RN ATI MATERNAL NEWBORN EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
Q&A 2026/2027 INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A nurse is assessing a client at 32 weeks of gestation. Which
finding should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Mild ankle edema
B. Urinary frequency
C. Blood pressure of 168/110 mm Hg
D. Heartburn after meals
Correct Answer: C. Blood pressure of 168/110 mm Hg
Rationale: Severe hypertension during pregnancy can indicate
severe preeclampsia and requires immediate evaluation to
prevent complications such as seizures or organ damage.
2. A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about foods high in
folic acid. Which food should the nurse recommend?
A. White bread
B. Spinach
C. Butter
D. Chicken broth
Correct Answer: B. Spinach
,Rationale: Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects and is
found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, and fortified grains.
3. A nurse is caring for a client in labor who is receiving
oxytocin. Which assessment finding requires discontinuation
of the medication?
A. Contractions every 3 minutes
B. Fetal heart rate of 140/min
C. Uterine contractions lasting 90 seconds
D. Cervical dilation increasing
Correct Answer: C. Uterine contractions lasting 90 seconds
Rationale: Prolonged contractions can decrease placental
oxygen exchange and increase the risk of fetal distress.
4. A nurse is assessing a newborn immediately after birth.
Which finding requires intervention?
A. Heart rate of 130/min
B. Acrocyanosis
C. Respiratory rate of 20/min
D. Strong cry
Correct Answer: C. Respiratory rate of 20/min
Rationale: Normal newborn respiratory rate is approximately
30–60/min. A rate of 20/min indicates respiratory depression.
,5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a postpartum
client. Which statement indicates understanding of uterine
involution?
A. “My uterus should return to its normal size within several
weeks.”
B. “My uterus will stay enlarged permanently.”
C. “Bleeding should increase every day.”
D. “Pain should worsen after discharge.”
Correct Answer: A. “My uterus should return to its normal size
within several weeks.”
Rationale: Uterine involution is the process by which the uterus
returns to its pre-pregnancy size, usually within 6 weeks.
6. A nurse is caring for a client receiving magnesium sulfate for
preeclampsia. Which finding indicates toxicity?
A. Urine output 50 mL/hr
B. Respiratory rate 10/min
C. Blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg
D. Deep tendon reflexes 2+
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory rate 10/min
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate toxicity can cause respiratory
depression, decreased reflexes, and cardiac complications.
, 7. A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about fetal movement
counting. Which instruction is correct?
A. Count movements after meals when the fetus is active
B. Count only once weekly
C. Stop counting after 20 weeks
D. Count movements only during labor
Correct Answer: A. Count movements after meals when the
fetus is active
Rationale: Daily fetal movement monitoring helps identify
possible fetal compromise.
8. A nurse is caring for a newborn receiving phototherapy.
Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Keep the newborn fully clothed
B. Cover the newborn’s eyes
C. Apply lotion frequently
D. Decrease fluid intake
Correct Answer: B. Cover the newborn’s eyes
Rationale: Eye protection prevents retinal injury during
phototherapy treatment for hyperbilirubinemia.
9. A nurse is assessing a postpartum client 1 hour after
delivery. Which finding requires immediate action?
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
Q&A 2026/2027 INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A nurse is assessing a client at 32 weeks of gestation. Which
finding should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Mild ankle edema
B. Urinary frequency
C. Blood pressure of 168/110 mm Hg
D. Heartburn after meals
Correct Answer: C. Blood pressure of 168/110 mm Hg
Rationale: Severe hypertension during pregnancy can indicate
severe preeclampsia and requires immediate evaluation to
prevent complications such as seizures or organ damage.
2. A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about foods high in
folic acid. Which food should the nurse recommend?
A. White bread
B. Spinach
C. Butter
D. Chicken broth
Correct Answer: B. Spinach
,Rationale: Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects and is
found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, and fortified grains.
3. A nurse is caring for a client in labor who is receiving
oxytocin. Which assessment finding requires discontinuation
of the medication?
A. Contractions every 3 minutes
B. Fetal heart rate of 140/min
C. Uterine contractions lasting 90 seconds
D. Cervical dilation increasing
Correct Answer: C. Uterine contractions lasting 90 seconds
Rationale: Prolonged contractions can decrease placental
oxygen exchange and increase the risk of fetal distress.
4. A nurse is assessing a newborn immediately after birth.
Which finding requires intervention?
A. Heart rate of 130/min
B. Acrocyanosis
C. Respiratory rate of 20/min
D. Strong cry
Correct Answer: C. Respiratory rate of 20/min
Rationale: Normal newborn respiratory rate is approximately
30–60/min. A rate of 20/min indicates respiratory depression.
,5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a postpartum
client. Which statement indicates understanding of uterine
involution?
A. “My uterus should return to its normal size within several
weeks.”
B. “My uterus will stay enlarged permanently.”
C. “Bleeding should increase every day.”
D. “Pain should worsen after discharge.”
Correct Answer: A. “My uterus should return to its normal size
within several weeks.”
Rationale: Uterine involution is the process by which the uterus
returns to its pre-pregnancy size, usually within 6 weeks.
6. A nurse is caring for a client receiving magnesium sulfate for
preeclampsia. Which finding indicates toxicity?
A. Urine output 50 mL/hr
B. Respiratory rate 10/min
C. Blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg
D. Deep tendon reflexes 2+
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory rate 10/min
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate toxicity can cause respiratory
depression, decreased reflexes, and cardiac complications.
, 7. A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about fetal movement
counting. Which instruction is correct?
A. Count movements after meals when the fetus is active
B. Count only once weekly
C. Stop counting after 20 weeks
D. Count movements only during labor
Correct Answer: A. Count movements after meals when the
fetus is active
Rationale: Daily fetal movement monitoring helps identify
possible fetal compromise.
8. A nurse is caring for a newborn receiving phototherapy.
Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Keep the newborn fully clothed
B. Cover the newborn’s eyes
C. Apply lotion frequently
D. Decrease fluid intake
Correct Answer: B. Cover the newborn’s eyes
Rationale: Eye protection prevents retinal injury during
phototherapy treatment for hyperbilirubinemia.
9. A nurse is assessing a postpartum client 1 hour after
delivery. Which finding requires immediate action?
