ATI Maternal Newborn 2026/2027 Study Guide |
ACTUAL-Style ATI RN Maternal Newborn Practice
Questions & Answers, Maternal Newborn Nursing
Exam Prep, Verified Answers, Detailed Rationales,
Pregnancy, Antepartum, Intrapartum, Postpartum,
Newborn Care, High-Risk Pregnancy, Complications
of Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery, Women’s Health &
Comprehensive Nursing Review
Question 1: A nurse is assessing a client who is at 32 weeks of
gestation and reports a sudden gush of fluid from the vagina.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Perform a sterile vaginal examination to assess cervical dilation
B. Check the fetal heart rate and assess for umbilical cord prolapse
C. Obtain a specimen for nitrazine paper testing
D. Place the client in a supine position for a bedside ultrasound
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Check the fetal heart rate and assess for
umbilical cord prolapse
Rationale: When a client reports spontaneous rupture of membranes, the
greatest risk is umbilical cord prolapse, which can rapidly compromise fetal
oxygenation. The priority nursing action is to assess fetal well-being by
checking the fetal heart rate and inspecting for cord presentation. Vaginal
examination is contraindicated until cord prolapse is ruled out, and
nitrazine testing is performed after fetal status is confirmed.
Question 2: A nurse is teaching a client who is at 10 weeks of
gestation about expected physiological changes during pregnancy.
Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the
teaching?
A. "I should expect my blood pressure to increase significantly."
B. "My heart rate will decrease as my pregnancy progresses."
C. "I may experience nasal stuffiness due to increased blood flow."
D. "My hemoglobin level will rise above my pre-pregnancy level."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I may experience nasal stuffiness due to
increased blood flow."
,Rationale: During pregnancy, increased estrogen levels and vascular
congestion cause nasal mucosa swelling, leading to nasal stuffiness and
epistaxis. Blood pressure typically remains stable or slightly decreases,
heart rate increases, and hemoglobin levels decrease due to hemodilution.
Question 3: A nurse is assessing a newborn immediately after birth.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
A. Heart rate of 130/min
B. Respiratory rate of 50/min
C. Central cyanosis involving the trunk and mucous membranes
D. Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Central cyanosis involving the trunk and
mucous membranes
Rationale: Central cyanosis indicates inadequate oxygenation and requires
immediate intervention. Acrocyanosis (bluish extremities) is a normal
finding in the first hours after birth. A heart rate of 130/min and respiratory
rate of 50/min are within normal newborn ranges.
Question 4: A nurse is caring for a client in the first stage of labor
who is experiencing contractions every 3 minutes lasting 60
seconds. The client reports intense pain. Which
nonpharmacological intervention should the nurse suggest first?
A. Administer an epidural
B. Encourage slow, patterned breathing
C. Provide IV opioid analgesia
D. Restrict oral intake
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Encourage slow, patterned breathing
Rationale: Slow, patterned breathing is a nonpharmacological comfort
measure that promotes relaxation and reduces pain perception during
labor. Epidurals and IV opioids are pharmacological interventions.
Restricting oral intake does not address pain.
Question 5: A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client at 36
weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the
nurse identify as a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage?
,A. Previous vaginal delivery
B. History of placenta previa
C. Maternal age of 25 years
D. Singleton pregnancy
CORRECT ANSWER: B. History of placenta previa
Rationale: Placenta previa increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage
due to abnormal placental implantation and potential uterine atony.
Previous vaginal delivery, maternal age of 25, and singleton pregnancy are
not significant risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage.
Question 6: A nurse is teaching a postpartum client about
breastfeeding. Which of the following statements indicates a need
for further teaching?
A. "I should feed my baby every 2 to 3 hours."
B. "I will ensure a deep latch to prevent nipple pain."
C. "I should supplement with formula to ensure adequate intake."
D. "I will wake my baby if they sleep longer than 4 hours."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I should supplement with formula to
ensure adequate intake."
Rationale: Supplementing with formula is not recommended for
breastfeeding newborns unless medically indicated, as it can interfere with
milk supply establishment. Feeding every 2-3 hours, ensuring a deep latch,
and waking a sleepy newborn are appropriate breastfeeding practices.
