Maternity & obstetric nursing worksheet with answers

What are milia?

1. AFlat bluish-grey patches on the lower back
2. BTiny white spots on the nose and chin
3. CRed blotches with small yellow centres
4. DPinkish marks on the back of the neck

What is "moulding" of the fetal head?

1. ABleeding under the outer layer of a skull bone
2. BEarly closure of the fontanelles before birth
3. COverlapping of the skull bones in the birth canal
4. DSwelling of the scalp from pressure on the cervix

What is the normal baseline fetal heart rate at term?

1. A110 to 160 beats per minute
2. B60 to 100 beats per minute
3. C160 to 200 beats per minute
4. D80 to 110 beats per minute

A woman has painful haemorrhoids after a vaginal birth. Which measure is appropriate?

1. ASitting on a hard surface for long periods
2. BAvoiding all fluids to prevent loose stools
3. CStraining hard to open the bowels
4. DSitz baths, cold pads and stool softeners

On day 1 after birth, a woman's white cell count is mildly raised and she has no symptoms. How should this be interpreted?

1. AIt proves she has an infection
2. BIt can be normal soon after birth
3. CIt shows she is dehydrated
4. DIt means she has leukaemia

A woman in labour has severe back pain with each contraction. The fetus is in an occiput posterior position. Which measure is most likely to help?

1. AAvoiding movement until full dilation
2. BSacral counterpressure and a hands-and-knees position
3. CLying flat on her back with her legs raised
4. DHolding her breath and pushing with each contraction

A labouring woman has had an epidural for 3 hours. The fundus is displaced and a bulge is seen above the pubic bone. What should the nurse do?

1. ACheck for bladder distension and empty the bladder
2. BStart an oxytocin infusion
3. CPrepare her for an emergency caesarean
4. DIncrease the rate of the epidural

A woman at 8 weeks takes valproate for epilepsy. She asks whether she should stop it. Which response is best?

1. AStop the drug today because it causes birth defects
2. BContinue as usual because epilepsy drugs are all safe in pregnancy
3. CDo not stop it suddenly; arrange urgent specialist review
4. DHalve the dose herself to reduce the risk to the baby