Fall Semester 2025 | ATI Maternal Newborn Nursing
Comprehensive Study Guide & Updated 2024–2025
Exam Prep Bundle | Complete Pregnancy, Labor &
Delivery, Postpartum Care, Newborn Assessment,
High-Risk Conditions, Nursing Interventions, Clinical
Scenarios & ATI-Style Practice Questions for Proctored
and Final Exams
Question 1:
A 28-year-old woman at 30 weeks of gestation comes to the clinic for a routine
checkup. Which of the following findings would most likely indicate a
complication?
• A) Fetal heart rate of 150 bpm
• B) Fundal height measuring 32 cm
• C) Mild edema in the lower extremities
• D) Positive fetal movement
Correct Option: B) Fundal height measuring 32 cm
Rationale: Fundal height typically correlates with gestational age. At 30 weeks, the
expected fundal height is approximately 28-32 cm. A measurement exceeding this
range may indicate conditions such as fetal macrosomia or polyhydramnios, suggesting
a possible complication.
Question 2:
Which assessment finding in a newborn would indicate potential respiratory
distress?
• A) Nasal flaring
• B) Strong cry
• C) Pink color with normal tone
• D) Grunting during expiration
Correct Option: A) Nasal flaring
,Rationale: Nasal flaring is a sign that the newborn is struggling to breathe and is often
an early indicator of respiratory distress. While grunting (option D) may also indicate
distress, the presence of nasal flaring is typically seen first.
Question 3:
A nurse is teaching a breastfeeding mother about proper latch techniques. Which
of the following statements by the mother indicates a need for further teaching?
• A) "I should ensure the baby’s mouth covers both the nipple and some of the
areola."
• B) "I need to make sure the baby’s lips are turned in."
• C) "The baby should be able to suck without pain for me."
• D) "I should position the baby’s body close to mine during feeding."
Correct Option: B) "I need to make sure the baby’s lips are turned in."
Rationale: The baby's lips should be flanged out, not turned in, to create a proper seal
and prevent discomfort for the mother during breastfeeding. This understanding is
crucial for comfortable and effective breastfeeding.
Question 4:
What is the priority nursing intervention for a 12-hour postpartum patient who
reports severe uterine cramping?
• A) Administer prescribed analgesia
• B) Assess vital signs
• C) Encourage ambulation
• D) Provide warm compresses
Correct Option: A) Administer prescribed analgesia
Rationale: Severe uterine cramping may indicate uterine atony or other complications.
Administering analgesia helps manage pain, allowing for better assessment and
intervention for any underlying issues.
Question 5:
During a prenatal visit, the nurse notes signs of potential preterm labor in an
expectant mother. Which of the following symptoms is a classic indicator?
• A) Regular contractions
• B) Insomnia
• C) Swelling of the feet
• D) Increased fatigue
,Correct Option: A) Regular contractions
Rationale: Regular contractions (typically every 10 minutes or more) before 37 weeks'
gestation are indicative of preterm labor. Identification and prompt management of this
symptom are crucial to improve outcomes for the mother and baby.
Question 6:
During a maternity assessment, which of the following findings would be
considered abnormal?
• A) A fetal heart rate of 130 to 160 bpm
• B) Thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid
• C) Presence of light vaginal bleeding
• D) Soft, mobile fundus
Correct Option: B) Thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid
Rationale: Thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid may indicate fetal distress and
increases the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome, which requires further evaluation
and monitoring.
Question 7:
A postpartum nurse is caring for a woman who delivered vaginally. Which
assessment finding would require immediate intervention?
• A) A firm fundus that is midline but has bright red lochia
• B) Moderate uterine cramping
• C) Complaints of perineal pain
• D) Edema around the episiotomy site
Correct Option: A) A firm fundus that is midline but has bright red lochia
Rationale: Bright red lochia (lochia rubra) that is excessive could indicate uterine atony
or retained placental fragments, which may require immediate nursing intervention.
Question 8:
Which of the following is the priority nursing action when assessing a newborn
immediately after birth?
• A) Obtain a set of vital signs
• B) Ensure the airway is clear
, • C) Assess the Apgar score
• D) Provide warmth
Correct Option: B) Ensure the airway is clear
Rationale: The immediate priority for a newborn is to establish a clear airway to enable
effective breathing. Other assessments follow once the airway is secured.
Question 9:
The nurse is monitoring a newborn for signs of hypoglycemia. Which of the
following findings would indicate this condition?
• A) High-pitched cry
• B) Jitteriness
• C) Normal feeding reflex
• D) Calm demeanor
Correct Option: B) Jitteriness
Rationale: Jitteriness can be a sign of hypoglycemia in newborns. Other symptoms may
include lethargy and poor feeding, making monitoring critical after birth.
Question 10:
When providing education to a pregnant woman about prenatal vitamins, which
statement is most accurate?
• A) "You should take them only in the first trimester."
• B) "Folic acid is only important for women with a history of neural tube defects."
• C) "Iron is essential to prevent anemia during pregnancy."
• D) "You can get all necessary nutrients from a regular diet."
Correct Option: C) "Iron is essential to prevent anemia during pregnancy."
Rationale: Iron is crucial during pregnancy to support increased blood volume and fetal
demands, and deficiencies can lead to anemia, affecting maternal and fetal health.
Question 11:
A nurse is caring for a client who is 34 weeks pregnant and has just been diagnosed
with gestational hypertension. What is the priority nursing intervention?
