ATI RN MATERNAL NEWBORN PROCTORED EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES A NEW UPDATED VERSION LATEST 2026-2027 (
VERIFIED ANSWERS) ALREADY GRADED A+
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 32 weeks pregnant and reports a sudden gush of
fluid from the vagina. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Check maternal vital signs
B. Assess the amniotic fluid for color and odor
C. Administer tocolytic medication
D. Prepare the client for immediate delivery
Rationale: The first action is to assess the amniotic fluid for color and odor to determine if premature rupture
of membranes (PROM) has occurred and to check for meconium, which can indicate fetal distress.
2. A nurse is teaching a postpartum client about lochia. Which statement by the client
indicates understanding?
A. “Lochia will remain bright red for 6 weeks.”
B. “Lochia changes from red to pink to yellow before it stops.”
C. “Lochia should stop within 24 hours.”
D. “Lochia is always foul-smelling.”
Rationale: Lochia progresses from rubra (red) → serosa (pink) → alba (yellow/white) before ceasing.
Persistent bright red or foul-smelling lochia requires evaluation.
,3. A nurse is assessing a newborn immediately after birth. Which finding should be
reported to the provider?
A. Heart rate 140/min
B. Respiratory rate 50/min
C. Temperature 35.5°C (95.9°F)
D. Pink mucous membranes
Rationale: Normal newborn temperature is 36.5–37.5°C (97.7–99.5°F). Hypothermia can lead to
hypoglycemia and respiratory distress, requiring immediate intervention.
4. A nurse is caring for a client in labor who has epidural anesthesia. Which assessment is
the highest priority?
A. Maternal hydration status
B. Maternal blood pressure
C. Fetal heart rate
D. Pain level
Rationale: Epidural anesthesia can cause maternal hypotension, which can reduce placental perfusion and
compromise the fetus. BP must be monitored closely.
5. A nurse is providing teaching to a client about breastfeeding. Which statement indicates
a correct understanding?
A. “I should feed my baby every 4–6 hours.”
B. “I should feed my baby whenever he shows signs of hunger.”
C. “I should give my baby water between feedings.”
D. “I should always wake my baby at night to feed.”
Rationale: Feeding should be on demand, typically every 2–3 hours in newborns. Water is not recommended
for infants under 6 months.
,6. A nurse is assessing a client 2 days postpartum and notes a firm, tender uterus deviated
to the right. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer oxytocin
B. Assist the client to void
C. Massage the fundus
D. Notify the provider
Rationale: A full bladder can cause uterine displacement and increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. The
first action is to assist the client.
7. A nurse is caring for a newborn born at 36 weeks gestation. Which finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. Mild jaundice on the face
B. Retractions and grunting with respirations
C. Heart rate 145/min
D. Birth weight 2,500 g
Rationale: Retractions and grunting indicate respiratory distress. Preterm newborns are at increased risk due
to immature lungs.
8. A nurse is teaching a client who is 28 weeks pregnant about daily fetal movement
counts. Which statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. “I will count movements once a week.”
B. “I should feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours.”
C. “I will call the provider if I feel more than 20 movements.”
D. “It is normal not to feel movements every day.”
Rationale: Clients are advised to count fetal movements daily, with at least 10 movements within 2 hours
considered reassuring.
, 9. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing postpartum hemorrhage. Which medication
is the priority to administer?
A. Ibuprofen
B. Oxytocin
C. Magnesium sulfate
D. Methylergonovine
Rationale: Oxytocin is the first-line uterotonic used to stimulate uterine contractions and reduce postpartum
bleeding.
10. A nurse is assessing a newborn and notes a bulging anterior fontanel. Which condition
is this most likely associated with?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Increased intracranial pressure
C. Hyperbilirubinemia
D. Respiratory distress
Rationale: A bulging fontanel is a classic sign of increased intracranial pressure, requiring prompt evaluation.
11. A nurse is caring for a client at 38 weeks gestation who reports sudden abdominal pain
and vaginal bleeding. The nurse suspects placenta previa. Which action should the nurse
take first?
A. Assess fetal heart rate
B. Perform a vaginal exam
C. Administer oxytocin
D. Encourage ambulation
Rationale: Vaginal exams are contraindicated in placenta previa due to risk of severe hemorrhage. The first
priority is assessing fetal well-being.
12. A nurse is providing teaching about Rh incompatibility. Which client statement
indicates understanding?
