CPNRE - Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination Maternal and Newborn Care Questions and Answers

Question 1

A practical nurse is assessing a newborn who is 12 hours old. Which of the following findings requires immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Nasal flaring and sternal retractions

Answer

Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet

Answer

Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute

Answer

Passage of a dark, tarry meconium stool

Question 2

A new mother who is 2 days postpartum tells the practical nurse she is concerned because her breasts have become hard, warm, and tender. Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

"This is likely breast engorgement, which is common. Applying cold packs after feeding can help."

Answer

"This is a sign of a breast infection; you should stop breastfeeding immediately."

Answer

"You should limit how often you feed the baby to allow your breasts to rest."

Answer

"This means your milk supply is low; you should consider formula supplementation."

Question 3

The practical nurse is reinforcing teaching with a new mother about umbilical cord care. Which statement by the mother indicates a need for further education?

Accepted Answer

"I should cover the cord with the diaper to keep it protected."

Answer

"I will clean the base of the cord with a cotton swab and water if it gets soiled."

Answer

"The cord stump should fall off on its own in about one to two weeks."

Answer

"I need to call the doctor if I see any redness or pus around the cord."

Question 4

A practical nurse is performing a postpartum assessment on a client who delivered vaginally 8 hours ago. The fundus is firm, located 2 cm above the umbilicus, and deviated to the right. What is the priority nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Assist the client to empty her bladder.

Answer

Document the finding as normal.

Answer

Massage the fundus vigorously.

Answer

Administer a prescribed analgesic.

Question 5

Which of the following is a key component of family-centred maternity care in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Involving the family in decision-making and respecting their choices.

Answer

Restricting visitors to allow for maternal rest.

Answer

Making all healthcare decisions on behalf of the family.

Answer

Discouraging the father's presence during the birth.

Question 6

A practical nurse is caring for a newborn diagnosed with physiological jaundice. What is the primary rationale for initiating phototherapy?

Accepted Answer

To convert unconjugated bilirubin into a form that can be excreted.

Answer

To increase the baby's appetite and milk intake.

Answer

To prevent hypothermia by keeping the baby warm.

Answer

To stimulate the production of new red blood cells.