ATI RN MATERNAL NEWBORN PROCTORED
EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
PDF.
Core Domains
• Antepartum Nursing Care and Assessment
• Intrapartum Labor and Delivery Management
• Postpartum Recovery and Complications
• Newborn Assessment and Transition to Extrauterine Life
• High-Risk Pregnancy and Obstetrical Emergencies
• Pharmacology and Intravenous Therapy in Maternal-Newborn Nursing
• Patient Education and Discharge Planning
• Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards in Perinatal Care
• Fetal Monitoring and Interpretation
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed for registered nursing students
preparing for the ATI RN Maternal Newborn Proctored Examination. The exam
evaluates foundational knowledge, applied clinical judgment, and critical decision-
making skills essential for safe and effective perinatal nursing practice. Questions
encompass a wide spectrum of topics, including prenatal care, labor and delivery,
postpartum recovery, newborn assessment, and the management of high-risk
obstetrical conditions. Utilizing a multiple-choice and scenario-based format, this
examination emphasizes the real-world application of evidence-based practice,
,pharmacological interventions, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of the
registered nurse in maternal-newborn care settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is at 8 weeks of gestation about
folic acid supplementation. Which of the following statements by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to prevent iron deficiency
anemia."
B. "Folic acid is most important during the third trimester for fetal brain
development."
C. "Folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects in my baby."
D. "I will get enough folic acid from eating a balanced diet without supplements."
C. "Folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects in my baby."
RATIONALE: The primary benefit of folic acid supplementation (400-800 mcg
daily) before and during early pregnancy is the significant reduction in the risk of
neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly . It does not primarily
prevent iron deficiency anemia. It is most critical in the first trimester when the
neural tube closes. While a balanced diet is important, it is difficult to obtain
adequate folic acid for pregnancy prevention solely through diet, making
supplementation necessary .
2. A nurse is assessing a client at 35 weeks of gestation who has a diagnosis of
placenta previa. Which of the following findings is most consistent with this
condition?
A. Painful, dark red vaginal bleeding with a rigid abdomen
B. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
C. Severe abdominal pain with fetal bradycardia
D. Uterine hypertonicity and contractions
, B. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
RATIONALE: Placenta previa, a condition where the placenta implants in the
lower uterine segment, is characterized by painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in
the second or third trimester . The bleeding is due to the disruption of the placental
blood vessels as the cervix effaces and dilates. Painful bleeding and uterine rigidity
are classic signs of placental abruption, not placenta previa .
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postpartum following a vaginal
delivery. The client's lochia is bright red and contains small clots. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
A. Notify the provider of possible retained placental fragments.
B. Document the finding as expected for this stage of recovery.
C. Apply ice packs to the perineum to reduce bleeding.
D. Administer methylergonovine as prescribed.
B. Document the finding as expected for this stage of recovery.
RATIONALE: Lochia rubra, which is bright red and may contain small clots, is
the expected finding for the first 1 to 3 days postpartum . It is not an indication of
retained placental fragments at 24 hours unless it is heavy, has large clots, or has a
foul odor. Applying ice packs and administering methylergonovine are interventions
for abnormal bleeding or uterine atony, not normal lochia rubra .
4. A nurse is reviewing the prenatal record of a client at 16 weeks of gestation.
Which of the following findings requires further evaluation?
A. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) level elevated
B. Quickening reported by the client
C. Fundal height of 16 cm
D. Hemoglobin level of 11.5 g/dL
A. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) level elevated
RATIONALE: An elevated MSAFP level may indicate a neural tube defect,
multiple gestation, or an incorrect gestational age. It requires further evaluation,
, often with an ultrasound and possibly amniocentesis . Quickening is typically felt
between 16 and 20 weeks and is a normal finding. A fundal height of 16 cm at 16
weeks gestation is on target, and a hemoglobin of 11.5 g/dL is within the normal
range for pregnancy .
5. A nurse is preparing to administer Rho(D) immune globulin to a client. The
nurse understands that this medication is given to:
A. Treat Rh-positive newborns for hemolytic disease.
B. Prevent Rh isoimmunization in Rh-negative mothers.
C. Treat maternal anemia caused by Rh incompatibility.
D. Prevent fetal hemolytic disease in Rh-negative newborns.
B. Prevent Rh isoimmunization in Rh-negative mothers.
RATIONALE: Rho(D) immune globulin is administered to Rh-negative mothers
to prevent the development of Rh antibodies (isoimmunization). It works by
destroying any Rh-positive fetal red blood cells that may have entered the maternal
circulation, thereby preventing the mother's immune system from mounting a
response. It is not a treatment for the newborn or for maternal anemia .
6. A nurse is caring for a client in labor who is receiving oxytocin via IV infusion.
The nurse notes that the fetal monitor tracing shows late decelerations. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Stop the oxytocin infusion.
B. Administer oxygen via face mask at 10 L/min.
C. Reposition the client to a side-lying position.
D. Increase the rate of the primary IV infusion.
A. Stop the oxytocin infusion.
RATIONALE: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Oxytocin
can cause uterine hyperstimulation, which reduces placental blood flow. The
priority action is to remove the causative agent by stopping the oxytocin infusion .
Following this, the nurse should reposition the client, administer oxygen, and
increase IV fluids to improve placental perfusion.
EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
PDF.
Core Domains
• Antepartum Nursing Care and Assessment
• Intrapartum Labor and Delivery Management
• Postpartum Recovery and Complications
• Newborn Assessment and Transition to Extrauterine Life
• High-Risk Pregnancy and Obstetrical Emergencies
• Pharmacology and Intravenous Therapy in Maternal-Newborn Nursing
• Patient Education and Discharge Planning
• Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards in Perinatal Care
• Fetal Monitoring and Interpretation
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed for registered nursing students
preparing for the ATI RN Maternal Newborn Proctored Examination. The exam
evaluates foundational knowledge, applied clinical judgment, and critical decision-
making skills essential for safe and effective perinatal nursing practice. Questions
encompass a wide spectrum of topics, including prenatal care, labor and delivery,
postpartum recovery, newborn assessment, and the management of high-risk
obstetrical conditions. Utilizing a multiple-choice and scenario-based format, this
examination emphasizes the real-world application of evidence-based practice,
,pharmacological interventions, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of the
registered nurse in maternal-newborn care settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is at 8 weeks of gestation about
folic acid supplementation. Which of the following statements by the client
indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to prevent iron deficiency
anemia."
B. "Folic acid is most important during the third trimester for fetal brain
development."
C. "Folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects in my baby."
D. "I will get enough folic acid from eating a balanced diet without supplements."
C. "Folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects in my baby."
RATIONALE: The primary benefit of folic acid supplementation (400-800 mcg
daily) before and during early pregnancy is the significant reduction in the risk of
neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly . It does not primarily
prevent iron deficiency anemia. It is most critical in the first trimester when the
neural tube closes. While a balanced diet is important, it is difficult to obtain
adequate folic acid for pregnancy prevention solely through diet, making
supplementation necessary .
2. A nurse is assessing a client at 35 weeks of gestation who has a diagnosis of
placenta previa. Which of the following findings is most consistent with this
condition?
A. Painful, dark red vaginal bleeding with a rigid abdomen
B. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
C. Severe abdominal pain with fetal bradycardia
D. Uterine hypertonicity and contractions
, B. Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding
RATIONALE: Placenta previa, a condition where the placenta implants in the
lower uterine segment, is characterized by painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in
the second or third trimester . The bleeding is due to the disruption of the placental
blood vessels as the cervix effaces and dilates. Painful bleeding and uterine rigidity
are classic signs of placental abruption, not placenta previa .
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postpartum following a vaginal
delivery. The client's lochia is bright red and contains small clots. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
A. Notify the provider of possible retained placental fragments.
B. Document the finding as expected for this stage of recovery.
C. Apply ice packs to the perineum to reduce bleeding.
D. Administer methylergonovine as prescribed.
B. Document the finding as expected for this stage of recovery.
RATIONALE: Lochia rubra, which is bright red and may contain small clots, is
the expected finding for the first 1 to 3 days postpartum . It is not an indication of
retained placental fragments at 24 hours unless it is heavy, has large clots, or has a
foul odor. Applying ice packs and administering methylergonovine are interventions
for abnormal bleeding or uterine atony, not normal lochia rubra .
4. A nurse is reviewing the prenatal record of a client at 16 weeks of gestation.
Which of the following findings requires further evaluation?
A. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) level elevated
B. Quickening reported by the client
C. Fundal height of 16 cm
D. Hemoglobin level of 11.5 g/dL
A. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) level elevated
RATIONALE: An elevated MSAFP level may indicate a neural tube defect,
multiple gestation, or an incorrect gestational age. It requires further evaluation,
, often with an ultrasound and possibly amniocentesis . Quickening is typically felt
between 16 and 20 weeks and is a normal finding. A fundal height of 16 cm at 16
weeks gestation is on target, and a hemoglobin of 11.5 g/dL is within the normal
range for pregnancy .
5. A nurse is preparing to administer Rho(D) immune globulin to a client. The
nurse understands that this medication is given to:
A. Treat Rh-positive newborns for hemolytic disease.
B. Prevent Rh isoimmunization in Rh-negative mothers.
C. Treat maternal anemia caused by Rh incompatibility.
D. Prevent fetal hemolytic disease in Rh-negative newborns.
B. Prevent Rh isoimmunization in Rh-negative mothers.
RATIONALE: Rho(D) immune globulin is administered to Rh-negative mothers
to prevent the development of Rh antibodies (isoimmunization). It works by
destroying any Rh-positive fetal red blood cells that may have entered the maternal
circulation, thereby preventing the mother's immune system from mounting a
response. It is not a treatment for the newborn or for maternal anemia .
6. A nurse is caring for a client in labor who is receiving oxytocin via IV infusion.
The nurse notes that the fetal monitor tracing shows late decelerations. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Stop the oxytocin infusion.
B. Administer oxygen via face mask at 10 L/min.
C. Reposition the client to a side-lying position.
D. Increase the rate of the primary IV infusion.
A. Stop the oxytocin infusion.
RATIONALE: Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Oxytocin
can cause uterine hyperstimulation, which reduces placental blood flow. The
priority action is to remove the causative agent by stopping the oxytocin infusion .
Following this, the nurse should reposition the client, administer oxygen, and
increase IV fluids to improve placental perfusion.
