❖ Spring Semester 2026 – ATI PN Maternity Proctored Exam Prep |
200+ Practice Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales | Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, Newborn
Care & Complications – Fully Updated for 2026 ATI PN Proctored
Exam
Question 1:
What is the recommended initial step for a nurse when assessing a newborn's
gestational age?
A) Measure the length of the baby
B) Assess the baby's reflexes
C) Inspect the newborn's skin color
D) Use the Ballard score
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Use the Ballard score
Rationale:
The Ballard score is a standardized assessment tool used to determine the gestational
age of newborns based on physical and neuromuscular criteria. It provides an objective
way to evaluate a newborn's maturity, allowing for appropriate medical intervention if
necessary.
Question 2:
A mother is concerned about her baby's feeding habits. What is the most
appropriate response by the nurse?
A) "You should only breastfeed for the first week."
B) "Try to bottle-feed to establish a routine."
C) "Feeding on demand is best for your baby."
D) "You should limit feeding to every four hours."
CORRECT ANSWER: C) "Feeding on demand is best for your baby."
Rationale:
Feeding on demand is recommended to ensure that the baby receives sufficient
nutrition and to promote healthy weight gain. This approach encourages a strong
breastfeeding relationship and responds to the baby's hunger cues.
Question 3:
In a prenatal class, a nurse teaches about warning signs of pregnancy
complications. Which symptom should the nurse emphasize as a concern?
A) Occasional swelling of the feet
B) Mild abdominal discomfort
,C) Severe headaches with visual changes
D) Increased fatigue
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Severe headaches with visual changes
Rationale:
Severe headaches accompanied by visual changes may indicate serious conditions
such as preeclampsia. The nurse should emphasize that these symptoms require
immediate medical assessment to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
Question 4:
What is the primary purpose of the Apgar score?
A) To determine the need for neonatal resuscitation
B) To assess maternal health
C) To evaluate baby's feeding behavior
D) To measure the baby's weight
CORRECT ANSWER: A) To determine the need for neonatal resuscitation
Rationale:
The Apgar score is performed immediately after birth to quickly assess the newborn’s
physical condition. It provides a rapid evaluation of the need for resuscitation and helps
guide immediate interventions for the infant.
Question 5:
What is the most significant risk factor for developing gestational diabetes?
A) Age over 35
B) Family history of diabetes
C) Obesity
D) Previous low birth weight infant
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Obesity
Rationale:
Obesity is a well-known risk factor for developing gestational diabetes. It increases
insulin resistance and may lead to complications during pregnancy, emphasizing the
need for careful monitoring and dietary management.
Question 6:
During a prenatal visit, the nurse assesses fetal heart tones. When is the earliest
that this can typically be done?
,A) 8 weeks
B) 10 weeks
C) 12 weeks
D) 16 weeks
CORRECT ANSWER: B) 10 weeks
Rationale:
Fetal heart tones can usually be detected by 10 weeks' gestation using a Doppler
ultrasound device. Early detection allows for monitoring of fetal well-being and
reassurance for the mother.
Question 7:
What is the primary focus during the first trimester of prenatal care?
A) Identifying high-risk factors
B) Monitoring fetal development
C) Preparing for childbirth
D) Instructing on newborn care
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Identifying high-risk factors
Rationale:
Identifying high-risk factors in the first trimester is crucial for ensuring appropriate
interventions and care. Early detection can help manage complications throughout the
pregnancy.
Question 8:
A nurse teaches a pregnant woman about nutrition. Which advice should the nurse
provide regarding calorie intake during pregnancy?
A) "Increase your calorie intake by 100 calories daily."
B) "You need to double your usual calorie intake."
C) "Increase your calorie intake by 300 calories daily."
D) "Caloric intake does not change during pregnancy."
CORRECT ANSWER: C) "Increase your calorie intake by 300 calories daily."
Rationale:
Pregnant women are advised to increase their calorie intake by approximately 300
calories per day to support fetal growth and development, especially in the second and
third trimesters.
Question 9:
, Which maternal position is most recommended during labor to enhance fetal
oxygenation?
A) Supine
B) Lateral
C) Sitting
D) Standing
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Lateral
Rationale:
The lateral position is recommended during labor as it improves blood flow and
oxygenation to the fetus. It helps relieve pressure on major blood vessels and optimizes
uterine perfusion.
Question 10:
What is the purpose of administering Rho(D) immune globulin to a Rh-negative
mother?
A) To promote fetal lung maturity
B) To prevent Rh sensitization
C) To support maternal immune response
D) To treat gestational hypertension
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To prevent Rh sensitization
Rationale:
Rho(D) immune globulin is administered to prevent Rh sensitization in Rh-negative
mothers. Sensitization can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn in future
pregnancies if the baby is Rh-positive.
Question 11:
A woman in labor is experiencing severe back pain. Which position may provide
relief?
A) Supine
B) All fours
C) Sitting upright
D) Lithotomy
CORRECT ANSWER: B) All fours
Rationale:
The all-fours position can help alleviate back pain during labor by encouraging optimal
fetal positioning and reducing pressure on the lower back.
