ATI RN Maternal Newborn Practice Exam Questions, Verified
Correct Answers And Explanations –Latest Update (2026/2027)
With 100% Guaranteed Pass /Graded A+.
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for severe
preeclampsia. Which finding requires the nurse to intervene immediately?
A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
B. Urine output of 45 mL/hr
C. Patellar reflexes 2+
D. Blood pressure of 148/92 mm Hg
Correct Answer: A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
Explanation:
Magnesium sulfate depresses the central nervous system and can cause
respiratory depression when serum levels become excessive. A respiratory
rate of 10/min is concerning for magnesium toxicity and requires immediate
intervention. The nurse should stop the infusion according to protocol, notify
the provider, and prepare to administer calcium gluconate as the antidote if
prescribed. Urine output of 45 mL/hr is adequate, and 2+ reflexes are
expected.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client at 32 weeks of gestation who has preeclampsia.
Which finding should the nurse recognize as a severe feature requiring
prompt attention?
A. Mild dependent edema
B. Persistent severe headache with visual disturbances
C. Urinary frequency
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B. Persistent severe headache with visual disturbances
1
,Explanation:
Persistent severe headache and visual disturbances can indicate cerebral
involvement associated with severe preeclampsia. These findings require
prompt assessment and intervention because they may precede seizures or
other serious complications.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client receiving oxytocin for labor induction. Which
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Contractions every 2 minutes lasting 90 seconds
B. Cervical dilation from 4 cm to 5 cm
C. Maternal pulse of 88/min
D. Fetal heart rate of 140/min with moderate variability
Correct Answer: A. Contractions every 2 minutes lasting 90 seconds
Explanation:
Oxytocin can cause uterine tachysystole, which can reduce uteroplacental
blood flow and cause fetal compromise. Contractions that are excessively
frequent or prolonged require prompt evaluation. The nurse should follow the
facility protocol, which may include stopping or reducing oxytocin and
initiating appropriate intrauterine resuscitation measures.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a fetal heart rate tracing. Which finding is most
reassuring?
A. Moderate variability with accelerations
B. Recurrent late decelerations
C. Absent variability
D. Recurrent prolonged decelerations
Correct Answer: A. Moderate variability with accelerations
2
,Explanation:
Moderate fetal heart rate variability and accelerations are reassuring
indicators of adequate fetal oxygenation and an intact fetal autonomic
nervous system. Recurrent late decelerations, absent variability, and
prolonged decelerations can indicate fetal compromise and require further
assessment.
Question 5
A laboring client has recurrent late fetal heart rate decelerations. Which
intervention should the nurse perform first?
A. Reposition the client to a lateral position
B. Encourage the client to push
C. Increase the oxytocin infusion
D. Place the client in a supine position
Correct Answer: A. Reposition the client to a lateral position
Explanation:
Lateral repositioning can improve maternal circulation and uteroplacental
perfusion. The nurse should also follow the appropriate fetal-resuscitation
protocol, which can include discontinuing oxytocin when indicated,
administering oxygen according to current institutional policy, assessing
maternal blood pressure, and notifying the provider as appropriate.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client who reports a sudden gush of clear fluid at 38
weeks of gestation. Which assessment is the priority?
A. Determine the fetal heart rate
B. Assess the client's appetite
C. Measure abdominal circumference
D. Obtain the client's dietary history
Correct Answer: A. Determine the fetal heart rate
3
, Explanation:
After suspected rupture of membranes, fetal heart rate assessment is a
priority because umbilical cord prolapse or compression can occur. The nurse
should also assess the characteristics of the fluid and follow appropriate
procedures for confirming rupture of membranes.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client following rupture of membranes. Which finding
requires immediate notification of the provider?
A. Fetal heart rate of 90/min
B. Clear fluid drainage
C. Maternal temperature of 37°C
D. Mild uterine contractions
Correct Answer: A. Fetal heart rate of 90/min
Explanation:
A fetal heart rate of 90/min represents fetal bradycardia and may indicate
cord compression or another form of fetal compromise. Prompt intervention
is required.
Question 8
A nurse is assessing a client during the third stage of labor. Which finding
indicates placental separation?
A. Lengthening of the umbilical cord with a sudden gush of blood
B. Decreased uterine firmness
C. Maternal temperature increase
D. Increased fetal movement
Correct Answer: A. Lengthening of the umbilical cord with a sudden gush
of blood
4
Correct Answers And Explanations –Latest Update (2026/2027)
With 100% Guaranteed Pass /Graded A+.
