Maternity & obstetric nursing worksheet with answers

What is the best way to relieve breast engorgement in a breastfeeding mother?

1. ADrink less fluid
2. BFeed only from one breast
3. CBreastfeed often and empty the breasts well
4. DStop breastfeeding for 2 days to let the breasts rest

Which hormone is mainly responsible for milk production?

1. AOestrogen
2. BProlactin
3. COxytocin
4. DProgesterone

Which postnatal warning sign should a woman report straight away after discharge?

1. ATiredness in the first week
2. BBleeding that soaks a pad in an hour
3. CMild afterpains during feeds
4. DLochia that slowly changes colour

A woman at 24 weeks reports burning on urination and urinary frequency. What is the priority action?

1. AAdvise cranberry juice and no further action
2. BAdvise her to drink less to reduce frequency
3. CReassure her that urinary frequency is normal in pregnancy
4. DCollect a urine sample for culture and inform the provider

A woman with pre-eclampsia is on magnesium sulfate. Why does the nurse monitor her urine output closely?

1. AUrine output tells the nurse exactly when to stop the infusion after the birth
2. BMagnesium causes a large diuresis that leads to dehydration
3. CLow urine output shows that the magnesium is working
4. DMagnesium is cleared by the kidneys, so oliguria raises the risk of toxicity

A preterm baby on feeds develops a swollen abdomen, bloody stools and feeding intolerance. Which condition is suspected?

1. ANecrotising enterocolitis
2. BInfantile pyloric stenosis
3. CHirschsprung disease
4. DCow's milk protein allergy

On day 1 after an epidural, a woman has a headache. Which feature most suggests a post-dural puncture headache rather than pre-eclampsia?

1. AHer blood pressure is 158/104 mmHg and her urine shows 2+ protein on dipstick
2. BThe headache is much worse sitting up and eases when she lies flat
3. CShe sees flashing lights
4. DShe has pain under the right ribs

A woman at 40 weeks calls the unit. Her contractions are every 10 to 20 minutes and irregular, her membranes are intact and the baby is moving well. What is the best advice?

1. ACome in immediately by ambulance
2. BRest at home and come in if contractions become regular
3. CLie flat on her back and count the contractions for 4 hours
4. DTake a laxative to stimulate labour