Maternity education NCLEX-RN Practice Questions

Maternity Education NCLEX-RN Practice Questions offer focused preparation on Health Promotion and Maintenance for expectant and new families. This topic-wise set dives into the education nurses provide across prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum periods—covering nutrition, immunizations, safe medications, screening timelines, danger signs, breastfeeding, newborn safety, and postpartum recovery. Designed for NCLEX-level mastery, these questions emphasize evidence-based teaching points, prioritization, and patient-centered counseling, helping you translate guidelines into clear, practical instructions. Whether clarifying vaccine safety in pregnancy, interpreting fetal movement education, or coaching on postpartum warning signs, this collection equips you to deliver accurate, culturally sensitive, and safety-focused guidance. Use these 30 MCQs to assess knowledge depth, identify gaps, and reinforce high-impact maternity education competencies.

Q1. A client planning pregnancy asks about folic acid. Which teaching should the nurse provide?

• Take 400–800 mcg of folic acid daily starting at least 1 month before conception
• Begin 1 mg folic acid daily in the third trimester to prevent neural tube defects
• All pregnant clients should take 4 mg folic acid daily regardless of risk
• Avoid folate-rich foods because supplements are sufficient

Correct Answer: Take 400–800 mcg of folic acid daily starting at least 1 month before conception

Q2. The nurse counsels a client with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI about weight gain. Which target is most appropriate?

• Gain 25–35 lb (11.5–16 kg) gradually over the pregnancy
• Gain no more than 10 lb (4.5 kg) total to avoid complications
• Gain 40–45 lb (18–20.5 kg) to support fetal growth
• Gain only during the third trimester when the fetus grows most

Correct Answer: Gain 25–35 lb (11.5–16 kg) gradually over the pregnancy

Q3. A pregnant client asks about Tdap. What is the correct teaching?

• Receive Tdap between 27–36 weeks in every pregnancy
• Receive Tdap only postpartum to protect the newborn
• Receive Tdap in the first trimester only
• Skip Tdap if previously vaccinated in adulthood

Correct Answer: Receive Tdap between 27–36 weeks in every pregnancy

Q4. Which vaccine should the nurse instruct a pregnant client to avoid?

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Inactivated influenza injection
• Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine
• Hepatitis B vaccine

Correct Answer: Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine

Q5. The nurse teaches fetal movement counting. Which instruction is accurate?

• Contact the provider if fewer than 10 movements are felt in 2 hours
• Count movements once weekly starting at 20 weeks
• Stop counting after movements decrease in the third trimester
• Report if 3 movements occur in 30 minutes

Correct Answer: Contact the provider if fewer than 10 movements are felt in 2 hours

Q6. Which pregnant client statement requires immediate follow-up?

• “I’ve had a severe headache and blurry vision since this morning.”
• “I have occasional leg cramps at night.”
• “I feel nasal congestion most days.”
• “I have mild ankle swelling after standing at work.”

Correct Answer: “I’ve had a severe headache and blurry vision since this morning.”

Q7. Using Nägele’s rule, what is the estimated due date if the last menstrual period began on June 10?

• March 17
• March 3
• February 28
• April 10

Correct Answer: March 17

Q8. Which group B streptococcus (GBS) teaching is correct?

• Screen at 36–37 6/7 weeks and receive IV penicillin during labor if positive
• Screen at 20 weeks and treat with oral antibiotics if positive
• Screen postpartum and treat the newborn only if positive
• Universal intrapartum antibiotics are recommended for all clients

Correct Answer: Screen at 36–37 6/7 weeks and receive IV penicillin during labor if positive

Q9. An Rh-negative client at 28 weeks asks about Rho(D) immune globulin. Appropriate teaching includes:

• Receive Rho(D) immune globulin at 28 weeks and again within 72 hours postpartum if the newborn is Rh-positive
• Receive Rho(D) immune globulin only after delivery regardless of the newborn’s blood type
• Rho(D) immune globulin is administered every trimester
• Rho(D) immune globulin is not needed with any vaginal bleeding episodes

Correct Answer: Receive Rho(D) immune globulin at 28 weeks and again within 72 hours postpartum if the newborn is Rh-positive

Q10. Which statement about gestational diabetes screening is accurate?

