Maternal & Child Practice Exam 4

Which of the following is a positive sign of pregnancy? A (+) pregnancy test B (+) ultrasound C Enlargement of the uterus D Fetal movement felt by mother

(+) ultrasound Rationale: A positive ultrasound will definitely confirm that a woman is pregnant since the fetus in utero is directly visualized.

Shoes with low, broad heels, plus a good posture will prevent which prenatal discomfort? A Nausea B Vertigo C Leg cramps D Backache

Backache Rationale: Backache usually occurs in the lumbar area and becomes more problematic as the uterus enlarges. The pregnant woman in her third trimester usually assumes a lordotic posture to maintain balance causing an exaggeration of the lumbar curvature. Low broad heels provide the pregnant woman with a good support.

The expected weight gain in a normal pregnancy during the 3rd trimester is A 2 pounds a week B 1 pound a week C 10 lbs total weight gain in the 3rd trimester D 10 lbs a month

1 pound a week Rationale: During the 3rd trimester the fetus is gaining more subcutaneous fat and is growing fast in preparation for extra uterine life. Thus, one pound a week is expected.

Before giving a repeat dose of magnesium sulfate to a pre-eclamptic patient, the nurse should assess the patient's condition. Which of the following conditions will require the nurse to temporarily suspend a repeat dose of magnesium sulfate? A 100 cc. urine output in 4 hours B Serum magnesium level is 10mEg/L. C Respiratory rate of 16/min D Knee jerk reflex is (+)2

100 cc. urine output in 4 hours Rationale: The minimum urine output expected for a repeat dose of MgSO4 is 30 cc/hr. If in 4 hours the urine output is only 100 cc this is low and can lead to poor excretion of Magnesium with a possible cumulative effect, which can be dangerous to the mother.

In the Batholonew's rule of 4, when the level of the fundus is midway between the umbilicus and xyphoid process the estimated age of gestation (AOG) is: A 6th month B 5th month C 8th month D 7th month

7th month Rationale: In Bartholomew's Rule of 4, the landmarks used are the symphysis pubis, umbilicus and xyphoid process. At the level of the umbilicus, the AOG is approximately 5 months and at the level of the xyphoid process 9 months. Thus, midway between these two landmarks would be considered as 7 months AOG.

Which of the following are the functions of amniotic fluid? 1.Cushions the fetus from abdominal trauma 2.Serves as the fluid for the fetus 3.Maintains the internal temperature 4.Facilitates fetal movement A 1, 2, 3 B 1 & 3 C All of the above D 1, 3, 4

All of the above

You want to perform a pelvic examination on one of your pregnant clients. You prepare your client for the procedure by: A Asking her to void B Doing a vaginal prep C Taking her vital signs and recording the readings D Giving the client a perineal care

Asking her to void Rationale: A pelvic examination includes abdominal palpation. If the pregnant woman has a full bladder, the manipulation may cause discomfort and accidental urination because of the pressure applied during the abdominal palpation. Also, a full bladder can impede the accuracy of the examination because the bladder (which is located in front of the uterus) can block the uterus

Pelvic rocking is an appropriate exercise in pregnancy to relieve which discomfort? A Urinary frequency B Backache C Leg cramps D Orthostatic hypotension

Backache Rationale: Backache is caused by the stretching of the muscles of the lower back because of the pregnancy. Pelvic rocking is good to relieve backache.

Smoking is contraindicated in pregnancy because A Nicotine causes vasodilation of the mother's blood vessels B Carbon monoxide binds with the hemoglobin of the mother reducing available hemoglobin for the fetus C Nicotine will cause vasoconstriction of the fetal blood vessels D The smoke will make the fetus and the mother feel dizzy

Carbon monoxide binds with the hemoglobin of the mother reducing available hemoglobin for the fetus Rationale: Carbon monoxide is one of the substances found in cigarette smoke. This substance diminishes the ability of the hemoglobin to bind with oxygen thus reducing the amount of oxygenated blood reaching the fetus.

Papanicolaou smear is usually done to determine cancer of A Ovaries B Breast C Cervix D Fallopian tubes

Cervix Rationale: Papanicolaou (Paps) smear is done to detect cervical cancer. It can't detect cancer in ovaries and fallopian tubes because these organs are outside of the uterus and the abnormal cells from these organs will not be detected from a smear done on the cervix.

The following are skin changes in pregnancy EXCEPT: A Linea negra B Striae gravidarum C Chadwick's sign D Chloasma

Chadwick's sign Rationale: Chadwick's sign is bluish discoloration of the vaginal mucosa as a result of the increased vascularization in the area.

