Maternity Nursing

Question 1

Chadwick’s Sign

Answer 1

Violet coloration of the mucous membranes of the cervix, vagina and vulva from increased vascularity. Estrogen is responsible for this change in color.

Question 2

Gravida

Answer 2

A pregnant woman.

Gravida 1 - 1st trimester
Gravida 2 - 2nd trimester
Gravida 3 - 3rd Trimester

Question 3

Lochia

Answer 3

Discharge from the uterus that consists of blood from the vessels of the placental site which lasts 2-6 weeks after delivery.

Question 4

Quickening

Answer 4

Maternal perception of fetal movement for the first time usually 16-20 weeks pregnant.

Question 5

Ductus venosus

Answer 5

Connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava, thereby bypassing the liver.

Question 6

Ductus ateriosis

Answer 6

Connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta

Question 7

Foramen ovale

Answer 7

Opening between the right and left atria bypassing the lungs.

Question 8

Gynecoid Pelvis

Answer 8

Normal female pelvis, transversely rounded or blunt.

Question 9

Arthropod Pelvis

Answer 9

Oval shape, adequate outlet with narrow pubic arch.

Question 10

Android Pelvis

Answer 10

Heart shaped, resembles male pelvis. Not favorable for labor or birth.

Question 11

Platypelloid

Answer 11

Flat with oval inlet, wide diameter, narrow front-back, makes labor and childbirth difficult.

Question 12

Parity

Answer 12

The number of births carried pas 20 weeks gestation

Question 13

Hagar’s Sign

Answer 13

Compressibility and softening of the lower uterus occurring at 6 weeks

Question 14

Goodell’s Sign

Answer 14

Softening of the cervix that occurs at 8 weeks.

Question 15

Ballottment

Answer 15

Rebounding of the fetus when it is pushed through the cervix.

Question 16

Dealing with urinary frequency and urgency

Answer 16

1. Drink at least 2L per day
2. Void at regular intervals
3. Sleep on your side
4. Wear pads
5. Performing kegal exercises

Question 17

Dealing with breast tenderness

Answer 17

1. Wear a supportive bra

2. Avoid using soap on nipples to prevent skin drying out

Question 18

Dealing with fatigue

Answer 18

1. Resting for periods through the day
2. Using good posture and body mechanics
3. Getting regular exercise
4. Muscle relaxation and strength exercises for hips and leg joints
5. Avoid eating or drinking foods containing stimulants throughout the pregnancy

Question 19

Dealing with heartburn

Answer 19

1. Eating small frequent meals
2. Sitting upright for 30 minutes after meals
3. Drinking milk between meals
4. Avoiding fatty and spicy foods
5. Performing tailor-sitting exercises
6. Consult with the GP about the use of antacids.

Question 20

Dealing with ankle edema

Answer 20

1. Elevating legs 2x per day and when resting
2. Wearing supportive stockings or hose
3. Avoid sitting or standing in one position for long periods.

Question 21

Dealing with varicose veins

Answer 21

1. Wearing supportive stockings or hose
2. Elevating feet when sitting
3. Lying with fit and hips elevated
4. Avoiding long periods of standing or sitting
5. Moving about when standing to improve circulation
6. Avoiding leg crossing
7. Avoiding constrictive articles of clothing like knee high stockings

Question 22

Dealing with hemorrhoids

Answer 22

1. Soaking in a warm sitz bath
2. Sitting on a soft pillow
3. Eating high fiber foods and drinking plenty of water
4. Increasing exercise such as walking
5. Applying ointments, suppositories, or compresses as prescribed by the HCP.

Question 23

Dealing with constipation

Answer 23

1. Eating high fiber foods and whole grains
2. Drinking at least 2L of water per day
3. Exercising 20 minutes per day

Question 24

Rubella titer

Answer 24

A negative titer (

Question 25

Tuberculin Skin Test (Mantoux test)

Answer 25

Test to see whether an individual is infected with tuberculosis.

This test involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin protein derivative under the skin (intradermal injection). This leaves a 6-10mm wheel under the skin. The reaction should be read 48-72 hours after the injection is given. The reaction will be raised, hardened area of skin across the forearm in mm.

Question 26

Preeclampsia

Answer 26

High blood pressure during pregnancy usually accompanied by protein in the urine and swelling of the legs, hands and feet.

Late signs include bleeding of the gums, petechia and pupura.

Question 27

Three classic signs of preeclampsia

Answer 27

1. Hypertension
2. Proteinuria
3. Generalized edema

Question 28

Biophysical profile

Answer 28

A fetal biophysical profile is a prenatal test used to check on a baby’s well-being. The test combines fetal heart rate monitoring (nonstress test) and fetal ultrasound. During a biophysical profile, a baby’s heart rate, breathing, movements, muscle tone and amniotic fluid level are evaluated and given a score.

Usually done about week 32

Question 29

Non Stress Test

Answer 29

During a nonstress test, also known as fetal heart rate monitoring, a baby’s heart rate is monitored to see how it responds to the baby’s movements.

Typically, a nonstress test is recommended for women at increased risk of fetal death. A nonstress test is usually done after week 26 of pregnancy.

Nonreactive result indicates everything is ok.

Question 30

Stress test

Answer 30

A contraction stress test checks to see if your unborn baby (fetus) will stay healthy during the reduced oxygen levels that normally occur during contractions when you are in labor. This test includes external fetal heart monitoring camera.gif. The test is done when you are 34 or more weeks pregnant.

During a uterine contraction, the blood and oxygen supply to your baby drops for a short time. This is not a problem for most babies. But the heart rate of some babies gets slower. This change in heart rate can be seen on the external fetal monitoring device.

Normal test is negative.

Question 31

Herpes Simplex

Answer 31

Virus that can cause death or sever neurological impairment in a newborn.

Question 32

Zovirax

Answer 32

Used to treat herpes outbreaks during pregnancy.

Question 33

Herpes simplex and pregnancy

Answer 33

Contact spread. If active lesions then c-section is indicated rather than a vaginal birth.

Question 34

Tuberculosis

Answer 34

An infectious disease caused by bacteria that mainly affects the lungs. This condition is transmitted to the baby at or after birth through droplets in the air. It is treated with isoniazid.

Question 35

Isoniazid

Answer 35

Used to treat tuberculosis.

Question 36

Positive rubella titer

Answer 36

Positive titer indicates the presences of antibodies as the mother has previously been exposed. A negative titer indicates she may need to be inoculated.

Question 37

Effleurage

Answer 37

A form of massage involving a circular stroking movement made with the palm of the hand.

Question 38

One-hour oral glucose test level

Answer 38

If level is >140 then a 3 hour glucose tolerance test is required.

Question 39

Polyhydramnios

Answer 39

Excessive amniotic fluid

Question 40

Methyldopa

Answer 40

Medication used for treated gestational hypertension

Question 41

Phenytoin

Answer 41

Anti-seizure medication which can cause cleft lip and cleft palate if used during pregnancy

Question 42

Symptoms of abruptio placentae

Answer 42

painful and results in a rigid and tender uterus.

vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and uterine tenderness and contractions

Question 43

Symptoms of placenta priva

Answer 43

Does not cause pain but causes bright red vaginal bleeding. This occurs because the placenta is overriding the cervical os, and as the cervix dilates, the placental vessels bleed.

Painless vaginal bleeding and a soft, nontender uterus