• Screen with a 1-hour 50 g oral glucose challenge at 24–28 weeks
• Screen only if fasting glucose exceeds 126 mg/dL in the first trimester
• Screen all clients in the first trimester and repeat at 40 weeks
• Screen with a 3-hour 100 g test at 12 weeks as the initial test

Correct Answer: Screen with a 1-hour 50 g oral glucose challenge at 24–28 weeks

Q11. Which finding in early pregnancy suggests hyperemesis gravidarum and warrants provider notification?

• Weight loss of 6% of pre-pregnancy weight with ketonuria
• Mild morning nausea relieved by crackers
• Occasional emesis once daily without dehydration
• Aversion to certain smells without weight loss

Correct Answer: Weight loss of 6% of pre-pregnancy weight with ketonuria

Q12. A client at 20 weeks reports dizziness when lying flat. Which teaching is best?

• Lie on the left side or place a wedge under the right hip when supine
• Increase salt intake before bedtime
• Sleep strictly on the back to optimize uterine perfusion
• Restrict fluids in the evening

Correct Answer: Lie on the left side or place a wedge under the right hip when supine

Q13. Which travel safety teaching is appropriate for a pregnant client flying for 3 hours?

• Wear a lap-and-shoulder seat belt with the lap belt below the abdomen and walk/stretch every 1–2 hours
• Remove the seat belt during takeoff to avoid uterine pressure
• Take aspirin before travel to prevent clots
• Avoid water intake to reduce ankle swelling

Correct Answer: Wear a lap-and-shoulder seat belt with the lap belt below the abdomen and walk/stretch every 1–2 hours

Q14. A client at 32 weeks with placenta previa asks about sex. Which response is correct?

• Avoid vaginal intercourse and vaginal examinations until cleared by the provider
• Intercourse is safe if no bleeding occurs during the activity
• Use tampons to prevent bleeding after intercourse
• Oral intercourse is safe and recommended to reduce stress

Correct Answer: Avoid vaginal intercourse and vaginal examinations until cleared by the provider

Q15. The nurse teaches preterm labor warning signs at 33 weeks. Which instruction is correct?

• Call the provider for 6 contractions in an hour with low back pain and pelvic pressure
• Wait 24 hours after fluid leakage to see if it stops
• Lie flat on your back if contractions start
• Drink alcohol to stop contractions at home

Correct Answer: Call the provider for 6 contractions in an hour with low back pain and pelvic pressure

Q16. Which nonpharmacologic technique best relieves intense back labor from occiput posterior positioning?

• Firm counterpressure to the sacrum during contractions
• Foot massage between contractions
• Cold compresses to the forehead
• Visualization without touch to avoid discomfort

Correct Answer: Firm counterpressure to the sacrum during contractions

Q17. Which statement indicates effective understanding of newborn feeding while exclusively breastfeeding?

• “By day 4–5, my baby should have at least 6 wet diapers daily.”
• “I will feed every 4–6 hours to prevent overeating.”
• “If the baby is sleepy on day 1, I should skip feeds.”
• “Weight should be back to birth weight within 3 days.”

Correct Answer: “By day 4–5, my baby should have at least 6 wet diapers daily.”

Q18. A breastfeeding client with mastitis asks what to do. Which teaching is correct?

• Continue breastfeeding or pumping; apply warm compresses and take prescribed antibiotics
• Stop breastfeeding permanently on the affected side
• Use tight breast binding and avoid milk removal
• Switch to formula until all pain resolves

Correct Answer: Continue breastfeeding or pumping; apply warm compresses and take prescribed antibiotics

Q19. A formula-feeding client on day 3 postpartum has engorgement. Which instruction is appropriate?

• Wear a supportive bra continuously, apply ice packs, avoid breast stimulation
• Breast pump every 2 hours to relieve fullness
• Use warm showers and massage to increase milk flow
• Apply topical estrogen cream to reduce swelling

Correct Answer: Wear a supportive bra continuously, apply ice packs, avoid breast stimulation

Q20. Which newborn safe sleep teaching is correct?