Which of the following signs will distinguish threatened abortion from imminent abortion? A Nature and location of pain B Severity of bleeding C Dilation of the cervix D Presence of uterine contraction

Dilation of the cervix Rationale: In imminent abortion, the pregnancy will definitely be terminated because the cervix is already open unlike in threatened abortion where the cervix is still closed.

When preparing the mother who is on her 4th month of pregnancy for abdominal ultrasound, the nurse should instruct her to: A Observe NPO from midnight to avoid vomiting Drink at least 2 liters of fluid 2 hours before the procedure and not void until the procedure is done C Do perineal flushing properly before the procedure D Void immediately before the procedure for better visualization

Drink at least 2 liters of fluid 2 hours before the procedure and not void until the procedure is done Rationale: Drinking at least 2 liters of water 2 hours before the procedure will result to a distended bladder. A full bladder is needed when doing an abdominal ultrasound to serve as a "window" for the ultrasonic sound waves to pass through and allow visualization of the uterus (located behind the urinary bladder).

The nursing intervention to relieve "morning sickness" in a pregnant woman is by giving A Low sodium diet B Intravenous infusion C Antacid D Dry carbohydrate food like crackers

Dry carbohydrate food like crackers Rationale: Morning sickness maybe caused by hypoglycemia early in the morning thus giving carbohydrate food will help.

The hormone responsible for the maturation of the graafian follicle is: A Follicle stimulating hormone B Progesterone C Estrogen D Luteinizing hormone

Follicle stimulating hormone Rationale: The hormone that stimulates the maturation if the of the graafian follicle is the Follicle Stimulating Hormone which is released by the anterior pituitary gland.

Which of the following findings in a woman would be consistent with a pregnancy of two months duration? A Increased respiratory rate and ballottement B Weight gain of 6-10 lbs. and presence of striae gravidarum C Fullness of the breast and urinary frequency D Braxton Hicks contractions and quickening

Fullness of the breast and urinary frequency Rationale: Fullness of the breast is due to the increased amount of progesterone in pregnancy. The urinary frequency is caused by the compression of the urinary bladder by the gravid uterus which is still within the pelvic cavity during the first trimester.

Mrs. Santos is on her 5th pregnancy and has a history of abortion in the 4th pregnancy and the first pregnancy was a twin. She is considered to be A G 4 P 3 B G 4 P 4 C G 5 P 3 D G 5 P 4

G 5 P 3 Rationale: Gravida refers to the total number of pregnancies including the current one. Para refers to the number of pregnancies that have reached viability. Thus, if the woman has had one abortion, she would be considered Para 3. Twin pregnancy is counted only as 1.

You are performing abdominal exam on a 9th month pregnant woman. While lying supine, she felt breathless, had pallor, tachycardia, and cold clammy skin. The correct assessment of the woman's condition is that she is: A Experiencing the beginning of labor B Having sudden elevation of BP C Going into shock D Having supine hypotension

Having supine hypotension Rationale: Supine hypotension is characterized by breathlessness, pallor, tachycardia and cold clammy skin. This is due to the compression of the abdominal aorta by the gravid uterus when the woman is on a supine position.

The hormone responsible for a positive pregnancy test is: A Human Chorionic Gonadotropin B Estrogen C Progesterone D Follicle Stimulating hormone

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Rationale: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is the hormone secreted by the chorionic villi which is the precursor of the placenta. In the early stage of pregnancy, while the placenta is not yet fully developed, the major hormone that sustains the pregnancy is HCG.

Upon assessment the nurse found the following: fundus at 2 fingerbreadths above the umbilicus, last menstrual period (LMP) 5 months ago, fetal heart beat (FHB) not appreciated. Which of the following is the most possible diagnosis of this condition? A Pelvic inflammatory disease B Ectopic pregnancy C Hydatidiform mole D Missed abortion

Hydatidiform mole Rationale: Hydatidiform mole begins as a pregnancy but early in the development of the embryo degeneration occurs. The proliferation of the vesicle-like substances is rapid causing the uterus to enlarge bigger than the expected size based on ages of gestation (AOG). In the situation given, the pregnancy is only 5 months but the size of the uterus is already above the umbilicus which is compatible with 7 months AOG. Also, no fetal heart beat is appreciated because the pregnancy degenerated thus there is no appreciable fetal heart beat.

