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ATI RN Maternity Proctored 2025 Actual
Exam – Full Test Bank with 140+Verified
Questions and Expert Rationales
1. A nurse is assessing a client at 32 weeks gestation who is experiencing preterm labor. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Misoprostol
B. Betamethasone
C. Poractant alfa
D. Methylergonovine
Correct Answer: B. Betamethasone
Rationale: Betamethasone is a corticosteroid administered to women in preterm labor between 24
and 34 weeks gestation to promote fetal lung maturity, reducing the risk of respiratory distress
syndrome in the newborn. Misoprostol is used for cervical ripening or induction, poractant alfa is a
surfactant given to neonates, and methylergonovine is used for postpartum hemorrhage.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who suspects she is pregnant. Which laboratory test should the nurse
inform the client will confirm pregnancy?
A. Urine test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
B. Urine test for human chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS)
C. Blood test for estrogen levels
D. Blood test for progesterone levels
Correct Answer: A. Urine test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Rationale: A urine test for hCG is the most common and reliable method to confirm pregnancy, as
hCG is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation. hCS is not typically tested, and
estrogen/progesterone levels are not specific for pregnancy confirmation.
3. A nurse is caring for a postpartum client receiving oxytocin. Which finding indicates the need for
this medication?
A. Cervical laceration
B. Flaccid uterus
C. Increased maternal temperature
D. Increased afterbirth cramping
Correct Answer: B. Flaccid uterus
Rationale: Oxytocin is administered postpartum to promote uterine contractions, preventing or
treating uterine atony (flaccid uterus), which can cause excessive bleeding. Cervical lacerations
require surgical repair, and oxytocin does not affect maternal temperature or directly cause
cramping.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about newborn security measures. Which statement should the nurse
make?
A. "The nurse will carry your newborn to the nursery for procedures."
B. "We will document the relationship of visitors in your medical record."
C. "Your newborn will wear an identification band at all times."
D. "Visitors can take the newborn to the nursery for observation."
Correct Answer: C. Your newborn will wear an identification band at all times.
Rationale: Newborns wear identification bands to ensure security and prevent mix-ups or
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abductions. Carrying the newborn to the nursery or allowing visitors to do so is not standard
practice, and documenting visitor relationships is not a primary security measure.
5. A nurse is assessing a client in the third trimester of pregnancy. Which finding is a normal
physiological change?
A. Decreased blood pressure
B. Increased heart rate
C. Decreased respiratory rate
D. Increased hemoglobin
Correct Answer: B. Increased heart rate
Rationale: During the third trimester, the heart rate increases by 10–20 beats per minute due to
increased blood volume and cardiac output. Blood pressure typically remains stable or slightly
increases, respiratory rate increases, and hemoglobin may decrease due to hemodilution.
6. A nurse is discussing vaccinations during a prenatal visit. Which vaccination is contraindicated
during pregnancy?
A. Influenza vaccine
B. Tdap vaccine
C. MMR vaccine
D. Hepatitis B vaccine
Correct Answer: C. MMR vaccine
Rationale: The MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine and is contraindicated during pregnancy
due to the theoretical risk of fetal harm. Influenza, Tdap, and Hepatitis B vaccines are safe and
recommended during pregnancy.
7. A nurse is caring for a client with a prolapsed umbilical cord. What is the priority action?
A. Prepare for immediate cesarean delivery
B. Apply internal upward pressure to the presenting part
C. Place a rolled towel under the client’s hip
D. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
Correct Answer: B. Apply internal upward pressure to the presenting part
Rationale: A prolapsed umbilical cord can compress the cord, reducing fetal perfusion and causing
hypoxia. The priority is to apply internal upward pressure with gloved fingers to relieve
compression, followed by calling for assistance and preparing for delivery.
8. A nurse is caring for a newborn whose mother received magnesium sulfate during labor. Which
finding indicates magnesium sulfate toxicity in the newborn?
A. Jaundice
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Respiratory depression
D. Hyperthermia
Correct Answer: C. Respiratory depression
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory and neuromuscular depression in newborns.
The nurse should monitor for respiratory depression, not jaundice, hypoglycemia, or hyperthermia,
which are unrelated to magnesium toxicity.
9. A nurse is assessing a client at 28 weeks gestation who is Rh-negative. When should Rh(D) immune
globulin be administered?
A. After an episode of influenza
B. Prior to a blood transfusion
C. At 28 weeks gestation
D. Only postpartum
Correct Answer: C. At 28 weeks gestation
Rationale: Rh(D) immune globulin is given to Rh-negative pregnant clients at 28 weeks gestation to
prevent maternal antibody production against fetal Rh-positive red blood cells. It is also given
postpartum if the newborn is Rh-positive, but not for influenza or transfusions.
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10. A nurse is discussing epidural anesthesia with a client receiving oxytocin for labor induction. Which
statement should the nurse make?
