ATI-MATERNAL-RETAKE-ATI-PROCTORED EXAM 200
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS
LATEST 2026 ALREADY GRADED A+
This comprehensive study guide features 300 unique, exam-style multiple-
choice questions with detailed rationales covering all essential topics for the
ATI Maternal Newborn Retake Proctored Exam. Key areas include
antepartum care, intrapartum care, postpartum care, newborn assessment
and care, complications of pregnancy (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes,
placenta previa, placental abruption), labor and delivery management,
breastfeeding, contraception, and postpartum complications. Each question
emphasizes clinical reasoning, prioritization, and evidence-based practice
aligned with ATI testing standards. Designed for nursing students preparing
for the ATI Maternal Newborn proctored exam, this resource reinforces
critical thinking and the clinical judgment required to pass the exam and
provide safe maternal-newborn care.
1. A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 2 hours old. Which of the following
findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A) Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
B) Irregular respirations at 40/min
C) Axillary temperature of 37.7°C (99.9°F)
D) Heart rate of 150/min
Answer: C
Rationale: An axillary temperature of 37.7°C (99.9°F) in an 18-hour-old newborn
is elevated and may indicate infection. Acrocyanosis, irregular respirations
between 30-60/min, and heart rate of 150/min are normal findings during the
transition to extrauterine life .
2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a client in labor experiencing late
decelerations?
A) Administer oxygen via face mask
B) Increase the Pitocin infusion rate
C) Reposition the client to the left side
D) Prepare for emergency cesarean section
Answer: C
,Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The priority is
to improve placental perfusion by repositioning the client to the left lateral position
to relieve pressure on the vena cava and increase blood flow. Oxygen
administration is the next step, but repositioning is the priority .
3. A nurse is caring for a client at 32 weeks gestation who presents with painless,
bright red vaginal bleeding. What is the priority action?
A) Perform a digital vaginal examination
B) Place the client in Trendelenburg position
C) Obtain vital signs and initiate continuous fetal monitoring
D) Prepare for immediate cesarean birth
Answer: C
Rationale: Painless, bright red bleeding in the third trimester is classic for placenta
previa. Digital vaginal examination is contraindicated because it can cause severe
hemorrhage. The priority actions are to assess maternal hemodynamic status and
fetal well-being .
4. A nurse is admitting a client who is in labor. The client admits to recent cocaine
use. Which complication should the nurse assess for?
A) Placenta previa
B) Abruptio placentae
C) Eclampsia
D) Preterm labor
Answer: B
Rationale: Cocaine use during pregnancy is associated with abruptio placentae,
premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall. This is a medical
emergency requiring immediate intervention .
5. Which of the following signifies the onset of true labor?
A) Irregular contractions that subside with rest
B) Regular contractions that increase in intensity
C) Lightening occurring in the third trimester
D) Fetal movement patterns
Answer: B
Rationale: True labor is characterized by regular, progressive contractions that lead
to cervical dilation and effacement. False labor contractions are irregular and
subside with rest or position changes .
,6. A nurse is providing teaching about nonpharmacological pain management to a
client who is breastfeeding and has engorgement. What should the nurse
recommend?
A) Warm compresses before feeding
B) Cold cabbage leaves
C) Ice packs after feeding
D) Breast massage only
Answer: B
Rationale: Cold cabbage leaves are a recommended nonpharmacological
intervention for breast engorgement. They help reduce inflammation and provide
comfort .
7. A nurse is caring for a client who delivered 12 hours ago and reports feeling
lightheaded when standing. Vital signs show BP 88/54 mmHg, HR 120/min. The
uterus is firm and midline, but the perineal pad is saturated with bright red blood.
What action should the nurse take first?
A) Massage the uterus vigorously
B) Notify the provider and initiate IV fluids
C) Reassure the client this is normal
D) Discontinue IV fluids
Answer: B
Rationale: The client shows signs of hemorrhage and shock despite a firm uterus.
The uterus being firm indicates uterine atony is not the cause; the bleeding may be
due to laceration or retained tissue. Prompt fluid resuscitation and provider
notification are essential for survival .
8. A nurse is teaching a client who is at 8 weeks of gestation about manifestations
to report during pregnancy. Which finding should the nurse include?
