Fall Semester 2026–2027 ATI Detailed Answer Key
Postpartum & Newborn Updated 2026 | 190+
Questions and Answers | ATI Maternal-Newborn
Nursing Study Guide, Practice Exam,
Comprehensive Review, Exam Prep Test Bank,
Postpartum Assessment, Newborn Care, Neonatal
Transition, Breastfeeding, Maternal Complications,
Newborn Safety, Family-Centered Care, ATI RN
Review, Detailed Rationales and Complete Revision
Material
Question 1: A nurse is assessing a client who is 12 hours postpartum. The
client reports a severe, sharp, localized headache that is not relieved by oral
analgesics. The nurse notes a blood pressure of 160/90 mmHg and decreased
deep tendon reflexes. Which of the following medications should the nurse
anticipate administering?
A. Naloxone
B. Magnesium sulfate
C. Methylergonovine
D. Oxytocin
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Magnesium sulfate
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is the medication of choice to prevent seizures in clients
with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. The symptoms of a severe headache, elevated
blood pressure, and decreased reflexes are classic signs of severe preeclampsia, and the
administration of magnesium sulfate is indicated. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist,
methylergonovine is used for postpartum hemorrhage, and oxytocin is used to augment
or induce labor or prevent hemorrhage.
Question 2: A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 24 hours old. The nurse
notes a yellow tint to the skin and sclera. The newborn's serum bilirubin level
is 12 mg/dL. Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse to
take?
A. Administer vitamin K intramuscularly
B. Initiate phototherapy
C. Increase oral feeding frequency
D. Obtain a direct Coombs test
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Increase oral feeding frequency
Rationale: The priority intervention for a newborn with elevated bilirubin is to promote
excretion through increased stooling. Frequent feeding helps stimulate peristalsis, which
helps the baby pass meconium and bilirubin in the stool. Phototherapy may be indicated
,at higher levels, vitamin K does not affect bilirubin, and a Coombs test is diagnostic but
not the priority intervention.
Question 3: A postpartum client who is breastfeeding reports nipple soreness
and visible cracking on the left nipple. The nurse observes the infant's latch
and notes that the infant's mouth is not covering the areola adequately. Which
of the following instructions is most appropriate for the nurse to provide?
A. "Apply lanolin cream after each feeding and cover with a plastic wrap."
B. "Wait longer between feedings to allow the nipple to heal."
C. "Break the infant's suction by inserting your finger into the corner of the mouth before
removing the infant."
D. "Tilt the infant's head back and bring the infant to the breast, chin first."
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Tilt the infant's head back and bring the infant to the
breast, chin first.
Rationale: A proper latch involves the infant taking a large portion of the areola into the
mouth. By tilting the head back and bringing the infant chin-first to the breast, the baby
will open wide and achieve a deeper latch, which is essential for effective breastfeeding
and preventing nipple trauma. Lanolin helps but does not correct the underlying latch
issue, delaying feedings can worsen engorgement, and breaking suction is proper for
removal but does not address the latch.
Question 4: A nurse is performing a fundal assessment on a client who is 2
hours postpartum. The nurse notes that the fundus is firm, midline, and at the
level of the umbilicus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take
based on these findings?
A. Massage the fundus vigorously
B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
C. Document the findings as expected
D. Administer oxytocin per protocol
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Document the findings as expected
Rationale: At 2 hours postpartum, a firm, midline fundus at the level of the umbilicus is
a normal and expected finding. It indicates that the uterus is contracting well and there
is no excessive bleeding. No intervention is needed. Massaging a firm fundus is
unnecessary and may cause discomfort, and notifying the provider is not indicated.
Question 5: A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 8 hours old. The nurse
observes that the newborn's respiratory rate is 60 breaths per minute with
occasional grunting. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
,A. Continue to monitor the newborn's respiratory status every 30 minutes
B. Place the newborn in a supine position
C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
D. Notify the healthcare provider of the assessment findings
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Notify the healthcare provider of the assessment
findings
Rationale: A normal respiratory rate for a newborn is 30-60 breaths per minute.
Grunting is an abnormal finding that suggests respiratory distress. The priority action is
to notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation. While monitoring is important,
the presence of grunting warrants immediate communication with the provider.
Question 6: A postpartum client asks the nurse about when she can resume
sexual intercourse. Which of the following responses is most appropriate?
A. "You can resume intercourse as soon as you feel comfortable, usually around 2
weeks."
B. "It is recommended to wait until your 6-week postpartum checkup for clearance."
C. "You may resume intercourse once the lochia flow has stopped completely."
D. "You should wait at least 3 months to allow the episiotomy to heal."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It is recommended to wait until your 6-week
postpartum checkup for clearance.
Rationale: Healthcare providers typically recommend waiting until the 6-week
postpartum checkup to resume sexual intercourse. This allows time for the uterus to
involute, the perineum to heal (especially if there was an episiotomy or tear), and for
bleeding to cease. Comfort and lubrication may also be diminished with breastfeeding.
