ATI PN Maternal Newborn Final Exam
Chamberlain 2026/2027 – Questions &
Answers (Verified Rationales)
A nurse is assessing a client at 32 weeks of gestation. Which finding should the
nurse recognize as an expected physiologic change of pregnancy?
A. Persistent hypertension
B. Increased urinary frequency
C. Decreased cardiac output
D. Decreased blood volume
Answer: B. Increased urinary frequency
Rationale: Increased urinary frequency is common during pregnancy because of
hormonal changes and pressure of the enlarging uterus on the bladder. Persistent
hypertension is abnormal, while blood volume and cardiac output generally
increase during pregnancy.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a pregnant client about folic acid
supplementation. Which food is a good source of folate?
A. White rice
B. Leafy green vegetables
C. Butter
D. Processed cheese
Answer: B. Leafy green vegetables
Rationale: Leafy green vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, and fortified grains are
important sources of folate. Adequate folate intake helps reduce the risk of neural
tube defects.
,A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing preeclampsia. Which finding
should the nurse report immediately?
A. Mild dependent edema
B. Urinary frequency
C. Severe headache and visual disturbances
D. Increased appetite
_Answer: C. Severe headache and visual disturbances
Rationale: Severe headache and visual disturbances can indicate worsening
preeclampsia and cerebral involvement. These findings require immediate
evaluation because the client is at increased risk for seizures and other
complications.
A nurse is caring for a client receiving magnesium sulfate for severe preeclampsia.
Which finding indicates magnesium toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
B. Urine output of 60 mL/hr
C. Patellar reflexes of 2+
D. Blood pressure of 150/92 mm Hg
_Answer: A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
Rationale: Respiratory depression is a significant manifestation of magnesium
toxicity. The nurse should also monitor deep tendon reflexes and urine output.
Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium toxicity.
A nurse is caring for a client in labor who has an external fetal monitor. The fetal
heart rate suddenly decreases to 90/min and returns to baseline after approximately
2 minutes. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Increase the oxytocin infusion
B. Place the client in a lateral position
C. Prepare the client for immediate delivery
D. Encourage the client to begin pushing
,Answer: B. Place the client in a lateral position
Rationale: Maternal repositioning, particularly to a lateral position, can improve
uteroplacental blood flow during fetal heart rate abnormalities. Additional
interventions include assessing uterine activity and discontinuing oxytocin if
indicated.
A nurse is assessing fetal heart rate patterns. Which finding is characteristic of
early decelerations?
A. Abrupt decreases associated with cord compression
B. Gradual decreases associated with contractions
C. Gradual decreases beginning after the contraction begins and returning after it
ends
D. Abrupt increases above baseline lasting several minutes
Answer: B. Gradual decreases associated with contractions
Rationale: Early decelerations are gradual decreases in fetal heart rate that
mirror uterine contractions. They are usually caused by fetal head compression
and are generally considered benign.
A nurse is caring for a client receiving oxytocin for labor induction. Which finding
requires the nurse to intervene?
A. Contractions every 2 to 3 min lasting 60 sec
B. Fetal heart rate baseline of 140/min
C. Six contractions in 10 min
D. Maternal blood pressure of 118/72 mm Hg
Answer: C. Six contractions in 10 min
Rationale: More than five contractions in 10 minutes indicates uterine
tachysystole. Excessive uterine activity can reduce fetal oxygenation and may
require discontinuation or reduction of oxytocin and additional interventions.
, A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about manifestations of gestational diabetes.
Which statement should the nurse include?
A. "Gestational diabetes always causes noticeable symptoms."
B. "You will usually have severe abdominal pain."
C. "Screening is commonly performed during the second trimester."
D. "Insulin is contraindicated during pregnancy."
Answer: C. "Screening is commonly performed during the second trimester."
Rationale: Screening for gestational diabetes is commonly performed at
approximately 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. Many clients have no obvious
symptoms, which is why routine screening is important.
A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately after birth. Which intervention is the
priority?
A. Obtain the newborn's footprints
B. Administer vitamin K
C. Maintain the newborn's airway and breathing
D. Apply identification bands
_Answer: C. Maintain the newborn's airway and breathing
Rationale: Establishing effective breathing and maintaining a patent airway are
immediate priorities after birth. Routine identification and medications can be
performed after the newborn is stabilized.
A nurse is assessing a newborn 1 hour after birth. Which finding requires
intervention?
