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ATI RN Maternal Newborn Exam –
Verified Proctored Questions with
Correct Answers & Rationales
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client at 39 weeks gestation who reports sudden gushing of fluid. Which
action is the priority?
a) Check cervical dilation
b) Assess fetal heart rate
c) Perform a sterile vaginal exam
d) Monitor maternal blood pressure
Rationale: Sudden gushing of fluid suggests rupture of membranes, which can lead to cord
prolapse or fetal distress. Assessing the fetal heart rate is the priority to ensure fetal well-being,
per 2025 obstetric emergency protocols.
Question 2
A postpartum client reports a headache and blurred vision 48 hours after delivery. The nurse
suspects:
a) Dehydration
b) Postpartum preeclampsia
c) Normal postpartum adjustment
d) Migraine
Rationale: Headache and blurred vision postpartum are hallmark signs of preeclampsia, a
hypertensive disorder that can occur up to 6 weeks after delivery, requiring immediate
assessment, per 2025 postpartum care standards.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching a client about newborn feeding. Which statement indicates understanding?
a) “I’ll feed my baby every 4–6 hours.”
b) “I’ll watch for rooting and sucking cues to feed.”
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c) “I’ll give my baby water between feedings.”
d) “I’ll use formula to ensure adequate nutrition.”
Rationale: Rooting and sucking are early hunger cues, prompting on-demand feeding to meet
nutritional needs and promote bonding, per 2025 newborn feeding guidelines.
Question 4
A newborn exhibits a high-pitched cry and tremors. The nurse suspects:
a) Hyperbilirubinemia
b) Neonatal abstinence syndrome
c) Respiratory distress
d) Hypothermia
Rationale: A high-pitched cry and tremors are signs of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) due
to maternal substance use, requiring monitoring and supportive care, per 2025 neonatal
standards.
Question 5
A client in labor has a fetal heart rate with variable decelerations. The nurse’s first action is to:
a) Administer oxygen at 2 L/min
b) Reposition the client to the left side
c) Increase oxytocin infusion
d) Notify the provider immediately
Rationale: Variable decelerations indicate possible umbilical cord compression. Repositioning
to the left side relieves pressure and improves fetal oxygenation, per 2025 fetal monitoring
standards.
Question 6
A postpartum client has a temperature of 100.8°F (38.2°C). The nurse’s first action is to:
a) Administer acetaminophen
b) Assess for infection signs
c) Encourage fluid intake
d) Apply a cooling blanket
ATI RN Maternal Newborn Exam –
Verified Proctored Questions with
Correct Answers & Rationales
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client at 39 weeks gestation who reports sudden gushing of fluid. Which
action is the priority?
a) Check cervical dilation
b) Assess fetal heart rate
c) Perform a sterile vaginal exam
d) Monitor maternal blood pressure
Rationale: Sudden gushing of fluid suggests rupture of membranes, which can lead to cord
prolapse or fetal distress. Assessing the fetal heart rate is the priority to ensure fetal well-being,
per 2025 obstetric emergency protocols.
Question 2
A postpartum client reports a headache and blurred vision 48 hours after delivery. The nurse
suspects:
a) Dehydration
b) Postpartum preeclampsia
c) Normal postpartum adjustment
d) Migraine
Rationale: Headache and blurred vision postpartum are hallmark signs of preeclampsia, a
hypertensive disorder that can occur up to 6 weeks after delivery, requiring immediate
assessment, per 2025 postpartum care standards.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching a client about newborn feeding. Which statement indicates understanding?
a) “I’ll feed my baby every 4–6 hours.”
b) “I’ll watch for rooting and sucking cues to feed.”
, 2
c) “I’ll give my baby water between feedings.”
d) “I’ll use formula to ensure adequate nutrition.”
Rationale: Rooting and sucking are early hunger cues, prompting on-demand feeding to meet
nutritional needs and promote bonding, per 2025 newborn feeding guidelines.
Question 4
A newborn exhibits a high-pitched cry and tremors. The nurse suspects:
a) Hyperbilirubinemia
b) Neonatal abstinence syndrome
c) Respiratory distress
d) Hypothermia
Rationale: A high-pitched cry and tremors are signs of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) due
to maternal substance use, requiring monitoring and supportive care, per 2025 neonatal
standards.
Question 5
A client in labor has a fetal heart rate with variable decelerations. The nurse’s first action is to:
a) Administer oxygen at 2 L/min
b) Reposition the client to the left side
c) Increase oxytocin infusion
d) Notify the provider immediately
Rationale: Variable decelerations indicate possible umbilical cord compression. Repositioning
to the left side relieves pressure and improves fetal oxygenation, per 2025 fetal monitoring
standards.
Question 6
A postpartum client has a temperature of 100.8°F (38.2°C). The nurse’s first action is to:
a) Administer acetaminophen
b) Assess for infection signs
c) Encourage fluid intake
d) Apply a cooling blanket
