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Free NCLEX-RN Maternity & Newborn Practice Questions

Maternal and newborn health is a core part of Health Promotion and Maintenance on the NCLEX-RN. These free questions cover pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and newborn assessment.

Q1

On postpartum day 1, which assessment finding requires immediate nursing intervention?

ALochia rubra
BTemperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
A boggy uterus with heavy bleeding
DBreast engorgement

RATIONALE

A boggy (soft) uterus with heavy bleeding signals uterine atony — the leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Immediate action: fundal massage, empty the bladder, and notify the provider.

Q2SATA

Which findings are expected in a healthy term newborn? Select all that apply.

Respiratory rate of 40 breaths/min
BHeart rate of 80 bpm
Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
Positive Babinski reflex
EAbsent Moro reflex

RATIONALE

Normal newborn values: RR 30–60/min, HR 120–160 bpm (80 is too low), acrocyanosis is normal in the first 24–48 hours, a positive Babinski is normal until age 2, and the Moro reflex should be PRESENT.

Q3

A laboring client's fetal heart monitor shows late decelerations. What is the nurse's priority action?

AContinue to monitor
Reposition the client to the left side
CIncrease the oxytocin infusion
DDocument and reassess in 30 minutes

RATIONALE

Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Priority interventions: reposition (usually left lateral) to improve perfusion, stop oxytocin, give oxygen, and notify the provider.

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