A. "Epidural anesthesia will stop your contractions."
B. "You cannot have an epidural while receiving oxytocin."
C. "Epidural anesthesia can be given once you are in active labor."
D. "Oxytocin will reduce the effectiveness of the epidural."
Correct Answer: C. Epidural anesthesia can be given once you are in active labor.
Rationale: Epidural anesthesia is typically administered during active labor (4–6 cm dilation) and is
safe with oxytocin, which augments contractions. Epidurals do not stop contractions or reduce
oxytocin’s effectiveness, and they can be used concurrently.
11. A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and has a flaccid uterus. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Administer methylergonovine
B. Perform fundal massage
C. Insert a urinary catheter
D. Prepare for surgical intervention
Correct Answer: B. Perform fundal massage
Rationale: Fundal massage is the first-line intervention for a flaccid uterus to stimulate contractions
and reduce bleeding due to uterine atony. Methylergonovine may be used if massage is ineffective,
but catheters or surgery are not initial interventions.
12. A nurse is teaching a client about breastfeeding. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. "I should breastfeed every 4–6 hours."
B. "My baby should feed for 5 minutes on each breast."
C. "I should breastfeed on demand, about every 2–3 hours."
D. "I should stop breastfeeding if my nipples are sore."
Correct Answer: C. I should breastfeed on demand, about every 2–3 hours.
Rationale: Breastfeeding on demand every 2–3 hours promotes milk production and meets the
newborn’s nutritional needs. Fixed schedules (4–6 hours) or short feeding times (5 minutes) are
inadequate, and sore nipples should be addressed with proper latch techniques, not cessation.
13. A nurse is assessing a newborn for jaundice. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Yellowing of the sclerae at 24 hours
B. Jaundice on the face at 48 hours
C. Jaundice on the trunk at 72 hours
D. Yellowing of the extremities at 96 hours
Correct Answer: A. Yellowing of the sclerae at 24 hours
Rationale: Jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours is pathological and may indicate hemolytic
disease or other serious conditions requiring immediate evaluation. Physiological jaundice typically
appears after 24 hours and progresses from face to extremities.
14. A nurse is caring for a client with gestational diabetes. Which fetal complication is most concerning?
A. Microcephaly
B. Macrosomia
C. Oligohydramnios
D. Anemia
Correct Answer: B. Macrosomia
Rationale: Gestational diabetes increases the risk of macrosomia (large birth weight), which can
lead to delivery complications like shoulder dystocia. Microcephaly, oligohydramnios, and anemia
are not directly associated with gestational diabetes.
15. A nurse is monitoring a client in labor with fetal heart rate decelerations. Which pattern is most
concerning?
A. Early decelerations
B. Variable decelerations
ATI RN Maternity Proctored 2025 Actual
Exam – Full Test Bank with 140+Verified
Questions and Expert Rationales
1. A nurse is assessing a client at 32 weeks gestation who is experiencing preterm labor. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Misoprostol
B. Betamethasone
C. Poractant alfa
D. Methylergonovine
Correct Answer: B. Betamethasone
Rationale: Betamethasone is a corticosteroid administered to women in preterm labor between 24
and 34 weeks gestation to promote fetal lung maturity, reducing the risk of respiratory distress
syndrome in the newborn. Misoprostol is used for cervical ripening or induction, poractant alfa is a
surfactant given to neonates, and methylergonovine is used for postpartum hemorrhage.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who suspects she is pregnant. Which laboratory test should the nurse
inform the client will confirm pregnancy?
A. Urine test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
B. Urine test for human chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS)
C. Blood test for estrogen levels
D. Blood test for progesterone levels
Correct Answer: A. Urine test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Rationale: A urine test for hCG is the most common and reliable method to confirm pregnancy, as
hCG is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation. hCS is not typically tested, and
estrogen/progesterone levels are not specific for pregnancy confirmation.
3. A nurse is caring for a postpartum client receiving oxytocin. Which finding indicates the need for
this medication?
A. Cervical laceration
B. Flaccid uterus
C. Increased maternal temperature
D. Increased afterbirth cramping
Correct Answer: B. Flaccid uterus
Rationale: Oxytocin is administered postpartum to promote uterine contractions, preventing or
treating uterine atony (flaccid uterus), which can cause excessive bleeding. Cervical lacerations
require surgical repair, and oxytocin does not affect maternal temperature or directly cause
cramping.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about newborn security measures. Which statement should the nurse
make?
A. "The nurse will carry your newborn to the nursery for procedures."
B. "We will document the relationship of visitors in your medical record."
C. "Your newborn will wear an identification band at all times."
D. "Visitors can take the newborn to the nursery for observation."
Correct Answer: C. Your newborn will wear an identification band at all times.
Rationale: Newborns wear identification bands to ensure security and prevent mix-ups or
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abductions. Carrying the newborn to the nursery or allowing visitors to do so is not standard
practice, and documenting visitor relationships is not a primary security measure.
