ATI RN Maternal Newborn Practice Test 2026/2027
| ATI Maternal Newborn Nursing Study Guide,
Practice Questions & Answers, Pregnancy, Labor &
Delivery, Postpartum, Newborn Care, Complications
& NCLEX-RN Exam Prep
Question 1: A nurse is assessing a client who was recently admitted
to an inpatient psychiatric unit. The client states, "I feel like my
thoughts are being broadcast on the radio for everyone to hear."
Which symptom is the client experiencing?
A. Thought insertion
B. Thought broadcasting
C. Thought withdrawal
D. Loose associations
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Thought broadcasting
Rationale: Thought broadcasting is a delusion that one's thoughts are being
transmitted or broadcast to others without one's control. Thought insertion
involves the belief that thoughts are being placed into one's mind by an
external force. Thought withdrawal is the belief that thoughts are being
removed from one's mind. Loose associations refer to disorganized speech
patterns, not a delusion about thoughts being accessible to others.
Question 2: A nurse is caring for a client prescribed lithium
carbonate. Which client statement indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. "I will maintain a consistent intake of sodium and fluids."
B. "I should take the medication with food to reduce stomach upset."
C. "I can take ibuprofen for headaches without concern."
D. "I will report any increase in thirst or urination."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I can take ibuprofen for headaches without
concern."
Rationale: NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can increase lithium levels and
precipitate toxicity by reducing renal lithium clearance. Clients taking
lithium should avoid NSAIDs unless specifically approved by the provider.
Maintaining consistent sodium and fluid intake is essential to prevent
toxicity. Taking lithium with food reduces gastrointestinal irritation.
Increased thirst or urination may indicate lithium toxicity or diabetes
insipidus and should be reported.
,Question 3: A nurse is conducting a suicide risk assessment. Which
question is most appropriate to ask initially?
A. "You don't really want to hurt yourself, do you?"
B. "Are you thinking about killing yourself ?"
C. "Why would you want to do something like that?"
D. "Everything will get better, so try not to worry."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "Are you thinking about killing yourself ?"
Rationale: Directly asking about suicidal ideation is the most effective way
to assess suicide risk and does not increase the likelihood of suicidal
behavior. Asking a leading question such as "You don't really want to hurt
yourself, do you?" may discourage honest disclosure. Asking "why" can
make the client defensive. Offering false reassurance dismisses the client's
distress and blocks further communication.
Question 4: A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is experiencing
acute dystonia. Which medication should the nurse anticipate
administering?
A. Benztropine
B. Lorazepam
C. Haloperidol
D. Fluoxetine
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Benztropine
Rationale: Acute dystonia is a severe extrapyramidal side effect
characterized by muscle spasms, particularly of the neck, tongue, and eyes.
Benztropine, an anticholinergic agent, is the first-line treatment for acute
dystonia. Lorazepam may be used adjunctively but is not the primary
treatment. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic that can worsen dystonia.
Fluoxetine is an SSRI antidepressant with no role in treating dystonia.
Question 5: A nurse is establishing a therapeutic relationship with
a client. Which action best demonstrates the orientation phase?
A. Exploring the client's feelings about termination
B. Identifying the client's problems and establishing goals
C. Implementing interventions to address anxiety
D. Evaluating the client's progress toward outcomes
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. Identifying the client's problems and
establishing goals
Rationale: The orientation phase is the first phase of the nurse-client
relationship, focused on establishing trust, identifying the client's problems,
and setting mutually agreed-upon goals. Exploring feelings about
termination occurs during the termination phase. Implementing
interventions occurs during the working phase. Evaluating progress occurs
throughout the relationship but is emphasized during termination.
Question 6: A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking
clozapine for 3 weeks. Which laboratory value requires immediate
follow-up?
A. Hemoglobin 13.5 g/dL
B. Absolute neutrophil count 1,200/mm³
C. Platelet count 250,000/mm³
D. Serum potassium 4.2 mEq/L
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Absolute neutrophil count 1,200/mm³
Rationale: Clozapine carries a black-box warning for severe neutropenia
and agranulocytosis. An absolute neutrophil count below 1,500/mm³
requires immediate intervention, including possibly holding the medication
and notifying the provider. Hemoglobin, platelet count, and potassium are
within normal limits and do not require immediate follow-up related to
clozapine.