Question 7: A nurse is assessing a client who is at 36 weeks of
gestation and reports a sudden gush of fluid from the vagina.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Perform Nitrazine testing
B. Assess the characteristics of the fluid
C. Check cervical dilation
D. Begin fetal heart rate monitoring
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Begin fetal heart rate monitoring
Rationale: The greatest risk following rupture of membranes is umbilical
cord prolapse. The nurse should monitor the fetus closely to ensure well-
being. Fetal heart rate monitoring is the priority action to detect signs of
cord compression.
, Question 8: A nurse is admitting a client to the labor and delivery
unit when the client states, "My water just broke." Which of the
following interventions is the nurse's priority?
A. Perform Nitrazine testing
B. Assess the fluid characteristics
C. Check cervical dilation
D. Begin fetal heart rate monitoring
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Begin fetal heart rate monitoring
Rationale: Following rupture of membranes, the greatest risk to the client
and fetus is umbilical cord prolapse. The nurse should monitor the fetal
heart rate closely to ensure well-being. This is the priority action.
Question 9: A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is at 8
weeks of gestation about common discomforts of pregnancy. Which
statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "Nausea and vomiting usually last throughout the entire pregnancy."
B. "I may have increased vaginal discharge that is clear or white."
C. "I should expect to have episodes of dizziness when lying on my back."
D. "Breast tenderness indicates a problem with my pregnancy."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "I may have increased vaginal discharge
that is clear or white."
Rationale: Leukorrhea (increased white/clear vaginal discharge) is common
in pregnancy due to increased estrogen levels. Nausea typically resolves by
12-14 weeks. Supine hypotension occurs when lying flat, making side-lying
the recommended position. Breast tenderness is a normal early sign of
pregnancy.
Question 10: A nurse is assessing a client at 36 weeks of gestation.
Which finding should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. 1+ ankle edema
B. Blurred vision and headache
C. Braxton-Hicks contractions every 20 minutes
D. Fetal heart rate of 140/min
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Blurred vision and headache
ACTUAL-Style ATI RN Maternal Newborn Practice
Questions & Answers, Maternal Newborn Nursing
Exam Prep, Verified Answers, Detailed Rationales,
Pregnancy, Antepartum, Intrapartum, Postpartum,
Newborn Care, High-Risk Pregnancy, Complications
of Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery, Women’s Health &
Comprehensive Nursing Review
Question 1: A nurse is assessing a client who is at 32 weeks of
gestation and reports a sudden gush of fluid from the vagina.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Perform a sterile vaginal examination to assess cervical dilation
B. Check the fetal heart rate and assess for umbilical cord prolapse
C. Obtain a specimen for nitrazine paper testing
D. Place the client in a supine position for a bedside ultrasound
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Check the fetal heart rate and assess for
umbilical cord prolapse
Rationale: When a client reports spontaneous rupture of membranes, the
greatest risk is umbilical cord prolapse, which can rapidly compromise fetal
oxygenation. The priority nursing action is to assess fetal well-being by
checking the fetal heart rate and inspecting for cord presentation. Vaginal
examination is contraindicated until cord prolapse is ruled out, and
nitrazine testing is performed after fetal status is confirmed.
Question 2: A nurse is teaching a client who is at 10 weeks of
gestation about expected physiological changes during pregnancy.
Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the
teaching?
A. "I should expect my blood pressure to increase significantly."
B. "My heart rate will decrease as my pregnancy progresses."
C. "I may experience nasal stuffiness due to increased blood flow."
D. "My hemoglobin level will rise above my pre-pregnancy level."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I may experience nasal stuffiness due to
increased blood flow."
,Rationale: During pregnancy, increased estrogen levels and vascular
congestion cause nasal mucosa swelling, leading to nasal stuffiness and
epistaxis. Blood pressure typically remains stable or slightly decreases,
heart rate increases, and hemoglobin levels decrease due to hemodilution.
