Pregnancy Basics
A positive pregnancy test is a ___________ sign of pregnancy.
Probable
An amniocentesis would require for the bladder to be empty or full?
Empty
Abrupt decreases in the fetal heart rate which occur with or without the presence of contractions and indicate cord compression are:
Variable decelerations
Which of these patients would need to be seen first in triage?
A) A patient with fetal demise who is crying
B) A patient at 34 weeks with severe headache and blurry vision
C) A patient contracting every 10 minutes at 39 weeks who rates pain 3/10.
D) An antepartum patient with a Category I fetal heart rate tracing.
B) A patient at 34 weeks with severe headache and blurry vision
This medication is used to stimulate surfactant production in fetuses between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation
Betamethasone
July 26th, 2026
7/26/26
This test of amniotic fluid determines whether the fetal lungs are mature enough to adapt to extrauterine life
Lecithin-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio
(page 38, 2:1 indicates maturity; <2:1 immature)
A client receiving an epidural develops maternal hypotension accompanied by late decelerations of the fetal heart rate. What is the priority intervention?
Reposition to left lateral
A patient whose membranes have ruptured at 32 weeks is at high risk for what condition?
Chorioamnionitis
This medication used for preterm labor is contraindicated after 30-32 weeks of gestation due to premature closure of the ductus arteriosus
Indomethacin
A client is currently pregnant at 27 weeks. She has a history of a twin delivery at 34 weeks, one miscarriage at 8 weeks, and a repeat cesarean at 39 weeks with a singleton. What is her GTPAL?
G4 T1 P1 A1 L3
A contraction stress test showing 3 recurrent late decelerations in 10 minutes would be interpreted as a __________ test/result
Positive
These two medication types are not recommended close to delivery for risk of respiratory depression
Opioids (butorphanol, nalbuphine, meperidine, fentanyl)
Sedatives/barbiturates (secobarbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital)
A patient with a prior cesarean or myomectomy is at greater risk for what condition?
Uterine rupture
List 3 signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity (be specific) for which you would discontinue the medication.
Loss of DTRs
Urinary output <30 mL/hr
Respirations < 12/min
Pulmonary edema
Severe hypotension
Chest pain
What is the typical weight gain for a patient of BMI 19-25?
25-35 lbs
A pregnant patient experiencing low back pain, fever, and dysuria is likely experiencing what condition?
Urinary tract infection
A patient experiencing feelings of anxiety, severe pain, nausea and vomiting, increased bloody show, and doubt the ability to continue is likely in what stage and phase of labor?
Stage: 1
Phase: Active
A laboring patient suddenly develops a fetal heart rate of 70 bpm immediately following amniotomy. What condition should the nurse suspect?
Umbilical cord prolapse
Which medication for preterm labor would the nurse question for a patient with significant cardiac disease?
A) Nifedipine
B) Magnesium sulfate
C) Betamethasone
D) Terbutaline
D) Terbutaline
Page 72
What hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the uterine lining during pregnancy?
Progesterone
A fundal height of 26 cm would be concerning of what possible conditions at 22 weeks of gestation. Name at least 3.
Multiple gestation
Polyhydramnios
Abruptio Placentae
Placenta Previa
Macrosomia
Myomas/fibroids
Molar pregnancy
Incorrect gestational dating
These two methods can be used to assist delivery of the fetal head at the end of the second stage of labor; must name both.
Vacuum-assisted birth
Forceps-assisted birth
A nurse is providing care for a client who has a marginal abruptio placentae. Which of the following findings are risk factors for developing the condition?
A) Fetal position
B) Blunt abdominal trauma
C) Cocaine use
D) Maternal age
E) Cigarette smoking
B) Blunt abdominal trauma
C) Cocaine use
E) Cigarette smoking
Name at least 2 medications or methods to induce or augment labor.
Oxytocin/pitocin
Misoprostol
Amniotomy
Nipple stimulation
Foley balloon
Cook's catheter