancy does not necessarily impact future fertility.
C: Bed rest and analgesics are the recommended treatment - Bed rest and analgesics are not the primary treatments for ectopic pregnancy, as surgical intervention is often necessary.
D: A D&C will be performed to remove the products of conception - A D&C is not typically performed for ectopic pregnancy management, as it involves the removal of tissue from inside the uterus, not the fallopian
Question 5
The labor nurse is reviewing breathing techniques with a primiparous patient admitted for induction of labor. When is the best time to encourage the laboring patient to use slow, deep chest breathing with contractions?
A. During labor, when she can no longer talk through contractions
B. During the first stage of labor, when the contractions are 3 to 4 minutes apart
C. Between contractions, during the transitional phase of the first stage of labor
D. Between her efforts to push to facilitate relaxation between contractions
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — During labor, when she can no longer talk through contractions
The correct answer is A: During labor, when she can no longer talk through contractions. This is the best time to encourage slow, deep chest breathing as it helps the laboring patient stay calm, focused, and manage pain effectively during the intense active phase of labor. When a woman reaches the point where she can no longer talk through contractions, it indicates that she is in the active phase of labor and may benefit from slow, deep breathing to help cope with the intensity of contractions.
Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
B: During the first stage of labor, when the contractions are 3 to 4 minutes apart - Contractions being 3 to 4 minutes apart may not necessarily indicate the active phase of labor requiring slow, deep breathing.
C: Between contractions, during the transitional phase of the first stage of labor - Transitional phase contractions are typically intense and close together, making it less ideal for relaxation breathing between contractions.
D: Between her efforts
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Question 6
The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 24 weeks gestation and reports nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A. Instruct the patient to eat a high-protein diet and avoid fluids during meals.
B. Encourage the patient to rest and avoid any exercise.
C. Assess the patient's hydration status and notify the healthcare provider if necessary.
D. Recommend over-the-counter anti-nausea medications to control symptoms.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Assess the patient's hydration status and notify the healthcare provider if necessary.
Rationale:
1. Nausea, vomiting, and weight loss in pregnancy may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness that can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
2. Assessing hydration status is crucial to determine the severity of the condition and guide appropriate interventions.
3. Notifying the healthcare provider allows for further evaluation, possible treatment adjustments, and monitoring to prevent complications.
Summary:
A: Instructing the patient to eat a high-protein diet and avoid fluids during meals does not address the immediate concern of dehydration and may worsen symptoms.
B: Encouraging the patient to rest and avoid exercise is important but does not address the primary issue of dehydration.
D: Recommending over-the-counter anti-nausea medications may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the underlying cause or hydration status.
Which information is covered by early pregnancy classes offered in the first and second trimesters?
A. Methods of pain relief
B. The phases and stages of labor
C. Coping with common discomforts of pregnancy
D. Prebirth and postbirth care of a patient having a cesarean birth
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Coping with common discomforts of pregnancy. Early pregnancy classes in the first and second trimesters focus on providing expecting mothers with strategies to manage common physical and emotional challenges during pregnancy. This includes information on dealing with nausea, fatigue, backaches, and emotional changes. Understanding and coping with these discomforts can help pregnant women have a more comfortable and healthy pregnancy.
A: Methods of pain relief are typically covered in childbirth preparation classes closer to the due date, not in early pregnancy classes.
B: The phases and stages of labor are usually discussed in depth in childbirth education classes taken later in pregnancy, not in early pregnancy classes.
D: Prebirth and postbirth care of a patient having a cesarean birth is a specific topic that may be covered in a separate class for women who are planning or have been recommended to have a cesarean birth, not typically in early pregnancy classes.
A 32-year-old primigravida is admitted with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Nursing care is based on which of the following?
A. Hemorrhage is the primary concern.
B. She will be unable to conceive in the future.
C. Bed rest and analgesics are the recommended treatment.
D. A D&C will be performed to remove the products of conception.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Hemorrhage is the primary concern. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube, which can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. Nursing care focuses on monitoring for signs of hemorrhage, such as abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and signs of shock. Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent serious complications.
Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect:
B: She will be unable to conceive in the future - This statement is not true as having an ectopic pregnancy does not necessarily impact future fertility.
