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WGU ATI RN MATERNAL NEWBORN CMS PROCTORED EXAM
2026: 250 ALL-NEW PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
ANSWERS AND DETAILED RATIONALES - THE ULTIMATE
STUDY GUIDE FOR GUARANTEED PASS
1. A nurse is assessing a client at 36 weeks gestation who reports a
sudden gush of clear fluid from the vagina. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Perform a sterile vaginal examination
B. Check the fetal heart rate
C. Test the fluid with nitrazine paper
D. Obtain a sample for ferning
Answer: B
Rationale: When rupture of membranes is suspected, the priority is to
assess fetal well-being by checking the fetal heart rate for signs of cord
prolapse or distress. Vaginal examination is contraindicated until cord
prolapse is ruled out.
2. A nurse is caring for a client in the active phase of labor who has an
epidural infusion. The client's blood pressure drops to 88/50 mmHg.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer a bolus of IV fluids
B. Turn the client to a lateral position
C. Apply oxygen via face mask
D. Notify the provider
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Answer: B
Rationale: Lateral positioning relieves vena cava compression and
improves venous return, which is the first intervention for epidural-
induced hypotension. IV fluids may be given next, but positioning is
immediate.
3. A nurse is teaching a client at 28 weeks gestation about the signs of
preterm labor. Which statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I should report regular contractions that continue despite rest"
B. "I should report increased fetal movement"
C. "I should report mild backache that goes away with activity"
D. "I should report Braxton Hicks contractions that stop with walking"
Answer: A
Rationale: Preterm labor is characterized by regular contractions that
continue despite rest or hydration. Braxton Hicks contractions are
irregular and stop with activity.
4. A nurse is assessing a newborn 1 hour after birth. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
B. Respiratory rate of 70 breaths per minute
C. Heart rate of 130 beats per minute
D. Mild tremors when stimulated
Answer: B
Rationale: A respiratory rate greater than 60 breaths per minute in a
newborn indicates tachypnea and may signal respiratory distress.
Acrocyanosis and mild tremors are normal findings.
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5. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postpartum and has a
boggy uterus. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer oxytocin IM
B. Massage the fundus
C. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
D. Notify the provider
Answer: B
Rationale: A boggy uterus indicates uterine atony. Fundal massage is the
first intervention to stimulate contraction and expel clots. Oxytocin may
be given if massage is ineffective.
6. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who had a cesarean
birth 3 days ago. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will support my incision with a pillow when coughing"
B. "I will avoid lifting anything heavier than my baby"
C. "I will drive myself to my follow-up appointment next week"
D. "I will report any redness or drainage from my incision"
Answer: C
Rationale: Clients should not drive after a cesarean birth while taking
opioid pain medications or if they cannot perform an emergency stop.
Follow-up appointments require alternative transportation.
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7. A nurse is assessing a client at 32 weeks gestation who reports severe
abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. The uterus is rigid and tender.
Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placenta previa
B. Placental abruption
C. Uterine rupture
D. Cervical insufficiency
Answer: B
Rationale: Placental abruption typically presents with painful vaginal
bleeding, a rigid and tender uterus, and possible fetal distress. Placenta
previa usually presents with painless bleeding.
8. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of a fetal kick count. Which
instruction should the nurse include?
A. "Count kicks for 2 hours after each meal"
B. "You should feel at least 10 kicks in 2 hours"
C. "Count only the strongest kicks"
D. "Call your provider if you feel fewer than 5 kicks in 1 hour"
Answer: B
Rationale: A normal kick count is at least 10 kicks in 2 hours. If the client
feels fewer, she should contact her provider for further evaluation.
WGU ATI RN MATERNAL NEWBORN CMS PROCTORED EXAM
2026: 250 ALL-NEW PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
ANSWERS AND DETAILED RATIONALES - THE ULTIMATE
STUDY GUIDE FOR GUARANTEED PASS
1. A nurse is assessing a client at 36 weeks gestation who reports a
sudden gush of clear fluid from the vagina. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Perform a sterile vaginal examination
B. Check the fetal heart rate
C. Test the fluid with nitrazine paper
D. Obtain a sample for ferning
Answer: B
Rationale: When rupture of membranes is suspected, the priority is to
assess fetal well-being by checking the fetal heart rate for signs of cord
prolapse or distress. Vaginal examination is contraindicated until cord
prolapse is ruled out.
2. A nurse is caring for a client in the active phase of labor who has an
epidural infusion. The client's blood pressure drops to 88/50 mmHg.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer a bolus of IV fluids
B. Turn the client to a lateral position
C. Apply oxygen via face mask
D. Notify the provider
,2
Answer: B
Rationale: Lateral positioning relieves vena cava compression and
improves venous return, which is the first intervention for epidural-
induced hypotension. IV fluids may be given next, but positioning is
immediate.
3. A nurse is teaching a client at 28 weeks gestation about the signs of
preterm labor. Which statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. "I should report regular contractions that continue despite rest"
B. "I should report increased fetal movement"
C. "I should report mild backache that goes away with activity"
D. "I should report Braxton Hicks contractions that stop with walking"
Answer: A
Rationale: Preterm labor is characterized by regular contractions that
continue despite rest or hydration. Braxton Hicks contractions are
irregular and stop with activity.
4. A nurse is assessing a newborn 1 hour after birth. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
B. Respiratory rate of 70 breaths per minute
C. Heart rate of 130 beats per minute
D. Mild tremors when stimulated
Answer: B
Rationale: A respiratory rate greater than 60 breaths per minute in a
newborn indicates tachypnea and may signal respiratory distress.
Acrocyanosis and mild tremors are normal findings.
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5. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postpartum and has a
boggy uterus. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer oxytocin IM
B. Massage the fundus
C. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
D. Notify the provider
Answer: B
Rationale: A boggy uterus indicates uterine atony. Fundal massage is the
first intervention to stimulate contraction and expel clots. Oxytocin may
be given if massage is ineffective.
6. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who had a cesarean
birth 3 days ago. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will support my incision with a pillow when coughing"
B. "I will avoid lifting anything heavier than my baby"
C. "I will drive myself to my follow-up appointment next week"
D. "I will report any redness or drainage from my incision"
Answer: C
Rationale: Clients should not drive after a cesarean birth while taking
opioid pain medications or if they cannot perform an emergency stop.
Follow-up appointments require alternative transportation.
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7. A nurse is assessing a client at 32 weeks gestation who reports severe
abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. The uterus is rigid and tender.
Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Placenta previa
B. Placental abruption
C. Uterine rupture
D. Cervical insufficiency
Answer: B
Rationale: Placental abruption typically presents with painful vaginal
bleeding, a rigid and tender uterus, and possible fetal distress. Placenta
previa usually presents with painless bleeding.
8. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of a fetal kick count. Which
instruction should the nurse include?
A. "Count kicks for 2 hours after each meal"
B. "You should feel at least 10 kicks in 2 hours"
C. "Count only the strongest kicks"
D. "Call your provider if you feel fewer than 5 kicks in 1 hour"
Answer: B
Rationale: A normal kick count is at least 10 kicks in 2 hours. If the client
feels fewer, she should contact her provider for further evaluation.
