Ati Rn Maternal-Newborn High-Yield Practice
Questions, Answers, Rationales 2026!!! Actual
ANTEPARTUM / PREGNANCY
1. A client at 34 weeks of gestation is receiving magnesium sulfate for severe preeclampsia.
Which finding indicates magnesium toxicity?
A. BP 140/90 mm Hg
B. Respiratory rate 10/min
C. Urine output 50 mL/hr
D. Patellar reflexes +2
ANSWER: B. Respiratory rate 10/min
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate depresses the CNS. Toxicity can cause respiratory depression,
diminished/absent deep-tendon reflexes, and decreased urine output. Calcium gluconate is the
antidote.
2. Which finding is most concerning in a client with preeclampsia?
A. Mild ankle edema
B. Urinary frequency
C. Severe headache and visual disturbances
D. Increased appetite
ANSWER: C. Severe headache and visual disturbances
,Rationale: Severe headache, visual disturbances, epigastric/right-upper-quadrant pain, and
hyperreflexia can indicate severe preeclampsia and risk for seizure.
3. A pregnant client reports painless, bright-red vaginal bleeding at 32 weeks. Which condition
should the nurse suspect?
A. Abruptio placentae
B. Placenta previa
C. Ectopic pregnancy
D. Preterm labor
ANSWER: B. Placenta previa
Rationale: Placenta previa classically causes painless, bright-red vaginal bleeding in the second
or third trimester. Vaginal examination should be avoided until placenta location is known.
4. A client at 35 weeks has sudden abdominal pain, dark vaginal bleeding, and a rigid uterus.
Which condition is most likely?
A. Placenta previa
B. Abruptio placentae
C. Hydatidiform mole
D. Cervical insufficiency
ANSWER: B. Abruptio placentae
Rationale: Placental abruption involves premature separation of the placenta and commonly
causes painful bleeding, uterine tenderness, and a firm/rigid uterus.
5. Which medication is commonly administered to promote fetal lung maturity when preterm
birth is anticipated?
A. Oxytocin
,B. Betamethasone
C. Methylergonovine
D. Terbutaline
ANSWER: B. Betamethasone
Rationale: Antenatal corticosteroids such as betamethasone accelerate fetal lung maturation
and reduce complications associated with prematurity.
6. A client at 30 weeks reports regular uterine contractions, pelvic pressure, and low backache.
What should the nurse suspect?
A. Normal discomforts
B. Preterm labor
C. Braxton Hicks contractions
D. Quickening
ANSWER: B. Preterm labor
Rationale: Regular contractions accompanied by pelvic pressure, menstrual-like cramps, vaginal
changes, or persistent low backache can indicate preterm labor.
7. Which finding is an expected physiological change during pregnancy?
A. Decreased cardiac output
B. Increased urinary frequency
C. Persistent severe hypertension
D. Decreased blood volume
ANSWER: B. Increased urinary frequency
, Rationale: Increased renal blood flow and pressure of the enlarging uterus on the bladder can
cause urinary frequency, particularly during early and late pregnancy.
8. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a pregnant client experiencing constipation?
A. Decrease fluid intake
B. Increase fiber and fluids
C. Remain on bed rest
D. Avoid physical activity
ANSWER: B. Increase fiber and fluids
Rationale: Adequate fluids, dietary fiber, and appropriate physical activity help prevent
constipation during pregnancy.
9. Which position should a pregnant client use when experiencing supine hypotension?
A. Supine
B. Prone
C. Left lateral
D. High-Fowler's
ANSWER: C. Left lateral
Rationale: The left lateral position reduces pressure from the gravid uterus on the inferior vena
cava and improves venous return.
10. A client asks when fetal movement, or quickening, is usually first perceived. What is the
appropriate response?
A. 4–6 weeks
B. 8–10 weeks
Questions, Answers, Rationales 2026!!! Actual
ANTEPARTUM / PREGNANCY
1. A client at 34 weeks of gestation is receiving magnesium sulfate for severe preeclampsia.
Which finding indicates magnesium toxicity?
A. BP 140/90 mm Hg
B. Respiratory rate 10/min
C. Urine output 50 mL/hr
D. Patellar reflexes +2
ANSWER: B. Respiratory rate 10/min
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate depresses the CNS. Toxicity can cause respiratory depression,
diminished/absent deep-tendon reflexes, and decreased urine output. Calcium gluconate is the
antidote.
2. Which finding is most concerning in a client with preeclampsia?
A. Mild ankle edema
B. Urinary frequency
C. Severe headache and visual disturbances
D. Increased appetite
ANSWER: C. Severe headache and visual disturbances
,Rationale: Severe headache, visual disturbances, epigastric/right-upper-quadrant pain, and
hyperreflexia can indicate severe preeclampsia and risk for seizure.
3. A pregnant client reports painless, bright-red vaginal bleeding at 32 weeks. Which condition
should the nurse suspect?
A. Abruptio placentae
B. Placenta previa
C. Ectopic pregnancy
D. Preterm labor
ANSWER: B. Placenta previa
Rationale: Placenta previa classically causes painless, bright-red vaginal bleeding in the second
or third trimester. Vaginal examination should be avoided until placenta location is known.
4. A client at 35 weeks has sudden abdominal pain, dark vaginal bleeding, and a rigid uterus.
Which condition is most likely?
A. Placenta previa
B. Abruptio placentae
C. Hydatidiform mole
D. Cervical insufficiency
ANSWER: B. Abruptio placentae
Rationale: Placental abruption involves premature separation of the placenta and commonly
causes painful bleeding, uterine tenderness, and a firm/rigid uterus.
5. Which medication is commonly administered to promote fetal lung maturity when preterm
birth is anticipated?
A. Oxytocin
,B. Betamethasone
C. Methylergonovine
D. Terbutaline
ANSWER: B. Betamethasone
Rationale: Antenatal corticosteroids such as betamethasone accelerate fetal lung maturation
and reduce complications associated with prematurity.
6. A client at 30 weeks reports regular uterine contractions, pelvic pressure, and low backache.
What should the nurse suspect?
A. Normal discomforts
B. Preterm labor
C. Braxton Hicks contractions
D. Quickening
ANSWER: B. Preterm labor
Rationale: Regular contractions accompanied by pelvic pressure, menstrual-like cramps, vaginal
changes, or persistent low backache can indicate preterm labor.
7. Which finding is an expected physiological change during pregnancy?
A. Decreased cardiac output
B. Increased urinary frequency
C. Persistent severe hypertension
D. Decreased blood volume
ANSWER: B. Increased urinary frequency
, Rationale: Increased renal blood flow and pressure of the enlarging uterus on the bladder can
cause urinary frequency, particularly during early and late pregnancy.
8. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a pregnant client experiencing constipation?
A. Decrease fluid intake
B. Increase fiber and fluids
C. Remain on bed rest
D. Avoid physical activity
ANSWER: B. Increase fiber and fluids
Rationale: Adequate fluids, dietary fiber, and appropriate physical activity help prevent
constipation during pregnancy.
9. Which position should a pregnant client use when experiencing supine hypotension?
A. Supine
B. Prone
C. Left lateral
D. High-Fowler's
ANSWER: C. Left lateral
Rationale: The left lateral position reduces pressure from the gravid uterus on the inferior vena
cava and improves venous return.
10. A client asks when fetal movement, or quickening, is usually first perceived. What is the
appropriate response?
A. 4–6 weeks
B. 8–10 weeks