A) Nausea upon awakening
B) Blurred or double vision
C) Increase in white vaginal discharge
D) Leg cramps when sleeping
Answer: B
Rationale: Blurred or double vision can indicate preeclampsia, a serious
complication of pregnancy. The nurse should instruct the client to report this
immediately. Nausea upon awakening is a common discomfort in the first trimester
.
9. A nurse is preparing to administer erythromycin ophthalmic ointment to a
newborn. When the parents ask why this is necessary, which response is correct?
, A) "It prevents your baby from developing serious eye infections that can cause
blindness."
B) "It helps your baby sleep better in the first few days."
C) "It boosts your baby's immune system."
D) "It prevents jaundice in the first week."
Answer: A
Rationale: Erythromycin ointment prevents ophthalmia neonatorum, an eye
infection caused by exposure to gonorrhea or chlamydia during delivery. Without
treatment, the infection can lead to blindness .
10. A nurse is caring for a client who is at 35 weeks of gestation and has mild
gestational hypertension. Which finding should the nurse identify as the pr iority?
A) 480 mL urine output in 24 hours
B) 1+ protein in the urine
C) +2 edema of the feet
D) BP 144/92 mm Hg
Answer: A
Rationale: The priority finding is 480 mL of urine output in 24 hours (20 mL/hr)
because the minimum acceptable urine output is 30 mL/hr. This can indicate
progression of preeclampsia to severe features. 1+ protein and +2 edema are
expected in mild preeclampsia .
11. A nurse is teaching a client who is at 12 weeks of gestation and has HIV.
Which statement should the nurse include?
A) "You will be in isolation after delivery."
B) "Abstain from sexual intercourse throughout pregnancy."
C) "Breastfeed your newborn to provide passive immunity."
D) "You should continue to take zidovudine throughout the pregnancy."
Answer: D
Rationale: Taking antiviral medication daily decreases the risk of transmission of
HIV to the newborn. Isolation is not required. HIV can be transmitted through
breast milk, so breastfeeding is not recommended .
12. A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and whose fetus is in the right
occiput posterior position. The client is dilated to 8 cm and reports back pain.
Which action should the nurse take?
A) Apply sacral counterpressure
B) Perform transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
C) Initiate slow-paced breathing
D) Assist with biofeedback
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS
LATEST 2026 ALREADY GRADED A+
This comprehensive study guide features 300 unique, exam-style multiple-
choice questions with detailed rationales covering all essential topics for the
ATI Maternal Newborn Retake Proctored Exam. Key areas include
antepartum care, intrapartum care, postpartum care, newborn assessment
and care, complications of pregnancy (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes,
placenta previa, placental abruption), labor and delivery management,
breastfeeding, contraception, and postpartum complications. Each question
emphasizes clinical reasoning, prioritization, and evidence-based practice
aligned with ATI testing standards. Designed for nursing students preparing
for the ATI Maternal Newborn proctored exam, this resource reinforces
critical thinking and the clinical judgment required to pass the exam and
provide safe maternal-newborn care.
1. A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 2 hours old. Which of the following
findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A) Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
B) Irregular respirations at 40/min
C) Axillary temperature of 37.7°C (99.9°F)
D) Heart rate of 150/min
Answer: C
Rationale: An axillary temperature of 37.7°C (99.9°F) in an 18-hour-old newborn
is elevated and may indicate infection. Acrocyanosis, irregular respirations
between 30-60/min, and heart rate of 150/min are normal findings during the
transition to extrauterine life .
2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a client in labor experiencing late
decelerations?
A) Administer oxygen via face mask
B) Increase the Pitocin infusion rate
C) Reposition the client to the left side
D) Prepare for emergency cesarean section
Answer: C
,Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. The priority is
to improve placental perfusion by repositioning the client to the left lateral position
to relieve pressure on the vena cava and increase blood flow. Oxygen
administration is the next step, but repositioning is the priority .
3. A nurse is caring for a client at 32 weeks gestation who presents with painless,
bright red vaginal bleeding. What is the priority action?
A) Perform a digital vaginal examination
B) Place the client in Trendelenburg position
C) Obtain vital signs and initiate continuous fetal monitoring
D) Prepare for immediate cesarean birth
Answer: C
Rationale: Painless, bright red bleeding in the third trimester is classic for placenta
previa. Digital vaginal examination is contraindicated because it can cause severe
hemorrhage. The priority actions are to assess maternal hemodynamic status and
fetal well-being .
