Ante-Intra-Postpartum Care Practice Test 1
Ante-Intra-Postpartum Care NCLEX Practice Test
Ante-Intra-Postpartum Care, within the NCLEX test plan under Health Promotion and Maintenance → Growth and Development, reflects the core knowledge domains and conceptual competencies directly related to what the exam evaluates. The targeted number of questions is 50; designed with realistic clinical scenarios and conceptual variety to help you identify both your strengths and improvement areas.
This test is the 1st part of the Ante-Intra-Postpartum Care section. To explore all practice tests under this topic, use the “Back to Main Topic” button at the end of the page.
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In the Ante-Intra-Postpartum Care Study Cards section, shared by real NCLEX candidates, you’ll find concise summaries and high-yield insights related to the most tested concepts. It’s a perfect space to reinforce challenging topics and sharpen your recall through quick, focused repetitions. Short, powerful, and repeatable!
Ante-Intra-Postpartum Care Practice Test 1
Which of these is used to check a baby's heartbeat in the womb?
- Stethoscope
- Embroscope
- Fetoscope
- Babyscope
Explanation: Answer reason:A fetoscope is a specialized instrument used during pregnancy to directly auscultate the fetal heartbeat through the maternal abdomen. It is designed to detect fetal heart tones more clearly than a standard stethoscope.
Instrument to detect fetal heart sound is?
- CTG machine
- Otoscope
- Spirometer
- Fetoscope
Explanation: Answer reason: A fetoscope is specifically designed to detect fetal heart sounds by direct abdominal auscultation. Unlike CTG (which detects fetal heart rate electronically), the fetoscope is the correct instrument for listening to actual fetal heart tones.
The nurse practicing in a maternity setting recognizes that neonatal sepsis is MOST often related to?
- Maternal diabetes
- Prolonged rupture of membranes
- Cesarean delivery
- Precipitous vaginal birth
Explanation: Answer reason: Neonatal sepsis is most strongly associated with prolonged rupture of membranes, because the loss of the protective amniotic barrier allows ascending bacteria from the birth canal to enter the uterus. The risk increases significantly after 18 hours of membrane rupture.
What drugs are safe to use during pregnancy?
- Valproic acid
- Atenolol
- Tetracycline
- Iron & Folic acid
Explanation: Answer reason: Iron and folic acid are safe and routinely recommended during pregnancy. They prevent maternal anemia and reduce the risk of neural tube defects. The other options are unsafe: valproic acid is teratogenic, atenolol may cause fetal growth restriction, and tetracycline damages fetal bones and teeth.
Minimum antenatal visit as per MCH is?
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Explanation: Answer reason: Maternal and Child Health (MCH) guidelines recommend a minimum of 4 antenatal visits to ensure early identification of risks, monitoring fetal growth, providing supplements, and offering essential education and screening throughout pregnancy.
Minimum anc visit during pregnancy should be?
- 3
- 5
- 9
- 12
Explanation: Answer reason: Modern WHO guidelines (2016 update) recommend a minimum of 8 ANC contacts. However, many national MCH programs and older ANC standards interpret this as “around 9 total visits” across pregnancy (monthly, biweekly, and weekly in the final month). Therefore, among the given choices, 9 is the closest and correct minimum number.
By the end of which month does morning sickness usually disappear?
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 3 months
- 4 months
Explanation: Answer reason: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy typically peak around 9 weeks and resolve by 12–14 weeks, which is the end of the third month.
You are visiting a 30-year-old mother called Melkenesh who had her baby seven days ago. The last time you saw her, she was lying in bed. This time she gets up to greet you, and you notice that she is limping. You ask her if she has hurt herself. She mentions a sudden ache in one of her legs. What would you suspect?
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Cellulitis
- Lymphedema
- Hematoma
Explanation: Answer reason: Postpartum clients are hypercoagulable, and recent bed rest increases the risk. Sudden unilateral leg pain or limping is classic for DVT.
A client telephones the emergency room, stating she thinks she is in labor. The nurse should tell the client that labor has probably begun when?
- Her contractions are two minutes apart.
- She has back pain and a bloody discharge.
- She experiences abdominal pain and frequent urination.
- Her contractions are five minutes apart.