• Place the infant supine on a firm mattress with no soft bedding or toys
• Side sleeping reduces the risk of aspiration
• Use pillows to keep the infant warm and positioned
• Bed-sharing with parents reduces SIDS risk

Correct Answer: Place the infant supine on a firm mattress with no soft bedding or toys

Q21. Car seat safety for a newborn is best taught as:

• Use a rear-facing car seat in the back seat with harness at or below shoulder level
• Place the car seat in the front seat if an airbag is turned off
• Use a forward-facing seat if the infant is over 8 lb (3.6 kg)
• Dress the infant in a bulky snowsuit to improve strap fit

Correct Answer: Use a rear-facing car seat in the back seat with harness at or below shoulder level

Q22. Which statement about lochia changes indicates accurate understanding?

• Lochia should change from rubra to serosa by day 4 and to alba by about day 10
• Lochia rubra should persist for 2 weeks
• Any odor suggests normal healing
• Return to rubra with activity is never normal

Correct Answer: Lochia should change from rubra to serosa by day 4 and to alba by about day 10

Q23. Which postpartum symptom requires urgent evaluation?

• Saturating a perineal pad in less than 1 hour with large clots
• Mild cramping with breastfeeding
• Scant lochia alba at 3 weeks postpartum
• Perineal soreness managed with oral analgesics

Correct Answer: Saturating a perineal pad in less than 1 hour with large clots

Q24. A breastfeeding client 3 weeks postpartum seeks contraception. Which option is most appropriate now?

• Start a progestin-only pill today
• Begin a combined estrogen-progestin patch today
• Use a combined vaginal ring to improve milk supply
• Delay all contraception until 6 months postpartum

Correct Answer: Start a progestin-only pill today

Q25. A postpartum client is rubella nonimmune. Which discharge teaching is correct?

• Receive MMR vaccine before discharge and avoid pregnancy for at least 1 month
• Delay MMR vaccination for 6 months due to breastfeeding
• Avoid MMR if Rho(D) immune globulin was given
• Pregnancy can be attempted immediately after MMR vaccination

Correct Answer: Receive MMR vaccine before discharge and avoid pregnancy for at least 1 month

Q26. Which condition is a contraindication to breastfeeding in the United States?

• Maternal HIV infection
• Maternal hepatitis C infection
• Mastitis treated with antibiotics
• Infant physiologic jaundice

Correct Answer: Maternal HIV infection

Q27. A newborn’s mother is HBsAg-positive. What is the correct prophylaxis plan?

• Administer hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG within 12 hours of birth
• Delay hepatitis B vaccination until 2 months of age
• Give HBIG only if the infant is symptomatic
• Breastfeeding is contraindicated for 6 months

Correct Answer: Administer hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG within 12 hours of birth

Q28. During a prenatal visit, the client shows signs of intimate partner violence. What is the priority nursing action?

• Screen in private, validate concerns, and collaborate on a safety plan with resources
• Confront the partner in the waiting room
• Tell the client to leave the relationship immediately
• Document only if physical injuries are visible

Correct Answer: Screen in private, validate concerns, and collaborate on a safety plan with resources

Q29. Which teaching optimizes oral iron absorption during pregnancy?

• Take iron with orange juice on an empty stomach; avoid taking with calcium-rich foods
• Take iron with milk to reduce stomach upset
• Take iron with antacids to prevent heartburn
• Split doses with coffee to improve absorption

Correct Answer: Take iron with orange juice on an empty stomach; avoid taking with calcium-rich foods

Q30. A client with nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy asks for relief strategies. Which teaching is evidence-based?

• Small, frequent meals; vitamin B6 with or without doxylamine; ginger; dry crackers before rising
• Fasting in the morning and a large evening meal
• High-fat foods to slow gastric emptying
• Avoid fluids throughout the day

Correct Answer: Small, frequent meals; vitamin B6 with or without doxylamine; ginger; dry crackers before rising

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