Question 7: A client tells the nurse, "My boss is out to get me. He's
been poisoning my coffee for months." Which type of delusion is
the client exhibiting?
A. Delusion of grandeur
B. Somatic delusion
C. Persecutory delusion
D. Erotomanic delusion
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Persecutory delusion
Rationale: A persecutory delusion involves the belief that one is being
targeted, harmed, or conspired against by others. Delusions of grandeur
involve an exaggerated sense of importance or power. Somatic delusions
involve false beliefs about one's body or physical health. Erotomanic
, delusions involve the belief that another person, often of higher status, is in
love with the client.
Question 8: A nurse is caring for a client with anorexia nervosa.
Which finding should the nurse expect upon assessment?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Increased body temperature
D. Elevated blood pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Bradycardia
Rationale: Anorexia nervosa often leads to malnutrition and electrolyte
imbalances. Bradycardia is a common cardiac manifestation due to
decreased metabolic rate and nutritional deficiency. Hypokalemia, not
hyperkalemia, is typical due to vomiting or laxative abuse. Body
temperature is often decreased (hypothermia). Blood pressure is typically
low due to dehydration and malnutrition.
Question 9: A client with borderline personality disorder tells the
nurse, "You're the only one who understands me. Don't ever leave
me." This statement represents which characteristic of the
disorder?
A. Splitting
B. Projective identification
C. Fear of abandonment
D. Identity disturbance
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Fear of abandonment
Rationale: Fear of abandonment is a core feature of borderline personality
disorder, characterized by frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined
abandonment. Splitting involves viewing others as either all good or all bad.
Projective identification involves projecting unacceptable feelings onto
another person. Identity disturbance refers to an unstable self-image or
sense of self.
Question 10: A nurse is preparing to administer haloperidol to a
client with acute agitation. Which assessment finding should the
nurse report before administering the medication?
| ATI Maternal Newborn Nursing Study Guide,
Practice Questions & Answers, Pregnancy, Labor &
Delivery, Postpartum, Newborn Care, Complications
& NCLEX-RN Exam Prep
Question 1: A nurse is assessing a client who was recently admitted
to an inpatient psychiatric unit. The client states, "I feel like my
thoughts are being broadcast on the radio for everyone to hear."
Which symptom is the client experiencing?
A. Thought insertion
B. Thought broadcasting
C. Thought withdrawal
D. Loose associations
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Thought broadcasting
Rationale: Thought broadcasting is a delusion that one's thoughts are being
transmitted or broadcast to others without one's control. Thought insertion
involves the belief that thoughts are being placed into one's mind by an
external force. Thought withdrawal is the belief that thoughts are being
removed from one's mind. Loose associations refer to disorganized speech
patterns, not a delusion about thoughts being accessible to others.
Question 2: A nurse is caring for a client prescribed lithium
carbonate. Which client statement indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. "I will maintain a consistent intake of sodium and fluids."
B. "I should take the medication with food to reduce stomach upset."
C. "I can take ibuprofen for headaches without concern."
D. "I will report any increase in thirst or urination."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I can take ibuprofen for headaches without
concern."
Rationale: NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can increase lithium levels and
precipitate toxicity by reducing renal lithium clearance. Clients taking
lithium should avoid NSAIDs unless specifically approved by the provider.
Maintaining consistent sodium and fluid intake is essential to prevent
toxicity. Taking lithium with food reduces gastrointestinal irritation.
Increased thirst or urination may indicate lithium toxicity or diabetes
insipidus and should be reported.
,Question 3: A nurse is conducting a suicide risk assessment. Which
question is most appropriate to ask initially?
A. "You don't really want to hurt yourself, do you?"
B. "Are you thinking about killing yourself ?"
C. "Why would you want to do something like that?"
D. "Everything will get better, so try not to worry."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "Are you thinking about killing yourself ?"