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES A NEW UPDATED VERSION LATEST 2026-2027 (
VERIFIED ANSWERS) ALREADY GRADED A+
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 32 weeks pregnant and reports a sudden gush of
fluid from the vagina. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Check maternal vital signs
B. Assess the amniotic fluid for color and odor
C. Administer tocolytic medication
D. Prepare the client for immediate delivery
Rationale: The first action is to assess the amniotic fluid for color and odor to determine if premature rupture
of membranes (PROM) has occurred and to check for meconium, which can indicate fetal distress.
2. A nurse is teaching a postpartum client about lochia. Which statement by the client
indicates understanding?
A. “Lochia will remain bright red for 6 weeks.”
B. “Lochia changes from red to pink to yellow before it stops.”
C. “Lochia should stop within 24 hours.”
D. “Lochia is always foul-smelling.”
Rationale: Lochia progresses from rubra (red) → serosa (pink) → alba (yellow/white) before ceasing.
Persistent bright red or foul-smelling lochia requires evaluation.
,3. A nurse is assessing a newborn immediately after birth. Which finding should be
reported to the provider?
A. Heart rate 140/min
B. Respiratory rate 50/min
C. Temperature 35.5°C (95.9°F)
D. Pink mucous membranes
Rationale: Normal newborn temperature is 36.5–37.5°C (97.7–99.5°F). Hypothermia can lead to
hypoglycemia and respiratory distress, requiring immediate intervention.
4. A nurse is caring for a client in labor who has epidural anesthesia. Which assessment is
the highest priority?
A. Maternal hydration status
B. Maternal blood pressure
C. Fetal heart rate
D. Pain level
Rationale: Epidural anesthesia can cause maternal hypotension, which can reduce placental perfusion and
compromise the fetus. BP must be monitored closely.
5. A nurse is providing teaching to a client about breastfeeding. Which statement indicates
a correct understanding?
A. “I should feed my baby every 4–6 hours.”
B. “I should feed my baby whenever he shows signs of hunger.”
C. “I should give my baby water between feedings.”
D. “I should always wake my baby at night to feed.”
Rationale: Feeding should be on demand, typically every 2–3 hours in newborns. Water is not recommended
for infants under 6 months.
,6. A nurse is assessing a client 2 days postpartum and notes a firm, tender uterus deviated
to the right. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer oxytocin
B. Assist the client to void
C. Massage the fundus
D. Notify the provider
Rationale: A full bladder can cause uterine displacement and increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. The
first action is to assist the client.
7. A nurse is caring for a newborn born at 36 weeks gestation. Which finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. Mild jaundice on the face
B. Retractions and grunting with respirations
C. Heart rate 145/min
D. Birth weight 2,500 g
Rationale: Retractions and grunting indicate respiratory distress. Preterm newborns are at increased risk due
to immature lungs.
8. A nurse is teaching a client who is 28 weeks pregnant about daily fetal movement
counts. Which statement by the client indicates understanding?
A. “I will count movements once a week.”
B. “I should feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours.”
C. “I will call the provider if I feel more than 20 movements.”
D. “It is normal not to feel movements every day.”
Rationale: Clients are advised to count fetal movements daily, with at least 10 movements within 2 hours
considered reassuring.
, 9. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing postpartum hemorrhage. Which medication
is the priority to administer?
A. Ibuprofen
B. Oxytocin
C. Magnesium sulfate
D. Methylergonovine
Rationale: Oxytocin is the first-line uterotonic used to stimulate uterine contractions and reduce postpartum
bleeding.
10. A nurse is assessing a newborn and notes a bulging anterior fontanel. Which condition
is this most likely associated with?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Increased intracranial pressure
C. Hyperbilirubinemia
D. Respiratory distress
Rationale: A bulging fontanel is a classic sign of increased intracranial pressure, requiring prompt evaluation.
11. A nurse is caring for a client at 38 weeks gestation who reports sudden abdominal pain
and vaginal bleeding. The nurse suspects placenta previa. Which action should the nurse
take first?
A. Assess fetal heart rate
B. Perform a vaginal exam
C. Administer oxytocin
D. Encourage ambulation
Rationale: Vaginal exams are contraindicated in placenta previa due to risk of severe hemorrhage. The first
priority is assessing fetal well-being.
12. A nurse is providing teaching about Rh incompatibility. Which client statement
indicates understanding?