Explanation: Answer reason: True labor is suggested by regular, progressive contractions about every 5 minutes (5-1-1 rule). Back pain with bloody discharge or abdominal discomfort with urinary frequency is nonspecific; 2-minute intervals indicate advanced labor.
A client with HELLP syndrome is admitted to the labor and delivery unit for observation. The nurse knows that the client will have elevated?
- Serum glucose levels
- Liver enzymes
- Pancreatic enzymes
- Plasma protein levels
Explanation: Answer reason: HELLP stands for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets. Therefore, elevated liver enzymes are expected; the other listed labs are not characteristically increased.
An obstetric client has just been diagnosed with cardiac disease. The nurse should give priority to?
- Instruct the client to remain on strict bed rest.
- Tell the client to monitor her pulse and respirations.
- Instruct the client to check her temperature in the evening.
- Telling the client to weigh herself monthly.
Explanation: Answer reason: For pregnant clients with cardiac disease, early detection of decompensation is critical. Monitoring pulse and respirations helps identify increasing cardiac workload and impending heart failure. Strict bed rest is not routinely required, evening temperature checks are not a priority, and monthly weights are too infrequent.
Which of the following conditions can lead to a small-for-gestational-age fetus because of decreased blood supply?
- Diabetes in the mother
- Maternal cardiac condition
- Premature labor
- Placental abruption
Explanation: Answer reason: Maternal cardiac disease can reduce uteroplacental perfusion, limiting oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus and causing intrauterine growth restriction (SGA). Diabetes typically causes LGA, premature labor affects gestational age, not growth, and abruptio placenta is an acute event leading to fetal distress rather than chronic growth restriction.
Which of the following is a characteristic of a reassuring fetal heart rate pattern?
- Fetal heart rate of 180 bpm
- Baseline variability of 35 bpm
- Fetal heart rate of 90 at baseline
- Acceleration of the FHR with fetal movements
Explanation: Answer reason: Fetal heart rate accelerations with movement reflect adequate oxygenation and normal autonomic function, indicating a reassuring fetal status.
Which condition is associated with late decelerations on a fetal monitoring strip?
- Vagal stimulation
- Uteroplacental insufficiency
- Cord compression
- Maternal hypotension
Explanation: Answer reason: Late decelerations reflect uteroplacental insufficiency and fetal hypoxia; variable decelerations indicate cord compression; and early decelerations are due to head compression or vagal stimulation.
After delivery of the fetus, the placenta should be removed by?
- Fundal pressure
- Manual removal
- Controlled cord traction
- Spontaneously
Explanation: Answer reason: Placental delivery in the third stage of labor should be done with controlled cord traction as part of active management to reduce postpartum hemorrhage. Fundal pressure risks uterine inversion. Manual removal is for retained placenta, and waiting for spontaneous expulsion is not the recommended active approach.
How many days does the puerperium period last for lochia?
- 9 days
- 10 days
- 15 days
- 20 days
Explanation: Answer reason: Normal lochial discharge after delivery typically continues for about two to three weeks and commonly ceases around 20 days.
Which of the following clinical presentations would a nurse expect while assessing a patient with placental abruption?
- Rigid, board-like abdomen
- Edema in the legs
- Excessive vaginal bleeding
- Premature rupture of membranes
Explanation: Answer reason: Placental abruption typically presents with painful uterine tenderness and hypertonus, producing a rigid, board-like abdomen. Vaginal bleeding may be minimal or concealed; edema in the legs and PROM are not characteristic findings.
Up to how many weeks is a medical abortion typically performed?
- 11 weeks
- 10 weeks
- 9 weeks
- 8 weeks
Explanation: Answer reason: Medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol is most commonly provided in early pregnancy, typically up to about 8 weeks’ gestation; beyond this, its efficacy declines and the need for additional intervention increases.
W/o Nuhamen is a 28-year-old primigravida who came to you for ANC at 12 weeks. When you did an HIV test, you got a positive result. What is the correct management for this mother?
- Initiate HAART immediately.
- Initiate HAART at 36 weeks.
- Initiate HAART at delivery.
- Initiate HAART after 6 weeks postpartum.
Explanation: Answer reason: Pregnant clients who test HIV-positive should start lifelong antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible, regardless of gestational age, to reduce maternal viral load and prevent vertical transmission.