When a pregnant woman experiences leg cramps, the correct nursing intervention to relieve the muscle cramps is: A Let the woman lie down and dorsiflex the foot towards the knees B Let the woman walk for a while C Ask the woman to raise her legs D Allow the woman to exercise

Let the woman lie down and dorsiflex the foot towards the knees Rationale: Leg cramps is caused by the contraction of the gastrocnimeus (leg muscle). Thus, the intervention is to stretch the muscle by dosiflexing the foot of the affected leg towards the knee.

In placenta praevia marginalis, the placenta is found at the: A Internal cervical os partly covering the opening B Lower portion of the uterus completely covering the cervix C External cervical os slightly covering the opening D Lower segment of the uterus with the edges near the internal cervical os

Lower segment of the uterus with the edges near the internal cervical os Rationale: Placenta marginalis is a type of placenta previa wherein the placenta is implanted at the lower segment of the uterus thus the edges of the placenta are touching the internal cervical opening/os. The normal site of placental implantation is the upper portion of the uterus.

To prevent preterm labor from progressing, drugs are usually prescribed to halt the labor. The drugs commonly given are: A Progesterone and estrogen B Dexamethasone and prostaglandin C Magnesium sulfate and terbutaline D Prostaglandin and oxytocin

Magnesium sulfate and terbutaline Rationale: Magnesium sulfate acts as a CNS depressant as well as a smooth muscle relaxant. Terbutaline is a drug that inhibits the uterine smooth muscles from contracting. On the other hand, oxytocin and prostaglandin stimulates contraction of smooth muscles.

The following are ways of determining expected date of delivery (EDD) when the LMP is unknown EXCEPT: A Naegele's rule B Mc Donald's rule C Batholomew's rule of 4 D Quickening

Naegele's rule Rationale: Naegele's Rule is determined based on the last menstrual period of the woman.

Which of the following signs will require a mother to seek immediate medical attention? A No fetal movement is felt on the 6th month B Slight dyspnea on the last month of gestation C Mild uterine contraction D When the first fetal movement is felt

No fetal movement is felt on the 6th month Rationale: Fetal movement is usually felt by the mother during 4.5 - 5 months. If the pregnancy is already in its 6th month and no fetal movement is felt, the pregnancy is not normal either the fetus is already dead intra-uterine or it is an H-mole

If the LMP is Jan. 30, the expected date of delivery (EDD) is A Nov. 8 B Nov. 7 C Oct. 7 D Oct. 24

Nov. 7 Rationale: Based on the last menstrual period, the expected date of delivery is Nov. 7. The formula for the Naegele's Rule is subtract 3 from the month and add 7 to the day.

Which of the following is TRUE in Rh incompatibility? A Every pregnancy of an Rh(-) mother will result to erythroblastosis fetalis B The condition can occur if the mother is Rh(+) and the fetus is Rh(-) C On the first pregnancy of the Rh(-) mother, the fetus will not be affected D RhoGam is given only during the first pregnancy to prevent incompatibility

On the first pregnancy of the Rh(-) mother, the fetus will not be affected Rationale: On the first pregnancy, the mother still has no contact with Rh(+) blood thus it has not antibodies against Rh(+). After the first pregnancy, even if terminated into an abortion, there is already the possibility of mixing of maternal and fetal blood so this can trigger the maternal blood to produce antibodies against Rh(+) blood. The fetus takes it's blood type usually form the father.

Which of the following can lead to infertility in adult males? A Orchitis B German measles C Chicken pox D Rubella

Orchitis Rationale: Orchitis is a complication that may accompany mumps in adult males. This condition is characterized by unilateral inflammation of one of the testes which can lead to atrophy of the affected testis. About 20-30% of males who gets mumps after puberty may develop this complication.

Which of the following signs and symptoms will most likely make the nurse suspect that the patient is having hydatidiform mole? A Absence of fetal heart beat B Enlargement of the uterus C Slight bleeding D Passage of clear vesicular mass per vagina

Passage of clear vesicular mass per vagina Rationale: Hydatidiform mole (H-mole) is characterized by the degeneration of the chorionic villi wherein the villi becomes vesicle-like. These vesicle-like substances when expelled per vagina and is a definite sign that the woman has H-mole.