Question 7: A nurse is assessing a newborn's reflexes. The nurse places a
finger in the newborn's palm, and the newborn grasps the finger. The nurse
then pulls the newborn to a sitting position. Which of the following reflexes is
the nurse testing?
A. Moro reflex
B. Rooting reflex
C. Tonic neck reflex
D. Grasp reflex
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Grasp reflex
Rationale: The grasp reflex is elicited by placing a finger or object in the newborn's
palm, causing the newborn to grasp it. If the nurse then pulls the newborn to a sitting
position, the grasp reflex is being tested. The Moro reflex is a startle reflex, rooting is
turning toward a stimulus on the cheek, and the tonic neck reflex is the fencing position.
, Question 8: A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 days postpartum and is
experiencing breast engorgement. Which of the following interventions is most
effective in relieving the discomfort?
A. Applying cold packs to the breasts before feedings
B. Applying warm compresses to the breasts before feedings and expressing a small
amount of milk
C. Wearing a tight-fitting brassiere continuously
D. Limiting the infant's time at the breast to 5 minutes per side
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Applying warm compresses to the breasts before
feedings and expressing a small amount of milk
Rationale: Warm compresses help promote the let-down reflex and soften the areola,
making it easier for the infant to latch on. Expressing a small amount of milk before
feeding reduces the firmness, allowing the infant to grasp the areola effectively. Cold
packs are best used after feedings to reduce swelling.
Question 9: A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of teaching for a client who
will be caring for her newborn's circumcision. Which of the following
statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will clean the penis with warm water at every diaper change."
B. "I will apply petroleum jelly to the glans with each diaper change."
C. "I will gently remove the yellow crust that forms on the glans."
D. "I will fasten the diaper loosely over the penis."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I will gently remove the yellow crust that forms on
the glans."
Rationale: The yellow crust or exudate that forms on the glans is a normal part of the
healing process and is not a sign of infection. It should not be forcibly removed as it will
slough off naturally. Cleansing with warm water, applying petroleum jelly, and loosely
fastening the diaper are all correct interventions.
Question 10: A client is 1 week postpartum. She reports feeling sad, irritable,
and fatigued. She also states she has difficulty sleeping and cries for no reason.
Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing response?
A. "These are normal 'baby blues' and will likely resolve in a few weeks."
B. "You may be experiencing postpartum depression. Let's talk to your provider about
this."
C. "I will have the provider prescribe a mild sedative for you."
D. "You need to rest more and avoid visitors for a while."
Postpartum & Newborn Updated 2026 | 190+
Questions and Answers | ATI Maternal-Newborn
Nursing Study Guide, Practice Exam,
Comprehensive Review, Exam Prep Test Bank,
Postpartum Assessment, Newborn Care, Neonatal
Transition, Breastfeeding, Maternal Complications,
Newborn Safety, Family-Centered Care, ATI RN
Review, Detailed Rationales and Complete Revision
Material
Question 1: A nurse is assessing a client who is 12 hours postpartum. The
client reports a severe, sharp, localized headache that is not relieved by oral
analgesics. The nurse notes a blood pressure of 160/90 mmHg and decreased
deep tendon reflexes. Which of the following medications should the nurse
anticipate administering?
A. Naloxone
B. Magnesium sulfate
C. Methylergonovine
D. Oxytocin
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Magnesium sulfate
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is the medication of choice to prevent seizures in clients
with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. The symptoms of a severe headache, elevated
blood pressure, and decreased reflexes are classic signs of severe preeclampsia, and the
administration of magnesium sulfate is indicated. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist,
methylergonovine is used for postpartum hemorrhage, and oxytocin is used to augment
or induce labor or prevent hemorrhage.
Question 2: A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 24 hours old. The nurse
notes a yellow tint to the skin and sclera. The newborn's serum bilirubin level
is 12 mg/dL. Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse to
take?
A. Administer vitamin K intramuscularly
B. Initiate phototherapy
C. Increase oral feeding frequency
D. Obtain a direct Coombs test
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Increase oral feeding frequency
Rationale: The priority intervention for a newborn with elevated bilirubin is to promote
excretion through increased stooling. Frequent feeding helps stimulate peristalsis, which
helps the baby pass meconium and bilirubin in the stool. Phototherapy may be indicated
,at higher levels, vitamin K does not affect bilirubin, and a Coombs test is diagnostic but
not the priority intervention.
Question 3: A postpartum client who is breastfeeding reports nipple soreness
and visible cracking on the left nipple. The nurse observes the infant's latch
and notes that the infant's mouth is not covering the areola adequately. Which
of the following instructions is most appropriate for the nurse to provide?
A. "Apply lanolin cream after each feeding and cover with a plastic wrap."
B. "Wait longer between feedings to allow the nipple to heal."
C. "Break the infant's suction by inserting your finger into the corner of the mouth before
removing the infant."
