Prenatal Assessment: Comprehensive Guide for Nursing Students

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT included in a comprehensive prenatal history?

Accepted Answer

Dietary habits and nutritional intake

Answer

Gravidity and parity status

Answer

Past medical and surgical history

Answer

Social and environmental factors

Question 2

To screen for Down syndrome during pregnancy, which laboratory test is typically used?

Accepted Answer

Quad screen

Answer

Complete blood count

Answer

Urinalysis

Answer

Blood glucose

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of performing a non-stress test during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate fetal heart rate reactivity

Answer

To detect fetal anomalies

Answer

To measure uterine contractions

Answer

To assess amniotic fluid volume

Question 4

Which of the following fetal heart rate patterns is a sign of potential fetal distress during labor?

Accepted Answer

Late decelerations

Answer

Early accelerations

Answer

Variable decelerations

Answer

Prolonged accelerations

Question 5

During the third trimester of pregnancy, what is the recommended frequency for prenatal visits?

Accepted Answer

Every two weeks

Answer

Every four weeks

Answer

Every six weeks

Answer

Every eight weeks

Question 6

Which of the following is a contraindication for attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)?

Accepted Answer

Previous classical cesarean section

Answer

Twin pregnancy

Answer

Breech presentation

Answer

Adequate maternal pelvis

Question 7

For a pregnant woman with a positive group B streptococcus (GBS) culture, the recommended management is:

Accepted Answer

Intravenous antibiotics during labor

Answer

Oral antibiotics during pregnancy

Answer

No treatment

Answer

Cesarean section

Question 8

Which aspect of prenatal assessment is central to ensuring optimal outcomes for both the mother and fetus?

Accepted Answer

Identifying potential risks and complications

Answer

Determining the gestational age of the fetus

Answer

Assessing maternal nutritional status

Answer

Confirming the pregnancy

Question 9

Which specific physical examination technique involves a series of maneuvers to assess fetal size, position, and presentation?

Accepted Answer

Leopold's maneuvers

Answer

Pelvic exam

Answer

Fundal height measurement

Answer

Auscultation of fetal heart rate

Question 10

Which laboratory test is specifically designed to evaluate the fetal karyotype and screen for genetic abnormalities?

Accepted Answer

Amniocentesis

Answer

Non-stress test

Answer

Complete blood count

Answer

Urinalysis

Question 11

Among the factors that can contribute to fetal growth restriction, which is considered the most prevalent cause?

Accepted Answer

Placental insufficiency

Answer

Preeclampsia

Answer

Congenital anomalies

Answer

Maternal malnutrition

Question 12

A 30-year-old patient declines a routine prenatal screening test due to personal beliefs. What is the nurse's primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's decision and provide support

Answer

Convince the patient to reconsider

Answer

Document the patient's refusal and take no further action

Question 13

Which laboratory test measures the thickness of the fluid-filled space behind the fetal neck?

Accepted Answer

Nuchal translucency screening

Answer

Amniocentesis

Answer

Chorionic villus sampling

Question 14

A nurse auscultates a prolonged deceleration in the fetal heart rate pattern. What is the immediate priority action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the physician immediately.

Answer

Monitor the fetal heart rate every 15 minutes.

Answer

Administer oxygen to the mother and reposition her.

Question 15

In prenatal care, which communication approach is most effective in empowering patients to make informed choices?

Accepted Answer

Providing clear and simple information in plain language

Answer

Employing medical jargon and abbreviations

Answer

Omitting discussions about potential risks

Answer

Delivering information rapidly to cover all essential points

Question 16

Why is a fetal movement count performed, and what might a decrease in movement suggest?

Accepted Answer

To assess fetal well-being; a significant decrease may indicate distress or lack of oxygen.

Answer

To determine fetal neurological development; a higher count may suggest accelerated development.

Answer

To estimate fetal weight; a consistent count may indicate appropriate growth.

Answer

To predict gestational age; an increased frequency may indicate prematurity.

Question 17

Which ethical principle gives patients the power to make choices about their own medical care?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 18

In the context of prenatal assessment, what should be the initial step taken by a healthcare professional?

Accepted Answer

Obtain a comprehensive health history from the pregnant individual

Answer

Perform a physical examination

Answer

Order a complete blood count

Answer

Assess the fetal heart rate

Question 19

For the detection of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, which laboratory test is commonly employed?

Accepted Answer

Amniocentesis

Answer

Urinalysis

Answer

Glucose tolerance test

Answer

Complete blood count

Question 20

During a prenatal ultrasound examination, which finding may indicate potential fetal distress?

Accepted Answer

Oligohydramnios (abnormally low amniotic fluid volume)

Answer

Polyhydramnios (excessively high amniotic fluid volume)

Answer

Normal amniotic fluid volume

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for preterm birth?

