ATI Maternal Newborn Review 2026/2027 |
ACTUAL-Style Practice Questions & Answers,
ATI RN Exam Prep, Maternity Nursing,
Pregnancy Complications, Labor and Delivery,
Postpartum Care, and Newborn Assessment
Question 1: A nurse is calculating a client's expected date of birth using
Naegele's rule. The client reports that her last menstrual period began
on October 10. What is the client's estimated date of birth?
A. July 3
B. July 10
C. July 17
D. July 24
CORRECT ANSWER: C. July 17
Rationale: Naegele's rule involves subtracting 3 months from the first day
of the last menstrual period and adding 7 days. October 10 minus 3 months
is July 10; adding 7 days yields July 17 of the following year.
Question 2: A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is
at 33 weeks of gestation and has preeclampsia. Which of the following
findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Hemoglobin 11.5 g/dL
B. BUN 35 mg/dL
C. Platelet count 180,000/mm³
D. Hematocrit 34%
CORRECT ANSWER: B. BUN 35 mg/dL
Rationale: A BUN of 35 mg/dL is elevated (normal range 10–20 mg/dL) and
suggests impaired renal perfusion or function, which may indicate
worsening preeclampsia. Hemoglobin, platelet count, and hematocrit
values listed are within acceptable ranges for pregnancy.
Question 3: A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born vaginally
with vacuum extractor assistance. The nurse notes swelling over the
newborn's head that crosses the suture line. The nurse should identify
this finding as which of the following?
A. Cephalohematoma
B. Caput succedaneum
,C. Subgaleal hemorrhage
D. Erythema toxicum
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Caput succedaneum
Rationale: Caput succedaneum is edema of the scalp that crosses suture
lines and is commonly associated with vacuum-assisted delivery.
Cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal hemorrhage that does not cross
suture lines.
Question 4: A nurse is caring for a client who is in the transition phase
of labor. Which of the following nursing actions is appropriate?
A. Assist the client to void every 3 hours
B. Monitor contractions every 30 minutes
C. Encourage the client to use a pant-blow breathing pattern
D. Place the client in a lithotomy position
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Encourage the client to use a pant-blow
breathing pattern
Rationale: The transition phase is the most intense part of labor, and pant-
blow breathing helps the client avoid pushing before complete dilation. The
client should be encouraged to void every 1–2 hours, contractions should
be monitored more frequently, and lithotomy position is reserved for
delivery.
Question 5: A nurse is assessing a client who gave birth 1 week ago. The
client states, "I love my baby, but I feel so let down and I seem to cry for
no reason." The nurse should identify that the client is experiencing
which of the following?
A. Postpartum depression
B. Postpartum blues
C. Taking-in phase
D. Taking-hold phase
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Postpartum blues
Rationale: Postpartum blues typically occur within the first 2 weeks after
delivery and include mood swings, tearfulness, and feelings of being
overwhelmed. These symptoms are transient and do not interfere with daily
functioning, unlike postpartum depression.
,Question 6: A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is at 12 weeks
of gestation and has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates understanding of the
teaching?
A. "I will take this pill with my breakfast."
B. "I will take this medication with a glass of milk."
C. "I plan to drink more orange juice while taking this pill."
D. "I plan to add more calcium-rich foods to my diet while taking this
medication."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I plan to drink more orange juice while taking
this pill."
Rationale: Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron. Orange juice is a
good source of vitamin C. Milk and calcium-rich foods inhibit iron
absorption, and taking iron on an empty stomach is preferred when
tolerated.
Question 7: A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 12 hours old. Which
of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Acrocyanosis of the extremities
B. Substernal chest retractions while sleeping
C. Positive Babinski reflex
D. Heart rate of 145/min
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Substernal chest retractions while sleeping
Rationale: Substernal chest retractions indicate respiratory distress in a
newborn and require immediate intervention. Acrocyanosis, positive
Babinski reflex, and a heart rate of 145/min are normal newborn findings.
Question 8: A nurse is performing a vaginal examination on a client who
is in labor and observes the umbilical cord protruding from the vagina.
After calling for assistance, which of the following actions should the
nurse take next?
A. Initiate an infusion of IV fluids
B. Apply upward pressure on the presenting part
C. Administer oxygen via nonrebreather mask at 8 L/min
D. Cover the umbilical cord with a sterile saline-saturated towel
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apply upward pressure on the presenting part
Rationale: The priority nursing action for a prolapsed umbilical cord is to
relieve pressure on the cord by applying upward pressure on the presenting
part with a sterile gloved hand. This restores perfusion to the fetus while
preparing for emergency delivery.
Question 9: A nurse is providing teaching about newborn safety to a
client who is being admitted for induction of labor. Which of the
following client statements indicates an understanding of the
teaching?
A. "I will allow my baby to sleep on the bed in my room when I am in the
shower."
B. "I should include a photo of my baby along with any public birth
announcements to social media."
C. "I will check the identification badge of anyone who removes my baby
from our room."
D. "I should expect the nurses to carry my baby in their arms to the nursery."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I will check the identification badge of anyone
who removes my baby from our room."
Rationale: Verifying identification badges of anyone who removes the
newborn from the room is a critical safety measure to prevent infant
abduction. Newborns should never be left unattended on a bed, and birth
announcements should not include identifying information or photos on
public platforms.
Question 10: A nurse is assessing a client who is at 31 weeks of
gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as
an indication of a potential prenatal complication?
A. Periodic tingling of fingers
B. Absence of clonus
C. Leg cramps
D. Blurred vision
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Blurred vision
Rationale: Blurred vision is a neurologic manifestation that may indicate
preeclampsia with severe features and requires immediate evaluation.