When a pregnant woman goes into a convulsive seizure, the MOST immediate action of the nurse to ensure safety of the patient is: A Put a mouth gag so that the patient will not bite her tongue and the tongue will not fall back B Position the mother on her side to allow the secretions to drain from her mouth and prevent aspiration C Apply restraint so that the patient will not fall out of bed D Check if the woman is also having a precipitate labor

Position the mother on her side to allow the secretions to drain from her mouth and prevent aspiration Rationale: Positioning the mother on her side will allow the secretions that may accumulate in her mouth to drain by gravity thus preventing aspiration pneumonia. Putting a mouth gag is not safe since during the convulsive seizure the jaw will immediately lock. The mother may go into labor also during the seizure but the immediate concern of the nurse is the safety of the baby. After the seizure, check the perineum for signs of precipitate labor.

The diet that is appropriate in normal pregnancy should be high in A Fats and minerals B Protein, minerals and vitamins C Proteins, carbohydrates and fats D Carbohydrates and vitamins

Protein, minerals and vitamins Rationale: In normal pregnancy there is a higher demand for protein (body building foods), vitamins (esp. vitamin A, B, C, folic acid) and minerals (esp. iron, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, iodine, magnesium) because of the need of the growing fetus.

The nursing measure to relieve fetal distress due to maternal supine hypotension is: A Place mother on a knee chest position B Any of the above C Place the mother on semi-fowler's position D Put the mother on left side lying position

Put the mother on left side lying position Rationale: When a pregnant woman lies on supine position, the weight of the gravid uterus would be compressing on the vena cava against the vertebrae obstructing blood flow from the lower extremities. This causes a decrease in blood return to the heart and consequently immediate decreased cardiac output and hypotension. Hence, putting the mother on side lying will relieve the pressure exerted by the gravid uterus on the vena cava.

What event occurring in the second trimester helps the expectant mother to accept the pregnancy? A Quickening B Lightening C Pseudocyesis D Ballotment

Quickening Rationale: Quickening is the first fetal movement felt by the mother makes the woman realize that she is truly pregnant. In early pregnancy, the fetus is moving but too weak to be felt by the mother. In the 18th-20th week of gestation, the fetal movements become stronger thus the mother already feels the movements.

You performed the leopold's maneuver and found the following: breech presentation, fetal back at the right side of the mother. Based on these findings, you can hear the fetal heart beat (PMI) BEST in which location? A Left lower quadrant B Left upper quadrant C Right upper quadrant D Right lower quadrant

Right upper quadrant Rationale: Right upper quadrant. The landmark to look for when looking for PMI is the location of the fetal back in relation to the right or left side of the mother and the presentation, whether cephalic or breech. The best site is the fetal back nearest the head.

In which of the following conditions can the causative agent pass through the placenta and affect the fetus in utero? A Candidiasis B Rubella C moniliasis D Gonorrhea

Rubella Rationale: Rubella is caused by a virus and viruses have low molecular weight thus can pass through the placental barrier. Gonorrhea, candidiasis and moniliasis are conditions that can affect the fetus as it passes through the vaginal canal during the delivery process.

Which of the following is the most likely effect on the fetus if the woman is severely anemic during pregnancy? A Small for gestational age (SGA) baby B Large for gestational age (LGA) fetus C Erythroblastosis fetalis D Hemorrhage

Small for gestational age (SGA) baby Rationale: Anemia is a condition where there is a reduced amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is needed to supply the fetus with adequate oxygen. Oxygen is needed for normal growth and development of the fetus.

Kegel's exercise is done in pregnancy in order to: A Relieve backache B Strengthen perineal muscles C Strengthen abdominal muscles D Prevent leg varicosities and edema

Strengthen perineal muscles Rationale: Kegel's exercise is done by contracting and relaxing the muscles surrounding the vagina and anus in order to strengthen the perineal muscles

In the later part of the 3rd trimester, the mother may experience shortness of breath. This complaint maybe explained as: A A normal occurrence in pregnancy because the fetus is using more oxygen B The woman is having allergic reaction to the pregnancy and its hormones C The fundus of the uterus is high pushing the diaphragm upwards D The woman maybe experiencing complication of pregnancy

The fundus of the uterus is high pushing the diaphragm upwards Rationale: From the 32nd week of the pregnancy, the fundus of the enlarged uterus is pushing the respiratory diaphragm upwards. Thus, the lungs have reduced space for expansion consequently reducing the oxygen supply.

Which of the following statements is TRUE of conception? A Conception is possible during menstruation in a long menstrual cycle B To avoid conception, intercourse must be avoided 5 days before and 3 days after menstruation C Generally, fertilization is possible 4 days after ovulation D Within 2-4 hours after intercourse conception is possible in a fertile woman

Within 2-4 hours after intercourse conception is possible in a fertile woman Rationale: The sperms when deposited near the cervical os will be able to reach the fallopian tubes within 4 hours. If the woman has just ovulated (within 24hours after the rupture of the graafian follicle), fertilization is possible.