Accepted Answer

Advanced maternal age

Answer

History of previous preterm birth

Answer

Uterine anomalies

Answer

Multiple gestation

Question 22

What is the primary significance of a positive Coombs test during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Indicates Rh incompatibility between the mother and fetus, prompting further evaluation and potential intervention.

Answer

Indicates the presence of an active intrauterine infection, necessitating prompt treatment.

Answer

Predicts the development of preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, requiring close monitoring.

Question 23

In the management of gestational diabetes, which approach is considered the primary first-line treatment?

Accepted Answer

Dietary modification, involving personalized dietary recommendations and counseling, forms the cornerstone of managing gestational diabetes.

Answer

Insulin therapy is typically reserved for cases where dietary measures alone are insufficient to control blood sugar levels.

Answer

Oral hypoglycemic agents are generally not recommended for gestational diabetes due to potential risks to the fetus.

Answer

While physical activity is encouraged as part of a healthy lifestyle, it is not the primary treatment for gestational diabetes.

Question 24

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can lead to various complications. Which of the following is a potential adverse outcome associated with IUGR?

Accepted Answer

Fetal asphyxia, resulting from reduced placental function and compromised oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus.

Answer

Congenital heart disease, a structural abnormality of the heart, is not typically caused by IUGR.

Answer

Prematurity, or birth before 37 weeks of gestation, is not necessarily a consequence of IUGR, but both may coexist.

Answer

Maternal anemia, a condition of reduced red blood cells, is not a direct complication of IUGR.

Question 25

Non-stress testing (NST) is a valuable tool in prenatal assessment. What is its primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To assess fetal well-being by evaluating fetal heart rate patterns in response to fetal movement.

Answer

To predict labor onset, NST is not a reliable method for predicting the timing of labor.

Answer

To evaluate amniotic fluid volume, NST does not provide information about amniotic fluid volume.

Answer

To diagnose fetal malformations, NST is not typically used for this purpose.

Question 26

As part of prenatal history taking, which component is considered a key element?

Accepted Answer

Medical and obstetric history, encompassing past medical conditions, previous pregnancies, and relevant family history.

Answer

Physical examination is conducted separately after history taking.

Answer

Nutritional assessment is important but falls under a separate category of prenatal assessment.

Answer

Fetal monitoring, while essential, is not a component of history taking.

Question 27

Which laboratory test is commonly used to screen for neural tube defects in prenatal assessment?

Accepted Answer

Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP), a protein produced by the fetus, can indicate potential neural tube defects when elevated.

Answer

Glucose screening test is utilized to detect gestational diabetes.

Answer

Complete blood count (CBC) is not specifically used for neural tube defect screening.

Answer

Urinalysis is routinely performed but does not primarily screen for neural tube defects.

Question 28

In prenatal assessment, what is the primary purpose of an ultrasound examination?

Accepted Answer

To visualize the fetus and assess its anatomy, growth, and movement, providing valuable information about fetal well-being and development.

Answer

To monitor fetal heart rate, while important, is not the primary use of ultrasound.

Answer

To diagnose genetic disorders, while ultrasound can provide some indications, it is not the primary method for diagnosing genetic conditions.

Question 29

During pregnancy, what is considered the normal range for maternal blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

110/70 to 140/90 mmHg, representing the typical range of blood pressure in healthy pregnant women.

Answer

120/80 to 150/95 mmHg is above the normal range and may indicate potential concerns.

Answer

100/65 to 130/85 mmHg is below the normal range and may warrant further evaluation.

Answer

90/60 to 120/80 mmHg is too low and may indicate underlying health issues.

Question 30

As a healthcare professional, what is the recommended frequency for prenatal visits during the third trimester?

Accepted Answer

Every 1-2 weeks, as the frequency of visits increases towards the end of pregnancy to ensure close monitoring of fetal growth and well-being.

Answer

Every 4 weeks is too infrequent for the third trimester, as more regular monitoring is necessary.

Answer

As needed is not a standardized approach and may result in missed opportunities for timely intervention.

Answer

Every month is less frequent than recommended, especially towards the end of the third trimester.

Question 31

What is the primary purpose of Leopold's maneuvers?

Accepted Answer

To assess fetal presentation, position, and engagement in the pelvis

Answer

To identify fetal heart rate

Answer

To determine placental location

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT typically included in a comprehensive prenatal history?

Accepted Answer

Patient's favorite color

Answer

Past medical history

Answer

Current pregnancy history

Answer

Social support system

Question 33

During a prenatal physical exam, which technique is used to assess fetal growth and presentation?

Accepted Answer

Leopold's maneuvers

Answer

Pelvic exam

Answer

Non-stress test

Answer

Ultrasound

Question 34

Which laboratory test measures the levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in maternal blood?