Question 3: A nurse is assessing a newborn immediately after birth.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
A. Heart rate of 130/min
B. Respiratory rate of 50/min
C. Central cyanosis involving the trunk and mucous membranes
D. Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Central cyanosis involving the trunk and
mucous membranes
Rationale: Central cyanosis indicates inadequate oxygenation and requires
immediate intervention. Acrocyanosis (bluish extremities) is a normal
finding in the first hours after birth. A heart rate of 130/min and respiratory
rate of 50/min are within normal newborn ranges.
Question 4: A nurse is caring for a client in the first stage of labor
who is experiencing contractions every 3 minutes lasting 60
seconds. The client reports intense pain. Which
nonpharmacological intervention should the nurse suggest first?
A. Administer an epidural
B. Encourage slow, patterned breathing
C. Provide IV opioid analgesia
D. Restrict oral intake
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Encourage slow, patterned breathing
Rationale: Slow, patterned breathing is a nonpharmacological comfort
measure that promotes relaxation and reduces pain perception during
labor. Epidurals and IV opioids are pharmacological interventions.
Restricting oral intake does not address pain.
Question 5: A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client at 36
weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the
nurse identify as a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage?
,A. Previous vaginal delivery
B. History of placenta previa
C. Maternal age of 25 years
D. Singleton pregnancy
CORRECT ANSWER: B. History of placenta previa
Rationale: Placenta previa increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage
due to abnormal placental implantation and potential uterine atony.
Previous vaginal delivery, maternal age of 25, and singleton pregnancy are
not significant risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage.
Question 6: A nurse is teaching a postpartum client about
breastfeeding. Which of the following statements indicates a need
for further teaching?
A. "I should feed my baby every 2 to 3 hours."
B. "I will ensure a deep latch to prevent nipple pain."
C. "I should supplement with formula to ensure adequate intake."
D. "I will wake my baby if they sleep longer than 4 hours."
CORRECT ANSWER: C. "I should supplement with formula to
ensure adequate intake."
Rationale: Supplementing with formula is not recommended for
breastfeeding newborns unless medically indicated, as it can interfere with
milk supply establishment. Feeding every 2-3 hours, ensuring a deep latch,
and waking a sleepy newborn are appropriate breastfeeding practices.
Question 7: A nurse is assessing a client who is at 36 weeks of
gestation and reports a sudden gush of fluid from the vagina.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Perform Nitrazine testing
B. Assess the characteristics of the fluid
C. Check cervical dilation
D. Begin fetal heart rate monitoring
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Begin fetal heart rate monitoring
Rationale: The greatest risk following rupture of membranes is umbilical
cord prolapse. The nurse should monitor the fetus closely to ensure well-
being. Fetal heart rate monitoring is the priority action to detect signs of
cord compression.
, Question 8: A nurse is admitting a client to the labor and delivery
unit when the client states, "My water just broke." Which of the
following interventions is the nurse's priority?
A. Perform Nitrazine testing
B. Assess the fluid characteristics
C. Check cervical dilation
D. Begin fetal heart rate monitoring
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Begin fetal heart rate monitoring
Rationale: Following rupture of membranes, the greatest risk to the client
and fetus is umbilical cord prolapse. The nurse should monitor the fetal
heart rate closely to ensure well-being. This is the priority action.
Question 9: A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is at 8
weeks of gestation about common discomforts of pregnancy. Which
statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "Nausea and vomiting usually last throughout the entire pregnancy."
B. "I may have increased vaginal discharge that is clear or white."
C. "I should expect to have episodes of dizziness when lying on my back."
D. "Breast tenderness indicates a problem with my pregnancy."
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "I may have increased vaginal discharge
that is clear or white."
Rationale: Leukorrhea (increased white/clear vaginal discharge) is common
in pregnancy due to increased estrogen levels. Nausea typically resolves by
12-14 weeks. Supine hypotension occurs when lying flat, making side-lying
the recommended position. Breast tenderness is a normal early sign of
pregnancy.
Question 10: A nurse is assessing a client at 36 weeks of gestation.
Which finding should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. 1+ ankle edema
B. Blurred vision and headache
C. Braxton-Hicks contractions every 20 minutes
D. Fetal heart rate of 140/min
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Blurred vision and headache