4. A nurse is admitting a client who is in labor. The client admits to recent cocaine
use. Which complication should the nurse assess for?
A) Placenta previa
B) Abruptio placentae
C) Eclampsia
D) Preterm labor
Answer: B
Rationale: Cocaine use during pregnancy is associated with abruptio placentae,
premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall. This is a medical
emergency requiring immediate intervention .
5. Which of the following signifies the onset of true labor?
A) Irregular contractions that subside with rest
B) Regular contractions that increase in intensity
C) Lightening occurring in the third trimester
D) Fetal movement patterns
Answer: B
Rationale: True labor is characterized by regular, progressive contractions that lead
to cervical dilation and effacement. False labor contractions are irregular and
subside with rest or position changes .
,6. A nurse is providing teaching about nonpharmacological pain management to a
client who is breastfeeding and has engorgement. What should the nurse
recommend?
A) Warm compresses before feeding
B) Cold cabbage leaves
C) Ice packs after feeding
D) Breast massage only
Answer: B
Rationale: Cold cabbage leaves are a recommended nonpharmacological
intervention for breast engorgement. They help reduce inflammation and provide
comfort .
7. A nurse is caring for a client who delivered 12 hours ago and reports feeling
lightheaded when standing. Vital signs show BP 88/54 mmHg, HR 120/min. The
uterus is firm and midline, but the perineal pad is saturated with bright red blood.
What action should the nurse take first?
A) Massage the uterus vigorously
B) Notify the provider and initiate IV fluids
C) Reassure the client this is normal
D) Discontinue IV fluids
Answer: B
Rationale: The client shows signs of hemorrhage and shock despite a firm uterus.
The uterus being firm indicates uterine atony is not the cause; the bleeding may be
due to laceration or retained tissue. Prompt fluid resuscitation and provider
notification are essential for survival .
8. A nurse is teaching a client who is at 8 weeks of gestation about manifestations
to report during pregnancy. Which finding should the nurse include?
A) Nausea upon awakening
B) Blurred or double vision
C) Increase in white vaginal discharge
D) Leg cramps when sleeping
Answer: B
Rationale: Blurred or double vision can indicate preeclampsia, a serious
complication of pregnancy. The nurse should instruct the client to report this
immediately. Nausea upon awakening is a common discomfort in the first trimester
.
9. A nurse is preparing to administer erythromycin ophthalmic ointment to a
newborn. When the parents ask why this is necessary, which response is correct?
, A) "It prevents your baby from developing serious eye infections that can cause
blindness."
B) "It helps your baby sleep better in the first few days."
C) "It boosts your baby's immune system."
D) "It prevents jaundice in the first week."
Answer: A
Rationale: Erythromycin ointment prevents ophthalmia neonatorum, an eye
infection caused by exposure to gonorrhea or chlamydia during delivery. Without
treatment, the infection can lead to blindness .
10. A nurse is caring for a client who is at 35 weeks of gestation and has mild
gestational hypertension. Which finding should the nurse identify as the pr iority?
A) 480 mL urine output in 24 hours
B) 1+ protein in the urine
C) +2 edema of the feet
D) BP 144/92 mm Hg
Answer: A
Rationale: The priority finding is 480 mL of urine output in 24 hours (20 mL/hr)
because the minimum acceptable urine output is 30 mL/hr. This can indicate
progression of preeclampsia to severe features. 1+ protein and +2 edema are
expected in mild preeclampsia .
11. A nurse is teaching a client who is at 12 weeks of gestation and has HIV.
Which statement should the nurse include?
A) "You will be in isolation after delivery."
B) "Abstain from sexual intercourse throughout pregnancy."
C) "Breastfeed your newborn to provide passive immunity."
D) "You should continue to take zidovudine throughout the pregnancy."
Answer: D
Rationale: Taking antiviral medication daily decreases the risk of transmission of
HIV to the newborn. Isolation is not required. HIV can be transmitted through
breast milk, so breastfeeding is not recommended .
12. A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and whose fetus is in the right
occiput posterior position. The client is dilated to 8 cm and reports back pain.
Which action should the nurse take?
A) Apply sacral counterpressure
B) Perform transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
C) Initiate slow-paced breathing
D) Assist with biofeedback
