ATI Maternal Newborn Nursing Exam Prep 2026 | Comprehensive
Review for Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, and
Newborn Care | ATI-Style Practice Questions with Verified
Answers, Priority Nursing Interventions, NCLEX-Aligned
Rationales, Clinical Scenarios, Safety Guidelines, and Complete
Study Guide to Ace the ATI Maternal Newborn Exam
1. Which of the following is a sign that labor has begun?
• A) Lightening
• B) Increased appetite
• C) Decreased fetal movement
• D) Weight gain
Correct Answer: A) Lightening
Rationale: Lightening refers to the descent of the fetus into the pelvis, which can occur
weeks before labor begins. It indicates that the body is preparing for labor.
2. A nurse is caring for a postpartum client. Which finding should the nurse report
to the healthcare provider?
• A) Fundus that is firm and midline
• B) Moderate lochia rubra
• C) Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C)
• D) Heart rate of 110 bpm
Correct Answer: D) Heart rate of 110 bpm
Rationale: A heart rate of 110 bpm could indicate possible complications such as
hemorrhage or infection and should be reported. Normal range is typically between 60-
100 bpm.
3. What is the primary purpose of the Apgar score?
• A) To assess neonatal reflexes
• B) To evaluate the need for resuscitation
• C) To determine gestational age
• D) To assess maternal health
Correct Answer: B) To evaluate the need for resuscitation
Rationale: The Apgar score is a quick assessment tool used to evaluate the physical
,condition of a newborn at one and five minutes after birth, primarily to identify the need
for immediate medical intervention.
4. During the first hour after birth, which of the following actions should the nurse
prioritize?
• A) Administering antibiotics
• B) Initiating skin-to-skin contact
• C) Measuring the newborn's length
• D) Providing formula feeding
Correct Answer: B) Initiating skin-to-skin contact
Rationale: Skin-to-skin contact between the mother and newborn is crucial as it
promotes bonding, helps regulate the newborn's temperature, and can initiate
breastfeeding.
5. Which of the following is a common risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage?
• A) Advanced maternal age
• B) Multiparity
• C) Use of epidural anesthesia
• D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D) All of the above
Rationale: Each of these factors can increase the risk for postpartum hemorrhage,
making this option the most comprehensive.
6. What is the recommended weight gain during pregnancy for a client with a
normal pre-pregnancy BMI?
• A) 15-25 pounds
• B) 25-35 pounds
• C) 35-45 pounds
• D) 10-20 pounds
Correct Answer: B) 25-35 pounds
Rationale: Women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI are advised to gain between 25-35
pounds for optimal maternal and fetal health.
,7. A nurse is assessing a newborn's vital signs. Which of the following is a normal
respiratory rate for a newborn?
• A) 20-30 breaths per minute
• B) 30-60 breaths per minute
• C) 60-80 breaths per minute
• D) 80-100 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B) 30-60 breaths per minute
Rationale: A normal respiratory rate for a newborn is typically between 30-60 breaths
per minute, reflecting their greater oxygen demand.
8. Which maternal condition is most commonly associated with fetal macrosomia?
• A) Hypertension
• B) Diabetes Mellitus
• C) Anemia
• D) Hyperemesis gravidarum
Correct Answer: B) Diabetes Mellitus
Rationale: Maternal diabetes can lead to an increase in fetal size (macrosomia) due to
elevated glucose levels promoting fetal growth.
9. When should a postpartum client receive the Rh immune globulin injection?
• A) At 6 weeks postpartum
• B) Within 72 hours of delivery if Rh negative
• C) At the first prenatal visit
• D) After the first trimester
Correct Answer: B) Within 72 hours of delivery if Rh negative
Rationale: Rh immune globulin is administered within 72 hours post-delivery to prevent
Rh sensitization in Rh-negative mothers.
10. What is the most appropriate position for a woman in labor experiencing back
pain?
• A) Supine
• B) Trendelenburg
, • C) Hands and knees
• D) Lying on her left side
Correct Answer: C) Hands and knees
Rationale: The hands-and-knees position can relieve back pain during labor by
repositioning the fetus and reducing pressure on the back.
11. Which of the following indicates a possible infection in a postpartum client?
• A) Fundal height decreasing
• B) Foul-smelling lochia
• C) Pale skin tone
• D) Normal temperature
Correct Answer: B) Foul-smelling lochia
Rationale: Foul-smelling lochia can indicate an infection in the uterus or cervix,
necessitating further evaluation and treatment.
12. What initial assessment should a nurse perform on a newborn immediately
after birth?
• A) Apgar score
• B) Weight measurement
• C) Length measurement
• D) Blood type determination
Correct Answer: A) Apgar score
Rationale: The Apgar score is assessed immediately at one and five minutes after birth
to gauge the newborn's adaptation to extrauterine life.
13. A mother with a history of substance abuse is admitted for delivery. What is the
priority nursing intervention?