D. "Tilt the infant's head back and bring the infant to the breast, chin first."
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Tilt the infant's head back and bring the infant to the
breast, chin first.
Rationale: A proper latch involves the infant taking a large portion of the areola into the
mouth. By tilting the head back and bringing the infant chin-first to the breast, the baby
will open wide and achieve a deeper latch, which is essential for effective breastfeeding
and preventing nipple trauma. Lanolin helps but does not correct the underlying latch
issue, delaying feedings can worsen engorgement, and breaking suction is proper for
removal but does not address the latch.
Question 4: A nurse is performing a fundal assessment on a client who is 2
hours postpartum. The nurse notes that the fundus is firm, midline, and at the
level of the umbilicus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take
based on these findings?
A. Massage the fundus vigorously
B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
C. Document the findings as expected
D. Administer oxytocin per protocol
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Document the findings as expected
Rationale: At 2 hours postpartum, a firm, midline fundus at the level of the umbilicus is
a normal and expected finding. It indicates that the uterus is contracting well and there
is no excessive bleeding. No intervention is needed. Massaging a firm fundus is
unnecessary and may cause discomfort, and notifying the provider is not indicated.
Question 5: A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 8 hours old. The nurse
observes that the newborn's respiratory rate is 60 breaths per minute with
occasional grunting. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
,A. Continue to monitor the newborn's respiratory status every 30 minutes
B. Place the newborn in a supine position
C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
D. Notify the healthcare provider of the assessment findings
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Notify the healthcare provider of the assessment
findings
Rationale: A normal respiratory rate for a newborn is 30-60 breaths per minute.
Grunting is an abnormal finding that suggests respiratory distress. The priority action is
to notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation. While monitoring is important,
the presence of grunting warrants immediate communication with the provider.
Question 6: A postpartum client asks the nurse about when she can resume
sexual intercourse. Which of the following responses is most appropriate?
A. "You can resume intercourse as soon as you feel comfortable, usually around 2
weeks."
B. "It is recommended to wait until your 6-week postpartum checkup for clearance."
C. "You may resume intercourse once the lochia flow has stopped completely."
D. "You should wait at least 3 months to allow the episiotomy to heal."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It is recommended to wait until your 6-week
postpartum checkup for clearance.
Rationale: Healthcare providers typically recommend waiting until the 6-week
postpartum checkup to resume sexual intercourse. This allows time for the uterus to
involute, the perineum to heal (especially if there was an episiotomy or tear), and for
bleeding to cease. Comfort and lubrication may also be diminished with breastfeeding.
Question 7: A nurse is assessing a newborn's reflexes. The nurse places a
finger in the newborn's palm, and the newborn grasps the finger. The nurse
then pulls the newborn to a sitting position. Which of the following reflexes is
the nurse testing?
A. Moro reflex
B. Rooting reflex
C. Tonic neck reflex
D. Grasp reflex
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Grasp reflex
Rationale: The grasp reflex is elicited by placing a finger or object in the newborn's
palm, causing the newborn to grasp it. If the nurse then pulls the newborn to a sitting
position, the grasp reflex is being tested. The Moro reflex is a startle reflex, rooting is
turning toward a stimulus on the cheek, and the tonic neck reflex is the fencing position.
, Question 8: A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 days postpartum and is
experiencing breast engorgement. Which of the following interventions is most
effective in relieving the discomfort?
A. Applying cold packs to the breasts before feedings
B. Applying warm compresses to the breasts before feedings and expressing a small
amount of milk
C. Wearing a tight-fitting brassiere continuously
D. Limiting the infant's time at the breast to 5 minutes per side
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Applying warm compresses to the breasts before
feedings and expressing a small amount of milk
Rationale: Warm compresses help promote the let-down reflex and soften the areola,
making it easier for the infant to latch on. Expressing a small amount of milk before
feeding reduces the firmness, allowing the infant to grasp the areola effectively. Cold
packs are best used after feedings to reduce swelling.
Question 9: A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of teaching for a client who
will be caring for her newborn's circumcision. Which of the following
statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will clean the penis with warm water at every diaper change."
B. "I will apply petroleum jelly to the glans with each diaper change."
C. "I will gently remove the yellow crust that forms on the glans."
D. "I will fasten the diaper loosely over the penis."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I will gently remove the yellow crust that forms on
the glans."
Rationale: The yellow crust or exudate that forms on the glans is a normal part of the
healing process and is not a sign of infection. It should not be forcibly removed as it will
slough off naturally. Cleansing with warm water, applying petroleum jelly, and loosely
fastening the diaper are all correct interventions.
Question 10: A client is 1 week postpartum. She reports feeling sad, irritable,
and fatigued. She also states she has difficulty sleeping and cries for no reason.
Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing response?
A. "These are normal 'baby blues' and will likely resolve in a few weeks."
B. "You may be experiencing postpartum depression. Let's talk to your provider about
this."
C. "I will have the provider prescribe a mild sedative for you."
D. "You need to rest more and avoid visitors for a while."