ACTUAL-Style Practice Questions & Answers,
ATI RN Exam Prep, Maternity Nursing,
Pregnancy Complications, Labor and Delivery,
Postpartum Care, and Newborn Assessment
Question 1: A nurse is calculating a client's expected date of birth using
Naegele's rule. The client reports that her last menstrual period began
on October 10. What is the client's estimated date of birth?
A. July 3
B. July 10
C. July 17
D. July 24
CORRECT ANSWER: C. July 17
Rationale: Naegele's rule involves subtracting 3 months from the first day
of the last menstrual period and adding 7 days. October 10 minus 3 months
is July 10; adding 7 days yields July 17 of the following year.
Question 2: A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is
at 33 weeks of gestation and has preeclampsia. Which of the following
findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Hemoglobin 11.5 g/dL
B. BUN 35 mg/dL
C. Platelet count 180,000/mm³
D. Hematocrit 34%
CORRECT ANSWER: B. BUN 35 mg/dL
Rationale: A BUN of 35 mg/dL is elevated (normal range 10–20 mg/dL) and
suggests impaired renal perfusion or function, which may indicate
worsening preeclampsia. Hemoglobin, platelet count, and hematocrit
values listed are within acceptable ranges for pregnancy.
Question 3: A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born vaginally
with vacuum extractor assistance. The nurse notes swelling over the
newborn's head that crosses the suture line. The nurse should identify
this finding as which of the following?
A. Cephalohematoma
B. Caput succedaneum
,C. Subgaleal hemorrhage
D. Erythema toxicum
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Caput succedaneum
Rationale: Caput succedaneum is edema of the scalp that crosses suture
lines and is commonly associated with vacuum-assisted delivery.
Cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal hemorrhage that does not cross
suture lines.
Question 4: A nurse is caring for a client who is in the transition phase
of labor. Which of the following nursing actions is appropriate?
A. Assist the client to void every 3 hours
B. Monitor contractions every 30 minutes
C. Encourage the client to use a pant-blow breathing pattern
D. Place the client in a lithotomy position
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Encourage the client to use a pant-blow
breathing pattern
Rationale: The transition phase is the most intense part of labor, and pant-
blow breathing helps the client avoid pushing before complete dilation. The
client should be encouraged to void every 1–2 hours, contractions should
be monitored more frequently, and lithotomy position is reserved for
delivery.
Question 5: A nurse is assessing a client who gave birth 1 week ago. The
client states, "I love my baby, but I feel so let down and I seem to cry for
no reason." The nurse should identify that the client is experiencing
which of the following?
A. Postpartum depression
B. Postpartum blues
C. Taking-in phase
D. Taking-hold phase
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Postpartum blues
Rationale: Postpartum blues typically occur within the first 2 weeks after
delivery and include mood swings, tearfulness, and feelings of being
overwhelmed. These symptoms are transient and do not interfere with daily
functioning, unlike postpartum depression.
,Question 6: A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is at 12 weeks
of gestation and has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates understanding of the
teaching?
A. "I will take this pill with my breakfast."
B. "I will take this medication with a glass of milk."
C. "I plan to drink more orange juice while taking this pill."
D. "I plan to add more calcium-rich foods to my diet while taking this
medication."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I plan to drink more orange juice while taking
this pill."
Rationale: Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron. Orange juice is a
good source of vitamin C. Milk and calcium-rich foods inhibit iron
absorption, and taking iron on an empty stomach is preferred when
tolerated.
Question 7: A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 12 hours old. Which
of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Acrocyanosis of the extremities
B. Substernal chest retractions while sleeping
C. Positive Babinski reflex
D. Heart rate of 145/min
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Substernal chest retractions while sleeping
Rationale: Substernal chest retractions indicate respiratory distress in a
newborn and require immediate intervention. Acrocyanosis, positive
Babinski reflex, and a heart rate of 145/min are normal newborn findings.
Question 8: A nurse is performing a vaginal examination on a client who
is in labor and observes the umbilical cord protruding from the vagina.
After calling for assistance, which of the following actions should the
nurse take next?
A. Initiate an infusion of IV fluids
B. Apply upward pressure on the presenting part
C. Administer oxygen via nonrebreather mask at 8 L/min
D. Cover the umbilical cord with a sterile saline-saturated towel
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apply upward pressure on the presenting part
Rationale: The priority nursing action for a prolapsed umbilical cord is to
relieve pressure on the cord by applying upward pressure on the presenting
part with a sterile gloved hand. This restores perfusion to the fetus while
preparing for emergency delivery.
Question 9: A nurse is providing teaching about newborn safety to a
client who is being admitted for induction of labor. Which of the
following client statements indicates an understanding of the
teaching?
A. "I will allow my baby to sleep on the bed in my room when I am in the
shower."
B. "I should include a photo of my baby along with any public birth
announcements to social media."
C. "I will check the identification badge of anyone who removes my baby
from our room."
D. "I should expect the nurses to carry my baby in their arms to the nursery."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I will check the identification badge of anyone
who removes my baby from our room."
Rationale: Verifying identification badges of anyone who removes the
newborn from the room is a critical safety measure to prevent infant
abduction. Newborns should never be left unattended on a bed, and birth
announcements should not include identifying information or photos on
public platforms.
Question 10: A nurse is assessing a client who is at 31 weeks of
gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as
an indication of a potential prenatal complication?
A. Periodic tingling of fingers
B. Absence of clonus
C. Leg cramps
D. Blurred vision
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Blurred vision
Rationale: Blurred vision is a neurologic manifestation that may indicate
preeclampsia with severe features and requires immediate evaluation.