• A) Assess fetal heart rate
• B) Screen for infections
• C) Provide substance withdrawal interventions
• D) Monitor neonatal withdrawal symptoms
Review for Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, and
Newborn Care | ATI-Style Practice Questions with Verified
Answers, Priority Nursing Interventions, NCLEX-Aligned
Rationales, Clinical Scenarios, Safety Guidelines, and Complete
Study Guide to Ace the ATI Maternal Newborn Exam
1. Which of the following is a sign that labor has begun?
• A) Lightening
• B) Increased appetite
• C) Decreased fetal movement
• D) Weight gain
Correct Answer: A) Lightening
Rationale: Lightening refers to the descent of the fetus into the pelvis, which can occur
weeks before labor begins. It indicates that the body is preparing for labor.
2. A nurse is caring for a postpartum client. Which finding should the nurse report
to the healthcare provider?
• A) Fundus that is firm and midline
• B) Moderate lochia rubra
• C) Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C)
• D) Heart rate of 110 bpm
Correct Answer: D) Heart rate of 110 bpm
Rationale: A heart rate of 110 bpm could indicate possible complications such as
hemorrhage or infection and should be reported. Normal range is typically between 60-
100 bpm.
3. What is the primary purpose of the Apgar score?
• A) To assess neonatal reflexes
• B) To evaluate the need for resuscitation
• C) To determine gestational age
• D) To assess maternal health
Correct Answer: B) To evaluate the need for resuscitation
Rationale: The Apgar score is a quick assessment tool used to evaluate the physical
,condition of a newborn at one and five minutes after birth, primarily to identify the need
for immediate medical intervention.
4. During the first hour after birth, which of the following actions should the nurse
prioritize?
• A) Administering antibiotics
• B) Initiating skin-to-skin contact
• C) Measuring the newborn's length
• D) Providing formula feeding
Correct Answer: B) Initiating skin-to-skin contact
Rationale: Skin-to-skin contact between the mother and newborn is crucial as it
promotes bonding, helps regulate the newborn's temperature, and can initiate
breastfeeding.
5. Which of the following is a common risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage?
• A) Advanced maternal age
• B) Multiparity
• C) Use of epidural anesthesia
• D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D) All of the above
Rationale: Each of these factors can increase the risk for postpartum hemorrhage,
making this option the most comprehensive.
6. What is the recommended weight gain during pregnancy for a client with a
normal pre-pregnancy BMI?
• A) 15-25 pounds
• B) 25-35 pounds
• C) 35-45 pounds
• D) 10-20 pounds
Correct Answer: B) 25-35 pounds
Rationale: Women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI are advised to gain between 25-35
pounds for optimal maternal and fetal health.
,7. A nurse is assessing a newborn's vital signs. Which of the following is a normal
respiratory rate for a newborn?
• A) 20-30 breaths per minute
• B) 30-60 breaths per minute
• C) 60-80 breaths per minute
• D) 80-100 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B) 30-60 breaths per minute
Rationale: A normal respiratory rate for a newborn is typically between 30-60 breaths
per minute, reflecting their greater oxygen demand.
8. Which maternal condition is most commonly associated with fetal macrosomia?
• A) Hypertension
• B) Diabetes Mellitus
• C) Anemia
• D) Hyperemesis gravidarum
Correct Answer: B) Diabetes Mellitus
Rationale: Maternal diabetes can lead to an increase in fetal size (macrosomia) due to
elevated glucose levels promoting fetal growth.
9. When should a postpartum client receive the Rh immune globulin injection?
• A) At 6 weeks postpartum
• B) Within 72 hours of delivery if Rh negative
• C) At the first prenatal visit
• D) After the first trimester
Correct Answer: B) Within 72 hours of delivery if Rh negative
Rationale: Rh immune globulin is administered within 72 hours post-delivery to prevent
Rh sensitization in Rh-negative mothers.
10. What is the most appropriate position for a woman in labor experiencing back
pain?
• A) Supine
• B) Trendelenburg
, • C) Hands and knees
• D) Lying on her left side
Correct Answer: C) Hands and knees
Rationale: The hands-and-knees position can relieve back pain during labor by
repositioning the fetus and reducing pressure on the back.
11. Which of the following indicates a possible infection in a postpartum client?
• A) Fundal height decreasing
• B) Foul-smelling lochia
• C) Pale skin tone
• D) Normal temperature
Correct Answer: B) Foul-smelling lochia
Rationale: Foul-smelling lochia can indicate an infection in the uterus or cervix,
necessitating further evaluation and treatment.
12. What initial assessment should a nurse perform on a newborn immediately
after birth?
• A) Apgar score
• B) Weight measurement
• C) Length measurement
• D) Blood type determination
Correct Answer: A) Apgar score
Rationale: The Apgar score is assessed immediately at one and five minutes after birth
to gauge the newborn's adaptation to extrauterine life.
13. A mother with a history of substance abuse is admitted for delivery. What is the
priority nursing intervention?
• A) Assess fetal heart rate
• B) Screen for infections
• C) Provide substance withdrawal interventions
• D) Monitor neonatal withdrawal symptoms