A pregnant mother is admitted to the hospital with the chief complaint of profuse vaginal bleeding, AOG 36 wks, not in labor. The nurse must always consider which of the following precautions: A Internal exam must be done following routine procedure B An emergency delivery set for vaginal delivery must be made ready before examining the patient C The preferred manner of delivering the baby is vaginal D The internal exam is done only at the delivery under strict asepsis with a double set-up

The internal exam is done only at the delivery under strict asepsis with a double set-up Rationale: Painless vaginal bleeding during the third trimester maybe a sign of placenta praevia. If internal examination is done in this kind of condition, this can lead to even more bleeding and may require immediate delivery of the baby by cesarean section. If the bleeding is due to soft tissue injury in the birth canal, immediate vaginal delivery may still be possible so the set up for vaginal delivery will be used. A double set-up means there is a set up for cesarean section and a set-up for vaginal delivery to accommodate immediately the necessary type of delivery needed. In both cases, strict asepsis must be observed.

In Leopold's maneuver step #1, you palpated a soft broad mass that moves with the rest of the mass. The correct interpretation of this finding is: A The presentation is breech. B The mass palpated is the buttocks. C The mass palpated at the fundal part is the head part. D The mass palpated is the back

The mass palpated is the buttocks. Rationale: The palpated mass is the fetal buttocks since it is broad and soft and moves with the rest of the mass.

In Leopold's maneuver step # 3 you palpated a hard round movable mass at the supra pubic area. The correct interpretation is that the mass palpated is: A The buttocks because the presentation is breech. B The mass is the fetal back. C The mass palpated is the head. D The mass palpated is the fetal small part

The mass palpated is the head Rationale: When the mass palpated is hard round and movable, it is the fetal head.

The main reason for an expected increased need for iron in pregnancy is: A The mother may have physiologic anemia due to the increased need for red blood cell mass as well as the fetal requires about 350-400 mg of iron to grow B The mother may suffer anemia because of poor appetite C The mother may have a problem of digestion because of pica D The fetus has an increased need for RBC which the mother must supply

The mother may have physiologic anemia due to the increased need for red blood cell mass as well as the fetal requires about 350-400 mg of iron to grow Rationale: About 400 mgs of Iron is needed by the mother in order to produce more RBC mass to be able to provide the needed increase in blood supply for the fetus. Also, about 350-400 mgs of iron is need for the normal growth of the fetus. Thus, about 750-800 mgs iron supplementation is needed by the mother to meet this additional requirement.

The common normal site of nidation/implantation in the uterus is A Mid-uterine area B Lower cervical segment C Upper uterine portion D Lower uterine segment

Upper uterine portion Rationale: The embryo's normal nidation site is the upper portion of the uterus. If the implantation is in the lower segment, this is an abnormal condition called placenta previa.

Which of the following causes of infertility in the female is primarily psychological in origin? A Vaginismus B Impotence C Endometriosis D Dyspareunia

Vaginismus Rationale: Vaginismus is primarily psychological in origin. Endometriosis is a condition that is caused by organic abnormalities. Dyspareunia is usually caused by infection, endometriosis or hormonal changes in menopause although may sometimes be psychological in origin.

The most common normal position of the fetus in utero is: A Oblique position B Vertical position C Transverse position D None of the above

Vertical position Rationale: Vertical position means the fetal spine is parallel to the maternal spine thus making it easy for the fetus to go out the birth canal. If transverse or oblique, the fetus can't be delivered normally per vagina.

A gravido-cardiac mother is advised to observe bedrest primarily to A Minimize oxygen consumption which can aggravate the condition of the compromised heart of the mother B Reduce incidence of premature labor C Prevent perinatal infection D Allow the fetus to achieve normal intrauterine growth

minimize oxygen consumption which can aggravate the condition of the compromised heart of the mother Rationale: Activity of the mother will require more oxygen consumption. Since the heart of a gravido-cardiac is compromised, there is a need to put a mother on bedrest to reduce the need for oxygen.

From the 33rd week of gestation till full term, a healthy mother should have prenatal check up every: A week B 4 weeks C 3 weeks D 2 weeks

week Rationale: In the 9th month of pregnancy the mother needs to have a weekly visit to the prenatal clinic to monitor fetal condition and to ensure that she is adequately prepared for the impending labor and delivery.