A. Acrocyanosis
B. Respiratory rate of 44/min
C. Nasal flaring and grunting
D. Heart rate of 140/min
_Answer: C. Nasal flaring and grunting
Chamberlain 2026/2027 – Questions &
Answers (Verified Rationales)
A nurse is assessing a client at 32 weeks of gestation. Which finding should the
nurse recognize as an expected physiologic change of pregnancy?
A. Persistent hypertension
B. Increased urinary frequency
C. Decreased cardiac output
D. Decreased blood volume
Answer: B. Increased urinary frequency
Rationale: Increased urinary frequency is common during pregnancy because of
hormonal changes and pressure of the enlarging uterus on the bladder. Persistent
hypertension is abnormal, while blood volume and cardiac output generally
increase during pregnancy.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a pregnant client about folic acid
supplementation. Which food is a good source of folate?
A. White rice
B. Leafy green vegetables
C. Butter
D. Processed cheese
Answer: B. Leafy green vegetables
Rationale: Leafy green vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, and fortified grains are
important sources of folate. Adequate folate intake helps reduce the risk of neural
tube defects.
,A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing preeclampsia. Which finding
should the nurse report immediately?
A. Mild dependent edema
B. Urinary frequency
C. Severe headache and visual disturbances
D. Increased appetite
_Answer: C. Severe headache and visual disturbances
Rationale: Severe headache and visual disturbances can indicate worsening
preeclampsia and cerebral involvement. These findings require immediate
evaluation because the client is at increased risk for seizures and other
complications.
A nurse is caring for a client receiving magnesium sulfate for severe preeclampsia.
Which finding indicates magnesium toxicity?
A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
B. Urine output of 60 mL/hr
C. Patellar reflexes of 2+
D. Blood pressure of 150/92 mm Hg
_Answer: A. Respiratory rate of 10/min
Rationale: Respiratory depression is a significant manifestation of magnesium
toxicity. The nurse should also monitor deep tendon reflexes and urine output.
Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium toxicity.
A nurse is caring for a client in labor who has an external fetal monitor. The fetal
heart rate suddenly decreases to 90/min and returns to baseline after approximately
2 minutes. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Increase the oxytocin infusion
B. Place the client in a lateral position
C. Prepare the client for immediate delivery
D. Encourage the client to begin pushing
,Answer: B. Place the client in a lateral position
Rationale: Maternal repositioning, particularly to a lateral position, can improve
uteroplacental blood flow during fetal heart rate abnormalities. Additional
interventions include assessing uterine activity and discontinuing oxytocin if
indicated.
A nurse is assessing fetal heart rate patterns. Which finding is characteristic of
early decelerations?
A. Abrupt decreases associated with cord compression
B. Gradual decreases associated with contractions
C. Gradual decreases beginning after the contraction begins and returning after it
ends
D. Abrupt increases above baseline lasting several minutes
Answer: B. Gradual decreases associated with contractions
Rationale: Early decelerations are gradual decreases in fetal heart rate that
mirror uterine contractions. They are usually caused by fetal head compression
and are generally considered benign.
A nurse is caring for a client receiving oxytocin for labor induction. Which finding
requires the nurse to intervene?
A. Contractions every 2 to 3 min lasting 60 sec
B. Fetal heart rate baseline of 140/min
C. Six contractions in 10 min
D. Maternal blood pressure of 118/72 mm Hg
Answer: C. Six contractions in 10 min
Rationale: More than five contractions in 10 minutes indicates uterine
tachysystole. Excessive uterine activity can reduce fetal oxygenation and may
require discontinuation or reduction of oxytocin and additional interventions.
, A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about manifestations of gestational diabetes.
Which statement should the nurse include?
A. "Gestational diabetes always causes noticeable symptoms."
B. "You will usually have severe abdominal pain."
C. "Screening is commonly performed during the second trimester."
D. "Insulin is contraindicated during pregnancy."
Answer: C. "Screening is commonly performed during the second trimester."
Rationale: Screening for gestational diabetes is commonly performed at
approximately 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. Many clients have no obvious
symptoms, which is why routine screening is important.
A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately after birth. Which intervention is the
priority?
A. Obtain the newborn's footprints
B. Administer vitamin K
C. Maintain the newborn's airway and breathing
D. Apply identification bands
_Answer: C. Maintain the newborn's airway and breathing
Rationale: Establishing effective breathing and maintaining a patent airway are
immediate priorities after birth. Routine identification and medications can be
performed after the newborn is stabilized.
A nurse is assessing a newborn 1 hour after birth. Which finding requires
intervention?
A. Acrocyanosis
B. Respiratory rate of 44/min
C. Nasal flaring and grunting
D. Heart rate of 140/min
_Answer: C. Nasal flaring and grunting