Comprehensive Study Guide & Updated 2024–2025
Exam Prep Bundle | Complete Pregnancy, Labor &
Delivery, Postpartum Care, Newborn Assessment,
High-Risk Conditions, Nursing Interventions, Clinical
Scenarios & ATI-Style Practice Questions for Proctored
and Final Exams
Question 1:
A 28-year-old woman at 30 weeks of gestation comes to the clinic for a routine
checkup. Which of the following findings would most likely indicate a
complication?
• A) Fetal heart rate of 150 bpm
• B) Fundal height measuring 32 cm
• C) Mild edema in the lower extremities
• D) Positive fetal movement
Correct Option: B) Fundal height measuring 32 cm
Rationale: Fundal height typically correlates with gestational age. At 30 weeks, the
expected fundal height is approximately 28-32 cm. A measurement exceeding this
range may indicate conditions such as fetal macrosomia or polyhydramnios, suggesting
a possible complication.
Question 2:
Which assessment finding in a newborn would indicate potential respiratory
distress?
• A) Nasal flaring
• B) Strong cry
• C) Pink color with normal tone
• D) Grunting during expiration
Correct Option: A) Nasal flaring
,Rationale: Nasal flaring is a sign that the newborn is struggling to breathe and is often
an early indicator of respiratory distress. While grunting (option D) may also indicate
distress, the presence of nasal flaring is typically seen first.
Question 3:
A nurse is teaching a breastfeeding mother about proper latch techniques. Which
of the following statements by the mother indicates a need for further teaching?
• A) "I should ensure the baby’s mouth covers both the nipple and some of the
areola."
• B) "I need to make sure the baby’s lips are turned in."
• C) "The baby should be able to suck without pain for me."
• D) "I should position the baby’s body close to mine during feeding."
Correct Option: B) "I need to make sure the baby’s lips are turned in."
Rationale: The baby's lips should be flanged out, not turned in, to create a proper seal
and prevent discomfort for the mother during breastfeeding. This understanding is
crucial for comfortable and effective breastfeeding.
Question 4:
What is the priority nursing intervention for a 12-hour postpartum patient who
reports severe uterine cramping?
• A) Administer prescribed analgesia
• B) Assess vital signs
• C) Encourage ambulation
• D) Provide warm compresses
Correct Option: A) Administer prescribed analgesia
Rationale: Severe uterine cramping may indicate uterine atony or other complications.
Administering analgesia helps manage pain, allowing for better assessment and
intervention for any underlying issues.
Question 5:
During a prenatal visit, the nurse notes signs of potential preterm labor in an
expectant mother. Which of the following symptoms is a classic indicator?
• A) Regular contractions
• B) Insomnia
• C) Swelling of the feet
• D) Increased fatigue
,Correct Option: A) Regular contractions
Rationale: Regular contractions (typically every 10 minutes or more) before 37 weeks'
gestation are indicative of preterm labor. Identification and prompt management of this
symptom are crucial to improve outcomes for the mother and baby.
Question 6:
During a maternity assessment, which of the following findings would be
considered abnormal?
• A) A fetal heart rate of 130 to 160 bpm
• B) Thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid
• C) Presence of light vaginal bleeding
• D) Soft, mobile fundus
Correct Option: B) Thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid
Rationale: Thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid may indicate fetal distress and
increases the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome, which requires further evaluation
and monitoring.
Question 7:
A postpartum nurse is caring for a woman who delivered vaginally. Which
assessment finding would require immediate intervention?
• A) A firm fundus that is midline but has bright red lochia
• B) Moderate uterine cramping
• C) Complaints of perineal pain
• D) Edema around the episiotomy site
Correct Option: A) A firm fundus that is midline but has bright red lochia
Rationale: Bright red lochia (lochia rubra) that is excessive could indicate uterine atony
or retained placental fragments, which may require immediate nursing intervention.
Question 8:
Which of the following is the priority nursing action when assessing a newborn
immediately after birth?
• A) Obtain a set of vital signs
• B) Ensure the airway is clear
, • C) Assess the Apgar score
• D) Provide warmth
Correct Option: B) Ensure the airway is clear
Rationale: The immediate priority for a newborn is to establish a clear airway to enable
effective breathing. Other assessments follow once the airway is secured.
Question 9:
The nurse is monitoring a newborn for signs of hypoglycemia. Which of the
following findings would indicate this condition?
• A) High-pitched cry
• B) Jitteriness
• C) Normal feeding reflex
• D) Calm demeanor
Correct Option: B) Jitteriness
Rationale: Jitteriness can be a sign of hypoglycemia in newborns. Other symptoms may
include lethargy and poor feeding, making monitoring critical after birth.
Question 10:
When providing education to a pregnant woman about prenatal vitamins, which
statement is most accurate?
• A) "You should take them only in the first trimester."
• B) "Folic acid is only important for women with a history of neural tube defects."
• C) "Iron is essential to prevent anemia during pregnancy."
• D) "You can get all necessary nutrients from a regular diet."
Correct Option: C) "Iron is essential to prevent anemia during pregnancy."
Rationale: Iron is crucial during pregnancy to support increased blood volume and fetal
demands, and deficiencies can lead to anemia, affecting maternal and fetal health.
Question 11:
A nurse is caring for a client who is 34 weeks pregnant and has just been diagnosed
with gestational hypertension. What is the priority nursing intervention?