A client in labor admits to having used alcohol throughout the pregnancy. The most recent use was the day before. Based on the client's history, the nurse should give priority to assessing the newborn for?
- Respiratory depression
- Wide-set eyes
- Jitteriness
- Low-set ears
Explanation: Answer reason: Maternal alcohol use can cause neonatal withdrawal shortly after birth, which commonly presents with tremors and jitteriness. Respiratory depression is more associated with opioid exposure, and wide- or low-set eyes are congenital features rather than immediate priority findings.
Which of the following is the hallmark symptom of abruptio placentae?
- Painless vaginal bleeding.
- Bright red bleeding with a soft uterus.
- Painful vaginal bleeding with a rigid uterus.
- Vaginal bleeding without uterine tenderness.
Explanation: Answer reason: Placental abruption presents with painful vaginal bleeding, uterine tenderness, and a firm, rigid, hypertonic uterus. Bright red, painless bleeding with a soft uterus suggests placenta previa.
What is the normal amount of amniotic fluid at term?
- 500 mL
- 700 mL
- 800 mL
- 1000 mL
Explanation: Answer reason: At term, the normal amniotic fluid volume is approximately 800 mL; much lower values suggest oligohydramnios, and higher values suggest polyhydramnios.
What is the daily folic acid requirement for pregnant women?
- 80 mcg
- 150 mcg
- 300 mcg
- 400 mcg
Explanation: Answer reason: The recommendation for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy is 400 mcg of folic acid daily to reduce neural tube defects.
Fetal indications for operative vaginal delivery?
- Nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern
- Medical indications to avoid Valsalva, e.g., cardiac disease class III or IV, HDP
- Inadequate progress (prolonged second stage of labor due to poor maternal effort)
- All
Explanation: Answer reason: Only a nonreassuring fetal heart-rate pattern is a fetal indication to expedite birth with operative vaginal delivery. The other options describe maternal indications (avoiding Valsalva for maternal disease; prolonged second stage due to poor maternal effort), so 'All' is incorrect.
The nurse practicing in a maternity setting recognizes that the postmature infant is at risk due to?
- Excessive fetal weight
- Low blood sugar levels
- Depletion of subcutaneous fat
- Progressive placental insufficiency
Explanation: Answer reason: Post-term pregnancies (>42 weeks) are associated with declining placental function, leading to fetal hypoxia and sequelae; thus, the primary risk factor is progressive placental insufficiency.
A client asks the nurse about including her 2- and 12-year-old sons in the care of their newborn sister. Which of the following is an appropriate initial statement by the nurse?
- Focus on your sons' needs during the first days at home.
- Tell each child what he can do to help with the baby.
- Suggest that your husband spend more time with the boys.
- Ask the children what they would like to do for the newborn.
Explanation: Answer reason: Early postpartum guidance focuses on minimizing sibling rivalry by reassuring and meeting the needs of the older children, affirming that they remain important. The other options assign tasks or shift responsibility and are not the initial priority.
As the client reaches 8 cm dilation, the nurse notes a pattern on the fetal monitor that shows a drop in the fetal heart rate of 30 bpm, beginning at the peak of the contraction and ending at the end of the contraction. The FHR baseline is 165–175 bpm with variability of 0–2 bpm. What is the most likely explanation of this pattern?
- The baby is asleep.
- The umbilical cord is compressed.
- There is a vagal response.
- There is uteroplacental insufficiency.
Explanation: Answer reason: Decelerations that begin around the peak of a contraction and recover after the contraction ends are late decelerations, indicating uteroplacental insufficiency. The tachycardia with minimal or absent variability further supports fetal compromise.
The nurse notes variable decelerations on the fetal monitor strip. The most appropriate initial action would be to?
- Notify her doctor
- Increase the rate of IV fluids.
- Reposition the client
- Readjust the monitor
Explanation: Answer reason: Variable decelerations are typically due to umbilical cord compression. The initial priority intervention is to change the maternal position (e.g., side-lying) to relieve compression. Other actions may follow if unresolved.
In the second stage of labor, how long do uterine contractions typically last?
- 30 seconds
- 120 seconds
- 20 seconds
- 60 seconds
Explanation: Answer reason: During the second stage of labor, contractions are strong and typically last about 60–90 seconds. Among the options, 60 seconds is the most representative duration.