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for severe
preeclampsia. Which finding requires the nurse to intervene immediately?
A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
B. Urine output of 45 mL/hr
C. Patellar reflexes 2+
D. Blood pressure of 148/92 mm Hg
Correct Answer: A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
Explanation:
Magnesium sulfate depresses the central nervous system and can cause
respiratory depression when serum levels become excessive. A respiratory
rate of 10/min is concerning for magnesium toxicity and requires immediate
intervention. The nurse should stop the infusion according to protocol, notify
the provider, and prepare to administer calcium gluconate as the antidote if
prescribed. Urine output of 45 mL/hr is adequate, and 2+ reflexes are
expected.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client at 32 weeks of gestation who has preeclampsia.
Which finding should the nurse recognize as a severe feature requiring
prompt attention?
A. Mild dependent edema
B. Persistent severe headache with visual disturbances
C. Urinary frequency
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B. Persistent severe headache with visual disturbances
1
,Explanation:
Persistent severe headache and visual disturbances can indicate cerebral
involvement associated with severe preeclampsia. These findings require
prompt assessment and intervention because they may precede seizures or
other serious complications.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client receiving oxytocin for labor induction. Which
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Contractions every 2 minutes lasting 90 seconds
B. Cervical dilation from 4 cm to 5 cm
C. Maternal pulse of 88/min
D. Fetal heart rate of 140/min with moderate variability
Correct Answer: A. Contractions every 2 minutes lasting 90 seconds
Explanation:
Oxytocin can cause uterine tachysystole, which can reduce uteroplacental
blood flow and cause fetal compromise. Contractions that are excessively
frequent or prolonged require prompt evaluation. The nurse should follow the
facility protocol, which may include stopping or reducing oxytocin and
initiating appropriate intrauterine resuscitation measures.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a fetal heart rate tracing. Which finding is most
reassuring?
A. Moderate variability with accelerations
B. Recurrent late decelerations
C. Absent variability
D. Recurrent prolonged decelerations
Correct Answer: A. Moderate variability with accelerations
2
,Explanation:
Moderate fetal heart rate variability and accelerations are reassuring
indicators of adequate fetal oxygenation and an intact fetal autonomic
nervous system. Recurrent late decelerations, absent variability, and
prolonged decelerations can indicate fetal compromise and require further
assessment.
Question 5
A laboring client has recurrent late fetal heart rate decelerations. Which
intervention should the nurse perform first?
A. Reposition the client to a lateral position
B. Encourage the client to push
C. Increase the oxytocin infusion
D. Place the client in a supine position
Correct Answer: A. Reposition the client to a lateral position
Explanation:
Lateral repositioning can improve maternal circulation and uteroplacental
perfusion. The nurse should also follow the appropriate fetal-resuscitation
protocol, which can include discontinuing oxytocin when indicated,
administering oxygen according to current institutional policy, assessing
maternal blood pressure, and notifying the provider as appropriate.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client who reports a sudden gush of clear fluid at 38
weeks of gestation. Which assessment is the priority?
A. Determine the fetal heart rate
B. Assess the client's appetite
C. Measure abdominal circumference
D. Obtain the client's dietary history
Correct Answer: A. Determine the fetal heart rate
3
, Explanation:
After suspected rupture of membranes, fetal heart rate assessment is a
priority because umbilical cord prolapse or compression can occur. The nurse
should also assess the characteristics of the fluid and follow appropriate
procedures for confirming rupture of membranes.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client following rupture of membranes. Which finding
requires immediate notification of the provider?
A. Fetal heart rate of 90/min
B. Clear fluid drainage
C. Maternal temperature of 37°C
D. Mild uterine contractions
Correct Answer: A. Fetal heart rate of 90/min
Explanation:
A fetal heart rate of 90/min represents fetal bradycardia and may indicate
cord compression or another form of fetal compromise. Prompt intervention
is required.
Question 8
A nurse is assessing a client during the third stage of labor. Which finding
indicates placental separation?
A. Lengthening of the umbilical cord with a sudden gush of blood
B. Decreased uterine firmness
C. Maternal temperature increase
D. Increased fetal movement
Correct Answer: A. Lengthening of the umbilical cord with a sudden gush
of blood
4