Accepted Answer

AFP screening

Answer

Triple screen

Answer

Amniocentesis

Answer

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

Question 35

A fundal height measurement of 35 cm at 34 weeks gestation indicates:

Accepted Answer

Appropriate fetal growth

Answer

Oligohydramnios

Answer

Intrauterine growth restriction

Answer

Polyhydramnios

Question 36

During a prenatal visit, a woman reports experiencing sudden onset of vaginal bleeding. Which assessment finding should prompt immediate medical attention?

Accepted Answer

Bright red, heavy bleeding

Answer

Intermittent spotting

Answer

Dark brown discharge

Answer

Mild cramping

Question 37

Which of the following is a benefit of early and regular prenatal care?

Accepted Answer

Improved maternal and fetal outcomes

Answer

Reduced cost of prenatal visits

Answer

Faster labor and delivery

Answer

Elimination of all prenatal risks

Question 38

A prenatal screening test results in a positive result for Down syndrome. Which diagnostic procedure is typically recommended next?

Accepted Answer

Amniocentesis

Answer

Ultrasound

Answer

AFP screening

Answer

Triple screen

Question 39

During a prenatal history intake, which finding warrants further investigation and management?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent miscarriages (three or more)

Answer

Occasional alcohol consumption before pregnancy

Answer

Treated seasonal allergies

Question 40

At 28 weeks gestation, a pregnant woman experiences dizziness and lightheadedness when lying on her back. Which physiological adaptation explains this?

Accepted Answer

Compression of the inferior vena cava by the gravid uterus

Answer

Iron deficiency anemia

Answer

Increased blood volume leading to physiological anemia

Answer

Hormonal changes affecting blood pressure

Question 41

At 20 weeks gestation, a nurse measures the fundal height at the level of the:

Accepted Answer

Umbilicus

Answer

Xiphoid process

Answer

耻骨联合

Answer

Symphysis pubis

Question 42

Which first-trimester blood test screens for genetic abnormalities?

Accepted Answer

Cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) testing

Answer

Complete blood count (CBC)

Answer

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) culture

Answer

Glucose tolerance test

Question 43

A pregnant woman's urine dipstick reveals the presence of glucose. What action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

Order a glucose tolerance test to assess for gestational diabetes

Answer

Advise reducing sugar intake and rechecking urine in a week

Answer

Reassure the patient that glucosuria is common in pregnancy

Question 44

The primary reason for ensuring adequate folic acid intake during pregnancy is to prevent:

Accepted Answer

Neural tube defects in the fetus

Answer

Excessive weight gain in the mother

Answer

Hypoglycemia in the mother

Answer

Iron deficiency anemia in the mother

Question 45

A pregnant patient complains of intense itching, especially on her palms and soles. Which condition should the nurse consider first?

Accepted Answer

Obstetric cholestasis

Answer

Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP)

Answer

Pregnancy-induced eczema

Question 46

Which is NOT a typical sign of preterm labor?

Accepted Answer

Decreased vaginal discharge

Answer

Change in vaginal discharge (watery, bloody, or mucous)

Answer

Regular or frequent contractions

Answer

Low back pain or increased pelvic pressure

Question 47

Frequent urination during pregnancy is most likely caused by:

Accepted Answer

Increased pressure on the bladder from the growing uterus

Answer

A urinary tract infection

Answer

Excessive fluid intake

Question 48

The normal range for fetal heart rate in the second trimester is:

Accepted Answer

120-160 beats per minute

Answer

160-200 beats per minute

Answer

80-120 beats per minute

Question 49

A pregnant woman presents with a history of gestational diabetes. What laboratory test is routinely used to monitor her blood glucose levels?

Accepted Answer

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)

Answer

Complete blood count (CBC)

Answer

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

Answer

Urinalysis

Question 50

During a prenatal visit, a nurse assesses the woman's fundal height. What does this measurement indicate?

Accepted Answer

The size of the uterus

Answer

The amount of amniotic fluid

Answer

The fetal heart rate

Answer

The fetal position

Question 51

A pregnant woman is concerned about the effects of smoking on her baby. Which of the following is the most accurate statement regarding smoking during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Smoking can lead to low birth weight and preterm delivery.

Answer

Smoking is only harmful during the first trimester.

Answer

Smoking has no significant impact on fetal development.

Question 52

A pregnant woman is scheduled for an ultrasound to assess fetal growth. What is the primary purpose of this assessment?

Accepted Answer

To determine fetal size and gestational age

Answer

To assess placental function

Answer

To detect genetic abnormalities

Answer

To monitor fetal heart rate

Question 53

A pregnant woman is receiving education about prenatal care. What is the recommended frequency of prenatal visits during the third trimester?

Accepted Answer

Every 2 weeks

Answer

Once a month

Answer

As needed

Answer

Every 4 weeks