Maternity & obstetric nursing worksheet with answers

Free printable Maternity & obstetric nursing worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

During which period of development is the embryo most vulnerable to teratogens causing major structural defects?

  1. AAbout weeks 3 to 8 after conception
  2. BThe last month of pregnancy
  3. CThe first 3 days after conception
  4. DAbout weeks 20 to 28 after conception
2.Easy

What is Chadwick's sign?

  1. ASoftening of the tip of the cervix
  2. BA bluish-purple colour of the cervix, vagina and vulva
  3. CSoftening of the lower uterine segment
  4. DDarkening of a line from the umbilicus to the pubis
3.Easy

Gestational hypertension is defined as new hypertension after 20 weeks:

  1. AWith proteinuria and a seizure
  2. BThat occurs only during labour
  3. CWithout proteinuria or organ damage
  4. DThat was already present before pregnancy
4.Medium

Why do newborns become cold so easily?

  1. AThey have a large surface area and little fat
  2. BTheir blood is thicker than adult blood
  3. CThey sweat more than adults
  4. DThey cannot produce heat at all
5.Medium

A newborn appears jaundiced at 18 hours of age. What does this suggest?

  1. ABreast milk jaundice
  2. BPathological jaundice that needs prompt assessment
  3. CNormal physiological jaundice that needs no further action
  4. DA normal effect of vitamin K
6.Medium

A pregnant woman takes warfarin for a mechanical heart valve. Why is she usually switched to heparin for much of the pregnancy?

  1. AHeparin can be taken as a tablet once a day
  2. BHeparin crosses the placenta better and also protects the fetus
  3. CWarfarin is ineffective in pregnancy
  4. DWarfarin crosses the placenta and can harm the fetus
7.Hard

A woman at 26 weeks receiving terbutaline for preterm contractions has a heart rate of 132/min and chest tightness. What should the nurse do?

  1. AGive the next dose early to stop contractions
  2. BIncrease her IV fluids rapidly to lower her heart rate
  3. CWithhold the next dose and report the findings
  4. DReassure her that this is expected and continue
8.Hard

A baby was born through thick meconium-stained fluid. At birth the baby is crying, has good tone and a heart rate above 100/min. What is the appropriate care?

  1. AImmediate tracheal intubation and suction
  2. BDeep suctioning of the stomach before the first breath
  3. CRoutine care with the mother, with observation
  4. DSeparation from the mother for 24 hours

Answer key

  1. 1. A · About weeks 3 to 8 after conception
  2. 2. B · A bluish-purple colour of the cervix, vagina and vulva
  3. 3. C · Without proteinuria or organ damage
  4. 4. A · They have a large surface area and little fat
  5. 5. B · Pathological jaundice that needs prompt assessment
  6. 6. D · Warfarin crosses the placenta and can harm the fetus
  7. 7. C · Withhold the next dose and report the findings
  8. 8. C · Routine care with the mother, with observation

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