In which week is the Hegar sign typically seen during pregnancy?
- 4-8 weeks
- 6 weeks
- 8 weeks
- 10 weeks
Explanation: Answer reason: Hegar sign (softening of the lower uterine segment) is typically noted at about 6–8 weeks' gestation; the best matching option provided is 4–8 weeks.
Which clients admitted to the postpartum unit are at increased risk for developing puerperal infection?
- Client with a history of infections.
- Client who has given birth to twins.
- Client who had numerous vaginal examinations.
- Client who has experienced three previous miscarriages.
- Client who underwent vaginal delivery of the newborn.
Explanation: Answer reason: Repeated vaginal examinations increase the risk of introducing microorganisms into the birth canal, leading to endometritis or wound infection. Proper aseptic technique and limiting unnecessary exams reduce this risk.
Which of these is not a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy?
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Explanation: Answer reason: Ectopic pregnancy commonly presents with abdominal or pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding; nausea and vomiting may occur in early pregnancy. Diarrhoea is not a typical symptom of ectopic pregnancy.
Folic acid is usually prescribed for?
- Children
- Pregnant
- Elders
- None of the above.
Explanation: Answer reason: Folic acid supplementation is recommended before conception and during early pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and reduce the risk of megaloblastic anemia.
The nurse is caring for a postpartum client. Which of the following assessment findings would be a cause for concern during the client's postpartum stay?
- Pulse rate of 70–90 on the third postpartum day
- Diuresis on her second and third postpartum days
- Vaginal discharge: rubra, serosa, then rubra
- Diaphoresis on her third postpartum day
Explanation: Answer reason: Lochia should progress from rubra to serosa to alba. A return to rubra after serosa suggests subinvolution or late postpartum hemorrhage and warrants concern. The other findings (pulse 70–90, diuresis, and diaphoresis on days 2–3) are expected postpartum.
The nurse assesses a client's fundal height every 15 minutes during the first hour postpartum. The height of the fundus during this hour should be?
- 1–2 fingerbreadths below the umbilicus.
- Four fingerbreadths below the umbilicus.
- One fingerbreadth above the umbilicus.
- Four fingerbreadths above the umbilicus.
Explanation: Answer reason: During the first postpartum hour, the uterus should be firm and at the level of the umbilicus or slightly below (U to U−1/−2). Thus, 1–2 fingerbreadths under the umbilicus are expected.
During which stage of labor is the placenta delivered?
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
- Stage 4
Explanation: Answer reason: The third stage of labor begins after the birth of the baby and ends with delivery of the placenta.
A client is in the third month of her first pregnancy. During the interview, she tells the nurse that she has several sexual partners and is unsure of the identity of the baby's father. Which of the following nursing interventions is a PRIORITY?
- Counsel the woman to consent to HIV screening.
- Perform tests for sexually transmitted diseases.
- Discuss her high risk of cervical cancer.
- Refer the client to a family-planning clinic.
Explanation: Answer reason: Pregnant client with multiple partners is high risk for HIV. Prompt HIV screening is the priority to identify infection early and initiate therapy to reduce maternal morbidity and vertical transmission.
The nurse is providing postpartum teaching to a mother planning to breastfeed her infant. Which of the client's statements indicates a need for additional teaching?
- "I'm wearing a support bra."
- "I'm expressing milk from my breast."
- "I'm drinking four glasses of fluid during a 24-hour period."
- "While I'm in the shower, I'll let the water run over my breasts."
Explanation: Answer reason: Breastfeeding mothers should increase hydration (about 8–10 glasses or ~2–3 L/day). Four glasses is inadequate, indicating a need for further teaching. The other statements are appropriate.
Which of the following statements is true about drug use during pregnancy?
- Drug use during pregnancy affects the mother's health but not the baby.
- There is little data proving that drugs affect an unborn baby.
- The effect of drug use during pregnancy affects the baby only temporarily.
- Drug use during pregnancy can lead to multiple birth defects.
Explanation: Answer reason: Many drugs cross the placenta and act as teratogens, causing congenital anomalies and long-term effects; the other statements are incorrect.
If LMP is 25 June 2018, then what is the EDD?
