Maternity & obstetric nursing worksheet with answers

What is the purpose of an episiotomy?

1. ATo speed up cervical dilation
2. BTo widen the vaginal outlet with a cut
3. CTo prevent all perineal pain after birth
4. DTo remove the placenta

What is vernix caseosa?

1. AA white, cheesy coating on the skin
2. BBluish patches over the lower back
3. CSmall white spots on the nose
4. DFine, soft hair on the shoulders and back

Infertility is usually defined as no pregnancy after regular unprotected intercourse for:

1. A6 weeks
2. B12 months
3. C36 months
4. D3 months

Which reflex causes the newborn's toes to fan out when the sole is stroked from heel to toe?

1. AStepping reflex
2. BMoro reflex
3. CPlantar grasp reflex
4. DBabinski reflex

A newborn baby girl has a small amount of blood-tinged vaginal discharge on day 3. What should the nurse tell the parents?

1. AIt means the baby has a bleeding disorder
2. BIt is caused by maternal hormones
3. CIt shows a urinary tract infection
4. DIt is a sign of sexual abuse

A woman in preterm labour receives nifedipine. Which side effect should the nurse watch for?

1. AHigh blood glucose and tremor
2. BLow blood pressure and headache
3. CRespiratory depression and absent reflexes
4. DBradycardia and bronchospasm

The triage nurse receives four phone calls from pregnant women. Who should be told to come in immediately?

1. AAt 25 weeks with mild backache after standing
2. BAt 12 weeks with mild nausea in the mornings
3. CAt 30 weeks with heartburn after large meals
4. DAt 36 weeks with constant pain and a hard uterus

Why does the ductus arteriosus normally close after birth?

1. AThe cord is cut, which closes it directly
2. BPressure in the pulmonary artery rises
3. CRising oxygen levels and falling prostaglandins
4. DRising prostaglandins and falling oxygen levels