ATI MATERNAL-NEWBORN NURSING COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE NCLEX-STYLE PRACTICE QUESTIONS COMPLETE WITH 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS

ATI MATERNAL-NEWBORN NURSING COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE NCLEX-STYLE PRACTICE QUESTIONS COMPLETE WITH 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS Question 1: A nurse is assessing a pregnant patient at 12 weeks gestation. Which finding would be considered an expected physiological change during pregnancy? A) Decreased heart rate B) Increased blood pressure C) Increased cardiac output D) Decreased respiratory rate Correct Answer: C Rationale: Cardiac output increases by 30-50% during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and heart rate. Blood pressure typically decreases in the first and second trimesters, heart rate increases, and respiratory rate may increase slightly. ________________________________________ Question 2: A nurse is caring for a patient in active labor. Which fetal heart rate pattern requires immediate intervention? A) Variability of 6-10 beats per minute B) Accelerations with fetal movement C) Late decelerations D) Early decelerations Correct Answer: C Rationale: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency and require immediate intervention. Early decelerations are benign and associated with head compression. Accelerations indicate fetal well-being. Normal variability is 6-25 bpm. ________________________________________ Question 3: A postpartum patient reports pain and burning during urination. Which action should the nurse take first? A) Administer prescribed pain medication B) Encourage increased oral fluid intake C) Obtain a urine specimen for culture D) Apply a perineal ice pack Correct Answer: C Rationale: Pain and burning during urination may indicate a urinary tract infection. Obtaining a urine specimen for culture is the priority to confirm diagnosis and guide antibiotic therapy. ________________________________________ Question 4: A nurse is teaching a prenatal class about fetal development. At which gestational age does surfactant production begin? A) 16 weeks B) 20 weeks C) 24 weeks D) 28 weeks Correct Answer: C Rationale: Surfactant production begins around 24 weeks of gestation and is usually adequate by 34-36 weeks. Surfactant reduces alveolar surface tension and is critical for lung expansion after birth. ________________________________________ Question 5: A newborn is exhibiting nasal flaring, grunting, and retractions. What is the priority nursing action? A) Place the newborn in a prone position B) Administer oral glucose C) Notify the healthcare provider immediately D) Assess the newborn's temperature Correct Answer: C Rationale: Nasal flaring, grunting, and retractions are signs of respiratory distress. The provider must be notified immediately for prompt evaluation and intervention to prevent respiratory failure. ________________________________________ Question 6: A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a pregnant patient with gestational diabetes. Which meal choice indicates understanding? A) Pasta with cream sauce and white bread B) Grilled chicken with brown rice and steamed broccoli C) Pancakes with syrup and orange juice D) Hamburger with french fries and soda Correct Answer: B Rationale: Grilled chicken with brown rice and steamed broccoli provides lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber, which help maintain stable blood glucose levels. Simple sugars and refined carbs should be avoided. ________________________________________ Question 7: During a vaginal delivery, the nurse observes the umbilical cord protruding from the vagina. What is the immediate nursing action? A) Push the cord back into the uterus B) Place the patient in the Trendelenburg position C) Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula D) Perform a vaginal exam to assess dilation Correct Answer: B Rationale: Placing the patient in Trendelenburg or knee-chest position relieves cord compression and improves fetal perfusion. The cord should never be pushed back, and oxygen should be administered at high flow. ________________________________________ Question 8: A nurse is assessing a 1-day-old newborn and notes a heart rate of 160 bpm. Which action should the nurse take? A) Notify the healthcare provider immediately B) Document the finding as normal C) Assess the newborn for signs of respiratory distress D) Place the newborn on a cardiac monitor Correct Answer: B Rationale: The normal resting heart rate for a newborn is 120-160 bpm. A rate of 160 bpm is within normal limits and should be documented without intervention. ________________________________________ Question 9: A postpartum patient is prescribed methylergonovine for uterine atony. Which finding would contraindicate administration? A) Blood pressure 142/90 mmHg B) Heart rate 80 bpm C) Respiratory rate 18 breaths per minute D) Temperature 37.2°C Correct Answer: A Rationale: Methylergonovine is contraindicated in patients with hypertension because it causes vasoconstriction and can dangerously elevate blood pressure. It should not be used in preeclamptic or hypertensive patients. ________________________________________ Question 10: A nurse is educating a patient about Braxton-Hicks contractions. Which statement indicates correct understanding? A) These contractions indicate preterm labor B) They are typically irregular and painless C) They become stronger with walking D) They are accompanied by vaginal bleeding Correct Answer: B Rationale: Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular, intermittent, and usually painless. They are practice contractions that do not cause cervical change and typically decrease with activity or hydration. ________________________________________ Question 11: A newborn is born via cesarean section and has Apgar scores of 6 at 1 minute and 8 at 5 minutes. Which interpretation is correct? A) The newborn requires immediate resuscitation B) The newborn is in severe distress