C: Bed rest and analgesics are the recommended treatment - Bed rest and analgesics are not the primary treatments for ectopic pregnancy, as surgical intervention is often necessary.
D: A D&C will be performed to remove the products of conception - A D&C is not typically performed for ectopic pregnancy management, as it involves the removal of tissue from inside the uterus, not the fallopian
The postpartum patient who continually repeats the story of her labor, birth, and recovery experiences is performing which of the following tasks?
A. Making the birth experience “realâ€
B. Accepting her response to labor and birth
C. Providing others with her knowledge of events
D. Taking hold of the events leading to her labor and birth
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Making the birth experience "real." This choice aligns with the concept of emotional processing and integration in the postpartum period. By continually repeating her birth story, the patient is trying to make sense of and come to terms with her experience, making it feel more "real" to her. This process helps her emotionally process the events and transitions she has gone through during labor and birth.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: Accepting her response to labor and birth - This choice focuses more on the patient's emotional response rather than the act of repeating the story.
C: Providing others with her knowledge of events - This choice is more about sharing information rather than the internal emotional processing the patient is likely engaging in.
D: Taking hold of the events leading to her labor and birth - This choice suggests a sense of control over the events, which may not necessarily be the primary motivation behind the patient's behavior.
Which information is covered by early pregnancy classes offered in the first and second trimesters?
A. Methods of pain relief
B. The phases and stages of labor
C. Coping with common discomforts of pregnancy
D. Prebirth and postbirth care of a patient having a cesarean birth
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Coping with common discomforts of pregnancy. Early pregnancy classes in the first and second trimesters focus on providing expecting mothers with strategies to manage common physical and emotional challenges during pregnancy. This includes information on dealing with nausea, fatigue, backaches, and emotional changes. Understanding and coping with these discomforts can help pregnant women have a more comfortable and healthy pregnancy.
A: Methods of pain relief are typically covered in childbirth preparation classes closer to the due date, not in early pregnancy classes.
B: The phases and stages of labor are usually discussed in depth in childbirth education classes taken later in pregnancy, not in early pregnancy classes.
D: Prebirth and postbirth care of a patient having a cesarean birth is a specific topic that may be covered in a separate class for women who are planning or have been recommended to have a cesarean birth, not typically in early pregnancy classes.
To reassure and educate their pregnant patients about changes in their blood pressure, maternity nurses should be aware that:
A. a blood pressure cuff that is too small produces a reading that is too low; a cuff that is too large produces a reading that is too high.
B. shifting the patient's position and changing from arm to arm for different measurements produces the most accurate composite blood pressure reading at each visit.
C. the systolic blood pressure increases slightly as pregnancy advances; the diastolic pressure remains constant.
D. compression of the iliac veins and inferior vena cava by the uterus contributes to hemorrhoids in the later stage of term pregnancy.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because during pregnancy, the systolic blood pressure tends to increase slightly as pregnancy progresses due to increased cardiac output and decreased systemic vascular resistance. On the other hand, the diastolic pressure typically remains constant or may even decrease slightly. This physiological change is important for maternity nurses to be aware of in order to differentiate normal pregnancy-related changes from potential complications like preeclampsia.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect:
A: This choice discusses the effect of cuff size on blood pressure readings, which is important but not directly related to the changes in blood pressure during pregnancy.
B: Shifting positions and changing arms for measurements may affect accuracy but is not specifically related to blood pressure changes during pregnancy.
D: Compression of iliac veins and inferior vena cava by the uterus leading to hemorrhoids is unrelated to changes in blood pressure during pregnancy.
The postpartum patient who continually repeats the story of her labor, birth, and recovery experiences is performing which of the following tasks?
A. Making the birth experience “real”
B. Accepting her response to labor and birth
C. Providing others with her knowledge of events
D. Taking hold of the events leading to her labor and birth
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Making the birth experience "real." This choice aligns with the concept of emotional processing and integration in the postpartum period. By continually repeating her birth story, the patient is trying to make sense of and come to terms with her experience, making it feel more "real" to her. This process helps her emotionally process the events and transitions she has gone through during labor and birth.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: Accepting her response to labor and birth - This choice focuses more on the patient's emotional response rather than the act of repeating the story.
