ATI RN Maternal Newborn Proctored
Assessment Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A nurse is caring for a client at 10 weeks of gestation. Which
hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the pregnancy
during the first trimester?
A. Estrogen
B. Oxytocin
C. Progesterone
D. Prolactin
Rationale: Progesterone maintains the uterine lining and prevents
uterine contractions during early pregnancy. Initially, it is produced by
the corpus luteum until the placenta takes over production around 10–
12 weeks of gestation. Estrogen supports uterine growth, oxytocin
stimulates contractions, and prolactin prepares the breasts for milk
production.
, 2. A nurse is assessing a pregnant client. Which finding is considered
a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A. Fetal heartbeat heard by Doppler
B. Positive ultrasound visualization of fetus
C. Amenorrhea
D. Fetal movement palpated by examiner
Rationale: Amenorrhea is a presumptive sign because it is experienced
by the client and may have causes other than pregnancy. Positive
signs include fetal heart tones, visualization of the fetus, and fetal
movements palpated by the examiner.
3. A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about nutritional needs.
Which nutrient should be increased to help prevent neural tube
defects?
A. Vitamin D
B. Calcium
C. Iron
D. Folic acid
Rationale: Folic acid significantly reduces the risk of neural tube
defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Women should consume
,at least 400–600 mcg daily before conception and throughout
pregnancy.
4. A nurse is caring for a client in the first trimester who reports
nausea and vomiting. Which recommendation should the nurse
make?
A. Eat three large meals daily.
B. Drink fluids only with meals.
C. Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed.
D. Avoid eating carbohydrates.
Rationale: Eating dry crackers before rising can reduce morning
nausea. Small, frequent meals and separating fluids from meals may
also help. Large meals and avoiding carbohydrates are not
recommended.
5. A nurse is assessing fetal heart tones using a Doppler device. At
what gestational age are fetal heart tones typically first detected?
A. 4 weeks
B. 6 weeks
, C. 10 to 12 weeks
D. 20 weeks
Rationale: Fetal heart tones are commonly detected by Doppler
between 10 and 12 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound may visualize
cardiac activity earlier, but Doppler detection generally occurs around
this time.
6. A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about normal cardiovascular
changes during pregnancy. Which change should the nurse
include?
A. Decreased blood volume
B. Decreased cardiac output
C. Increased blood volume
D. Decreased heart rate
Rationale: Blood volume increases by approximately 40% to 50%
during pregnancy to meet maternal and fetal needs. Cardiac output
and heart rate also increase slightly.
7. A client at 32 weeks of gestation reports lying flat causes dizziness.
What is the nurse's best response?
Assessment Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A nurse is caring for a client at 10 weeks of gestation. Which
hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the pregnancy
during the first trimester?
A. Estrogen
B. Oxytocin
C. Progesterone
D. Prolactin
Rationale: Progesterone maintains the uterine lining and prevents
uterine contractions during early pregnancy. Initially, it is produced by
the corpus luteum until the placenta takes over production around 10–
12 weeks of gestation. Estrogen supports uterine growth, oxytocin
stimulates contractions, and prolactin prepares the breasts for milk
production.
, 2. A nurse is assessing a pregnant client. Which finding is considered
a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A. Fetal heartbeat heard by Doppler
B. Positive ultrasound visualization of fetus
C. Amenorrhea
D. Fetal movement palpated by examiner
Rationale: Amenorrhea is a presumptive sign because it is experienced
by the client and may have causes other than pregnancy. Positive
signs include fetal heart tones, visualization of the fetus, and fetal
movements palpated by the examiner.
3. A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about nutritional needs.
Which nutrient should be increased to help prevent neural tube
defects?
A. Vitamin D
B. Calcium
C. Iron
D. Folic acid
Rationale: Folic acid significantly reduces the risk of neural tube
defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Women should consume
,at least 400–600 mcg daily before conception and throughout
pregnancy.
4. A nurse is caring for a client in the first trimester who reports
nausea and vomiting. Which recommendation should the nurse
make?
A. Eat three large meals daily.
B. Drink fluids only with meals.
C. Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed.
D. Avoid eating carbohydrates.
Rationale: Eating dry crackers before rising can reduce morning
nausea. Small, frequent meals and separating fluids from meals may
also help. Large meals and avoiding carbohydrates are not
recommended.
5. A nurse is assessing fetal heart tones using a Doppler device. At
what gestational age are fetal heart tones typically first detected?
A. 4 weeks
B. 6 weeks
, C. 10 to 12 weeks
D. 20 weeks
Rationale: Fetal heart tones are commonly detected by Doppler
between 10 and 12 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound may visualize
cardiac activity earlier, but Doppler detection generally occurs around
this time.
6. A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about normal cardiovascular
changes during pregnancy. Which change should the nurse
include?
A. Decreased blood volume
B. Decreased cardiac output
C. Increased blood volume
D. Decreased heart rate
Rationale: Blood volume increases by approximately 40% to 50%
during pregnancy to meet maternal and fetal needs. Cardiac output
and heart rate also increase slightly.
7. A client at 32 weeks of gestation reports lying flat causes dizziness.
What is the nurse's best response?