- 2 April 2019
- 4 April 2019
- 2 March 2019
- 4 March 2019
Explanation: Answer reason: Use Naegele’s rule: add 7 days and subtract 3 months from the LMP (add 1 year if needed). 25 June 2018 + 7 days = 2 July 2018; −3 months = 2 April 2019. Therefore EDD is 2 April 2019.
In which trimester did the heartbeat start?
- 4th
- 3rd
- 2nd
- 1st
Explanation: Answer reason: Fetal cardiac activity begins about 4–5 weeks of gestation, which is in the first trimester.
Which of the following clinical presentations would a nurse expect while assessing a patient with placental abruption?
- Rigid, boardlike abdomen
- Edema in the legs
- Excessive vaginal bleeding
- Premature rupture of membranes
Explanation: Answer reason: Placental abruption causes painful uterine tenderness and hypertonicity with a rigid, board-like abdomen due to concealed bleeding. Leg edema is nonspecific (more typical of preeclampsia), external bleeding may be minimal, and PROM is unrelated.
Breastfeeding should begin within ... hours after a caesarean delivery.?
- 2
- 4
- 8
- 24
Explanation: Answer reason: After cesarean birth, breastfeeding should start as early as possible when the mother is stable and alert—typically within about 4 hours—to promote bonding and lactogenesis.
All of the following are advantages of breastfeeding except?
- Bonding between mother and child
- General well-being of the baby
- Change in the shape of the breast
- Lower risk of breast cancer.
Explanation: Answer reason: Breastfeeding supports mother–infant bonding, improves infant health, and reduces maternal breast cancer risk. A change in breast shape is not a benefit.
Which of the following is a contraindication to breastfeeding?
- Hep A
- Hep B
- CMV
- Active, untreated TB
Explanation: Answer reason: Active, untreated maternal tuberculosis is an absolute contraindication to direct breastfeeding until the mother has been treated; breast milk may be expressed. Hepatitis A and B are not contraindications (infant receives immunoprophylaxis for HBV), and CMV is generally not a contraindication in term infants.
Anti D should be given following Rh+ve delivery within?
- 6 hours
- 24 hours
- 72 hours
- 7 day
Explanation: Answer reason: For an Rh-negative mother after delivering an Rh-positive infant, anti-D immunoglobulin should be administered within 72 hours postpartum to prevent Rh sensitization.
Screening tests used in antenatal mothers in RCH II is?
- Hemoglobin level
- Rh determination
- TSH
- Urinary deposit analysis for UTI
Explanation: Answer reason: Routine RCH II antenatal screening includes hemoglobin estimation, blood group/Rh typing, and urine testing; TSH screening is not part of the standard RCH II panel.
The nurse is measuring the duration of the client's contractions. Which statement is true regarding the measurement of the duration of contractions?
- Duration is measured by timing from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction.
- Duration is measured by timing from the end of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction.
- Duration is measured by timing from the beginning of one contraction to the end of the same contraction.
- Duration is measured by timing from the peak of one contraction to the end of the same contraction.
Explanation: Answer reason: Duration of a uterine contraction is timed from the start to the end of the same contraction. Beginning-to-beginning is frequency; end-to-beginning is the interval; peak-to-end is incorrect.
A 24-year-old G2P1 woman presents at 36 weeks' gestation in active labor and her Group B Streptococcus (GBS) culture is not available; what is the most appropriate management?
- Do nothing
- Administer chemoprophylaxis empirically
- Administer antibiotics only if she develops fever
- Send a GBS perineal culture and wait for the result to decide whether or not to give antibiotics
- Review her GBS status from her prior pregnancy to decide whether antibiotics are needed
Explanation: Answer reason: According to CDC and ACOG guidelines, if a pregnant woman presents in active labor and her GBS culture status is unknown, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended when any risk factor is present — such as preterm labor (<37 weeks), rupture of membranes for ≥18 hours, or maternal fever ≥38°C. This patient is at 36 weeks (preterm) with unknown GBS status, which qualifies as a risk factor. Therefore, empiric intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (e.g., IV penicillin G or ampicillin) should be started to prevent neonatal early-onset GBS disease.
During which stage of labor, the placenta is delivered?
- Stage 1.
- Stage 2.
- Stage 3.
- Stage 4.
Explanation: Answer reason: The third stage of labor begins after birth of the baby and ends with separation and delivery of the placenta.
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