C: Providing others with her knowledge of events - This choice is more about sharing information rather than the internal emotional processing the patient is likely engaging in.
D: Taking hold of the events leading to her labor and birth - This choice suggests a sense of control over the events, which may not necessarily be the primary motivation behind the patient's behavior.
The woman who is primigravida is in the clinic for her first prenatal visit. She states that she has experienced dizziness when she gets out of bed and sometimes when she stands up from a sitting position. What is the reason for this?
A. She is experiencing hypoglycemia from being diabetic.
B. She is standing up too quickly and must be careful to avoid injury.
C. She needs to drink more fluids to prevent orthostatic hypotension and it will clear up soon.
D. She is not getting enough exercise, so circulation to the head and upper extremities is less than optimal.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: She is standing up too quickly and must be careful to avoid injury. When a person stands up quickly, blood pools in the lower extremities, causing a momentary drop in blood pressure. This sudden drop can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. This phenomenon is known as orthostatic hypotension. It is common during pregnancy due to the hormonal and physiological changes that affect blood pressure regulation.
Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
A: She is experiencing hypoglycemia from being diabetic - There is no information provided in the scenario to suggest that the woman is diabetic or experiencing low blood sugar levels.
C: She needs to drink more fluids to prevent orthostatic hypotension and it will clear up soon - While staying hydrated is important, simply drinking more fluids may not address the underlying issue of orthostatic hypotension caused by rapid changes in position.
D: She is not getting enough exercise, so circulation to the
Which of the following behaviors would be applicable to a nursing diagnosis of "risk for injury"Â in a patient who is in labor?
A. Length of second-stage labor is 2 hours.
B. Patient has received an epidural for pain control during the labor process.
C. Patient is using breathing techniques during contractions to maximize pain relief.
D. Patient is receiving parenteral fluids during the course of labor to maintain hydration.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Length of second-stage labor is 2 hours. This is applicable to the nursing diagnosis of "risk for injury" in a patient in labor because a prolonged second-stage labor can increase the risk of injury to both the mother and the baby. A prolonged second stage can lead to issues such as fetal distress, maternal exhaustion, and increased risk of instrumental delivery or cesarean section.
Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
B: Patient has received an epidural for pain control during the labor process - This choice does not directly address the risk for injury in labor.
C: Patient is using breathing techniques during contractions to maximize pain relief - While breathing techniques can help with pain relief, it does not specifically address the risk for injury.
D: Patient is receiving parenteral fluids during the course of labor to maintain hydration - While hydration is important during labor, it does not directly address the risk for injury.
A woman is 1 hour postcesarean delivery with nausea and an estimated blood loss of 1,200 mL. She is currently experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding and has a uterus that firms with massage. She has a history of asthma with a current O2 saturation of 89%. The licensed provider has ordered Cytotec 800 mcg and Methergine 0.2 mg. What collaborative communication should occur between the nurse and provider?
A. Since the total blood loss is under 1,500 mL, Cytotec and Methergine administration could be delayed for a time.
B. Cytotec should be given rectally because the patient is already nauseated, and the Methergine route should be ordered.
C. Recommend that the abdominal dressing be removed to inspect for incisional bleeding.
D. Recommend that the patient not get Methergine because she has a history of asthma.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Recommend that the patient not get Methergine because she has a history of asthma. Methergine is contraindicated in patients with a history of asthma due to its potential to cause bronchospasm and worsen respiratory function. As the patient has a history of asthma with a current low O2 saturation, administering Methergine could exacerbate her respiratory status. Collaborative communication between the nurse and provider is crucial to ensure patient safety and avoid potential complications.
Summary of other choices:
A: Delaying administration of Cytotec and Methergine is not appropriate as the patient is experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding and needs prompt management.
B: Giving Cytotec rectally and considering the route for Methergine do not address the contraindication of Methergine in a patient with asthma.
C: Removing the abdominal dressing to inspect for incisional bleeding may be necessary but does not address the contraindication of Methergine in a
About these RN exams maternity and newborn questions
RN exams maternity and newborn practice questions, set 4 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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