Rationale: Directly asking about suicidal ideation is the most effective way
to assess suicide risk and does not increase the likelihood of suicidal
behavior. Asking a leading question such as "You don't really want to hurt
yourself, do you?" may discourage honest disclosure. Asking "why" can
make the client defensive. Offering false reassurance dismisses the client's
distress and blocks further communication.
Question 4: A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is experiencing
acute dystonia. Which medication should the nurse anticipate
administering?
A. Benztropine
B. Lorazepam
C. Haloperidol
D. Fluoxetine
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Benztropine
Rationale: Acute dystonia is a severe extrapyramidal side effect
characterized by muscle spasms, particularly of the neck, tongue, and eyes.
Benztropine, an anticholinergic agent, is the first-line treatment for acute
dystonia. Lorazepam may be used adjunctively but is not the primary
treatment. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic that can worsen dystonia.
Fluoxetine is an SSRI antidepressant with no role in treating dystonia.
Question 5: A nurse is establishing a therapeutic relationship with
a client. Which action best demonstrates the orientation phase?
A. Exploring the client's feelings about termination
B. Identifying the client's problems and establishing goals
C. Implementing interventions to address anxiety
D. Evaluating the client's progress toward outcomes
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. Identifying the client's problems and
establishing goals
Rationale: The orientation phase is the first phase of the nurse-client
relationship, focused on establishing trust, identifying the client's problems,
and setting mutually agreed-upon goals. Exploring feelings about
termination occurs during the termination phase. Implementing
interventions occurs during the working phase. Evaluating progress occurs
throughout the relationship but is emphasized during termination.
Question 6: A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking
clozapine for 3 weeks. Which laboratory value requires immediate
follow-up?
A. Hemoglobin 13.5 g/dL
B. Absolute neutrophil count 1,200/mm³
C. Platelet count 250,000/mm³
D. Serum potassium 4.2 mEq/L
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Absolute neutrophil count 1,200/mm³
Rationale: Clozapine carries a black-box warning for severe neutropenia
and agranulocytosis. An absolute neutrophil count below 1,500/mm³
requires immediate intervention, including possibly holding the medication
and notifying the provider. Hemoglobin, platelet count, and potassium are
within normal limits and do not require immediate follow-up related to
clozapine.
Question 7: A client tells the nurse, "My boss is out to get me. He's
been poisoning my coffee for months." Which type of delusion is
the client exhibiting?
A. Delusion of grandeur
B. Somatic delusion
C. Persecutory delusion
D. Erotomanic delusion
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Persecutory delusion
Rationale: A persecutory delusion involves the belief that one is being
targeted, harmed, or conspired against by others. Delusions of grandeur
involve an exaggerated sense of importance or power. Somatic delusions
involve false beliefs about one's body or physical health. Erotomanic
, delusions involve the belief that another person, often of higher status, is in
love with the client.
Question 8: A nurse is caring for a client with anorexia nervosa.
Which finding should the nurse expect upon assessment?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Increased body temperature
D. Elevated blood pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Bradycardia
Rationale: Anorexia nervosa often leads to malnutrition and electrolyte
imbalances. Bradycardia is a common cardiac manifestation due to
decreased metabolic rate and nutritional deficiency. Hypokalemia, not
hyperkalemia, is typical due to vomiting or laxative abuse. Body
temperature is often decreased (hypothermia). Blood pressure is typically
low due to dehydration and malnutrition.
Question 9: A client with borderline personality disorder tells the
nurse, "You're the only one who understands me. Don't ever leave
me." This statement represents which characteristic of the
disorder?
A. Splitting
B. Projective identification
C. Fear of abandonment
D. Identity disturbance
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Fear of abandonment
Rationale: Fear of abandonment is a core feature of borderline personality
disorder, characterized by frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined
abandonment. Splitting involves viewing others as either all good or all bad.
Projective identification involves projecting unacceptable feelings onto
another person. Identity disturbance refers to an unstable self-image or
sense of self.
Question 10: A nurse is preparing to administer haloperidol to a
client with acute agitation. Which assessment finding should the
nurse report before administering the medication?