200+ Practice Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales | Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, Newborn
Care & Complications – Fully Updated for 2026 ATI PN Proctored
Exam
Question 1:
What is the recommended initial step for a nurse when assessing a newborn's
gestational age?
A) Measure the length of the baby
B) Assess the baby's reflexes
C) Inspect the newborn's skin color
D) Use the Ballard score
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Use the Ballard score
Rationale:
The Ballard score is a standardized assessment tool used to determine the gestational
age of newborns based on physical and neuromuscular criteria. It provides an objective
way to evaluate a newborn's maturity, allowing for appropriate medical intervention if
necessary.
Question 2:
A mother is concerned about her baby's feeding habits. What is the most
appropriate response by the nurse?
A) "You should only breastfeed for the first week."
B) "Try to bottle-feed to establish a routine."
C) "Feeding on demand is best for your baby."
D) "You should limit feeding to every four hours."
CORRECT ANSWER: C) "Feeding on demand is best for your baby."
Rationale:
Feeding on demand is recommended to ensure that the baby receives sufficient
nutrition and to promote healthy weight gain. This approach encourages a strong
breastfeeding relationship and responds to the baby's hunger cues.
Question 3:
In a prenatal class, a nurse teaches about warning signs of pregnancy
complications. Which symptom should the nurse emphasize as a concern?
A) Occasional swelling of the feet
B) Mild abdominal discomfort
,C) Severe headaches with visual changes
D) Increased fatigue
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Severe headaches with visual changes
Rationale:
Severe headaches accompanied by visual changes may indicate serious conditions
such as preeclampsia. The nurse should emphasize that these symptoms require
immediate medical assessment to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
Question 4:
What is the primary purpose of the Apgar score?
A) To determine the need for neonatal resuscitation
B) To assess maternal health
C) To evaluate baby's feeding behavior
D) To measure the baby's weight
CORRECT ANSWER: A) To determine the need for neonatal resuscitation
Rationale:
The Apgar score is performed immediately after birth to quickly assess the newborn’s
physical condition. It provides a rapid evaluation of the need for resuscitation and helps
guide immediate interventions for the infant.
Question 5:
What is the most significant risk factor for developing gestational diabetes?
A) Age over 35
B) Family history of diabetes
C) Obesity
D) Previous low birth weight infant
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Obesity
Rationale:
Obesity is a well-known risk factor for developing gestational diabetes. It increases
insulin resistance and may lead to complications during pregnancy, emphasizing the
need for careful monitoring and dietary management.
Question 6:
During a prenatal visit, the nurse assesses fetal heart tones. When is the earliest
that this can typically be done?
,A) 8 weeks
B) 10 weeks
C) 12 weeks
D) 16 weeks
CORRECT ANSWER: B) 10 weeks
Rationale:
Fetal heart tones can usually be detected by 10 weeks' gestation using a Doppler
ultrasound device. Early detection allows for monitoring of fetal well-being and
reassurance for the mother.
Question 7:
What is the primary focus during the first trimester of prenatal care?
A) Identifying high-risk factors
B) Monitoring fetal development
C) Preparing for childbirth
D) Instructing on newborn care
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Identifying high-risk factors
Rationale:
Identifying high-risk factors in the first trimester is crucial for ensuring appropriate
interventions and care. Early detection can help manage complications throughout the
pregnancy.
Question 8:
A nurse teaches a pregnant woman about nutrition. Which advice should the nurse
provide regarding calorie intake during pregnancy?
A) "Increase your calorie intake by 100 calories daily."
B) "You need to double your usual calorie intake."
C) "Increase your calorie intake by 300 calories daily."
D) "Caloric intake does not change during pregnancy."
CORRECT ANSWER: C) "Increase your calorie intake by 300 calories daily."
Rationale:
Pregnant women are advised to increase their calorie intake by approximately 300
calories per day to support fetal growth and development, especially in the second and
third trimesters.
Question 9:
, Which maternal position is most recommended during labor to enhance fetal
oxygenation?
A) Supine
B) Lateral
C) Sitting
D) Standing
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Lateral
Rationale:
The lateral position is recommended during labor as it improves blood flow and
oxygenation to the fetus. It helps relieve pressure on major blood vessels and optimizes
uterine perfusion.
Question 10:
What is the purpose of administering Rho(D) immune globulin to a Rh-negative
mother?
A) To promote fetal lung maturity
B) To prevent Rh sensitization
C) To support maternal immune response
D) To treat gestational hypertension
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To prevent Rh sensitization
Rationale:
Rho(D) immune globulin is administered to prevent Rh sensitization in Rh-negative
mothers. Sensitization can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn in future
pregnancies if the baby is Rh-positive.
Question 11:
A woman in labor is experiencing severe back pain. Which position may provide
relief?
A) Supine
B) All fours
C) Sitting upright
D) Lithotomy
CORRECT ANSWER: B) All fours
Rationale:
The all-fours position can help alleviate back pain during labor by encouraging optimal
fetal positioning and reducing pressure on the lower back.
