NCLEX-RN cheat sheet
Maternal and newborn: quick reference
Third-trimester bleeding, fetal heart rate patterns, and the Apgar score on one page.
Reviewed by a licensed nurse · 2 November 2026
Third-trimester bleeding
| Feature | Placenta previa | Placental abruption |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | Painless | Painful |
| Blood | Bright red | Dark red or concealed |
| Uterus | Soft, relaxed | Rigid, tender |
| Avoid | Vaginal examination | Delay in treatment |
| Risk factors | Prior cesarean, multiple pregnancy | Hypertension, trauma, cocaine, smoking |
Fetal heart rate patterns
| Pattern | Cause | First action |
|---|---|---|
| Early deceleration | Head compression | None needed |
| Variable deceleration | Cord compression | Change position, consider amnioinfusion |
| Late deceleration | Uteroplacental insufficiency | Lateral position, oxygen, stop oxytocin, notify provider |
| Accelerations | Fetal wellbeing | Reassuring |
Mnemonic: VEAL CHOP (variable, cord compression; early, head compression; acceleration, okay; late, placental insufficiency).
Apgar score components
| Sign | 0 | 1 | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart rate | Absent | Below 100 | 100 or more |
| Respiration | Absent | Weak cry | Strong cry |
| Muscle tone | Limp | Some flexion | Active motion |
| Reflex irritability | None | Grimace | Cry or cough |
| Color | Blue or pale | Pink body, blue extremities | Pink |
Scored at 1 and 5 minutes. A score of 7 to 10 is reassuring.
Educational content for exam preparation. It is not clinical guidance and does not replace your facility's policies, current professional guidelines or the advice of a qualified clinician.
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