Solutions With Rationales.
Maternal–Newborn Nursing – ATI-Style Flashcards (Q1–25)
1. Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining pregnancy during the first trimester?
A. Oxytocin
B. Estrogen
C. Progesterone
D. Prolactin
Rationale:
Progesterone maintains the uterine lining and prevents uterine contractions, supporting early
pregnancy. It is initially produced by the corpus luteum and later by the placenta.
2. A pregnant client at 10 weeks’ gestation reports nausea and vomiting. This is most likely due to
increased levels of which hormone?
A. Progesterone
B. Estrogen
C. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
D. Oxytocin
Rationale:
hCG levels peak during the first trimester and are strongly associated with nausea and vomiting of
pregnancy (morning sickness).
3. Which finding is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy?
A. Fetal heart tones
B. Positive pregnancy test
C. Amenorrhea
D. Visualization of fetus on ultrasound
Rationale:
Amenorrhea is a presumptive (subjective) sign. Fetal heart tones and ultrasound confirmation are
positive signs of pregnancy.
4. The nurse explains that the normal duration of pregnancy is approximately:
, A. 36 weeks
B. 38 weeks
C. 40 weeks
D. 42 weeks
Rationale:
A full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP).
5. Which assessment finding confirms pregnancy?
A. Nausea
B. Breast tenderness
C. Positive urine test
D. Detection of fetal heart tones
Rationale:
Fetal heart tones provide positive confirmation of pregnancy. Symptoms and tests alone are not
definitive.
6. Which structure is responsible for oxygen and nutrient exchange between mother and fetus?
A. Amniotic sac
B. Umbilical cord
C. Placenta
D. Chorion
Rationale:
The placenta facilitates gas exchange, nutrient delivery, and waste removal between maternal and
fetal circulation.
7. Which maternal adaptation is expected during pregnancy?
A. Decreased cardiac output
B. Decreased blood volume
C. Increased blood volume
D. Decreased oxygen consumption
Rationale:
Blood volume increases by up to 50% to support placental perfusion and fetal development.
8. Which position is best for a pregnant client during the second and third trimesters to prevent
supine hypotensive syndrome?
A. Supine
B. Prone