ATI RN Maternal Newborn Nursing — 2026 Study Guide
100 Original NCLEX-Style Questions with Answers,
Rationales, and Clinical Visuals
Important: This is an original study resource, not an ATI-provided or leaked proctored examination. ATI states that proctored assessments are
secure school-administered assessments and that proctored questions do not appear in ATI online practice assessments. The questions below are
newly written for study and exam preparation.
Content coverage: pregnancy assessment, antepartum complications, labor, fetal monitoring, postpartum care,
newborn transition, feeding, safety, medications, and clinical judgment.
,Question 1
A pregnant client at 10 weeks asks why folic acid is emphasized before and during early pregnancy. Which
response is best?
A. It prevents gestational diabetes
B. It reduces the risk of neural-tube defects
C. It prevents postpartum hemorrhage
D. It increases fetal lung maturity
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Folic acid supports neural-tube development and is especially important before conception and during
early pregnancy.
Question 2
A client at 28 weeks reports painless, bright-red vaginal bleeding. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placental abruption
B. Placenta previa
C. Ectopic pregnancy
D. Hyperemesis gravidarum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Placenta previa classically presents with painless, bright-red bleeding in later pregnancy.
Question 3
Which finding is an expected physiologic change during pregnancy?
, A. Persistent severe hypertension
B. Increased plasma volume
C. Decreased cardiac output
D. Absent urinary frequency
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Maternal plasma volume increases substantially during pregnancy to support uteroplacental circulation.
Question 4
A client with preeclampsia reports a severe headache and visual changes. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage ambulation
B. Notify the provider promptly and assess for severe features
C. Offer a high-sodium snack
D. Place the client flat on the back
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Severe headache and visual disturbances can indicate worsening preeclampsia and require prompt
evaluation.
Question 5
Which fetal heart-rate baseline is generally considered reassuring for a term fetus?
, A. 80/min
B. 100/min
C. 140/min
D. 190/min
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A typical baseline fetal heart rate is about 110–160/min.
100 Original NCLEX-Style Questions with Answers,
Rationales, and Clinical Visuals
Important: This is an original study resource, not an ATI-provided or leaked proctored examination. ATI states that proctored assessments are
secure school-administered assessments and that proctored questions do not appear in ATI online practice assessments. The questions below are
newly written for study and exam preparation.
Content coverage: pregnancy assessment, antepartum complications, labor, fetal monitoring, postpartum care,
newborn transition, feeding, safety, medications, and clinical judgment.
,Question 1
A pregnant client at 10 weeks asks why folic acid is emphasized before and during early pregnancy. Which
response is best?
A. It prevents gestational diabetes
B. It reduces the risk of neural-tube defects
C. It prevents postpartum hemorrhage
D. It increases fetal lung maturity
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Folic acid supports neural-tube development and is especially important before conception and during
early pregnancy.
Question 2
A client at 28 weeks reports painless, bright-red vaginal bleeding. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placental abruption
B. Placenta previa
C. Ectopic pregnancy
D. Hyperemesis gravidarum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Placenta previa classically presents with painless, bright-red bleeding in later pregnancy.
Question 3
Which finding is an expected physiologic change during pregnancy?
, A. Persistent severe hypertension
B. Increased plasma volume
C. Decreased cardiac output
D. Absent urinary frequency
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Maternal plasma volume increases substantially during pregnancy to support uteroplacental circulation.
Question 4
A client with preeclampsia reports a severe headache and visual changes. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage ambulation
B. Notify the provider promptly and assess for severe features
C. Offer a high-sodium snack
D. Place the client flat on the back
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Severe headache and visual disturbances can indicate worsening preeclampsia and require prompt
evaluation.
Question 5
Which fetal heart-rate baseline is generally considered reassuring for a term fetus?
, A. 80/min
B. 100/min
C. 140/min
D. 190/min
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A typical baseline fetal heart rate is about 110–160/min.