5. A nurse is assessing a client in the third trimester of pregnancy. Which finding is a normal
physiological change?
A. Decreased blood pressure
B. Increased heart rate
C. Decreased respiratory rate
D. Increased hemoglobin
Correct Answer: B. Increased heart rate
Rationale: During the third trimester, the heart rate increases by 10–20 beats per minute due to
increased blood volume and cardiac output. Blood pressure typically remains stable or slightly
increases, respiratory rate increases, and hemoglobin may decrease due to hemodilution.
6. A nurse is discussing vaccinations during a prenatal visit. Which vaccination is contraindicated
during pregnancy?
A. Influenza vaccine
B. Tdap vaccine
C. MMR vaccine
D. Hepatitis B vaccine
Correct Answer: C. MMR vaccine
Rationale: The MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine and is contraindicated during pregnancy
due to the theoretical risk of fetal harm. Influenza, Tdap, and Hepatitis B vaccines are safe and
recommended during pregnancy.
7. A nurse is caring for a client with a prolapsed umbilical cord. What is the priority action?
A. Prepare for immediate cesarean delivery
B. Apply internal upward pressure to the presenting part
C. Place a rolled towel under the client’s hip
D. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
Correct Answer: B. Apply internal upward pressure to the presenting part
Rationale: A prolapsed umbilical cord can compress the cord, reducing fetal perfusion and causing
hypoxia. The priority is to apply internal upward pressure with gloved fingers to relieve
compression, followed by calling for assistance and preparing for delivery.
8. A nurse is caring for a newborn whose mother received magnesium sulfate during labor. Which
finding indicates magnesium sulfate toxicity in the newborn?
A. Jaundice
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Respiratory depression
D. Hyperthermia
Correct Answer: C. Respiratory depression
Rationale: Magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory and neuromuscular depression in newborns.
The nurse should monitor for respiratory depression, not jaundice, hypoglycemia, or hyperthermia,
which are unrelated to magnesium toxicity.
9. A nurse is assessing a client at 28 weeks gestation who is Rh-negative. When should Rh(D) immune
globulin be administered?
A. After an episode of influenza
B. Prior to a blood transfusion
C. At 28 weeks gestation
D. Only postpartum
Correct Answer: C. At 28 weeks gestation
Rationale: Rh(D) immune globulin is given to Rh-negative pregnant clients at 28 weeks gestation to
prevent maternal antibody production against fetal Rh-positive red blood cells. It is also given
postpartum if the newborn is Rh-positive, but not for influenza or transfusions.
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10. A nurse is discussing epidural anesthesia with a client receiving oxytocin for labor induction. Which
statement should the nurse make?
A. "Epidural anesthesia will stop your contractions."
B. "You cannot have an epidural while receiving oxytocin."
C. "Epidural anesthesia can be given once you are in active labor."
D. "Oxytocin will reduce the effectiveness of the epidural."
Correct Answer: C. Epidural anesthesia can be given once you are in active labor.
Rationale: Epidural anesthesia is typically administered during active labor (4–6 cm dilation) and is
safe with oxytocin, which augments contractions. Epidurals do not stop contractions or reduce
oxytocin’s effectiveness, and they can be used concurrently.
11. A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and has a flaccid uterus. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Administer methylergonovine
B. Perform fundal massage
C. Insert a urinary catheter
D. Prepare for surgical intervention
Correct Answer: B. Perform fundal massage
Rationale: Fundal massage is the first-line intervention for a flaccid uterus to stimulate contractions
and reduce bleeding due to uterine atony. Methylergonovine may be used if massage is ineffective,
but catheters or surgery are not initial interventions.
12. A nurse is teaching a client about breastfeeding. Which statement indicates understanding?
A. "I should breastfeed every 4–6 hours."
B. "My baby should feed for 5 minutes on each breast."
C. "I should breastfeed on demand, about every 2–3 hours."
D. "I should stop breastfeeding if my nipples are sore."
Correct Answer: C. I should breastfeed on demand, about every 2–3 hours.
Rationale: Breastfeeding on demand every 2–3 hours promotes milk production and meets the
newborn’s nutritional needs. Fixed schedules (4–6 hours) or short feeding times (5 minutes) are
inadequate, and sore nipples should be addressed with proper latch techniques, not cessation.
13. A nurse is assessing a newborn for jaundice. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Yellowing of the sclerae at 24 hours
B. Jaundice on the face at 48 hours
C. Jaundice on the trunk at 72 hours
D. Yellowing of the extremities at 96 hours
Correct Answer: A. Yellowing of the sclerae at 24 hours
Rationale: Jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours is pathological and may indicate hemolytic
disease or other serious conditions requiring immediate evaluation. Physiological jaundice typically
appears after 24 hours and progresses from face to extremities.
14. A nurse is caring for a client with gestational diabetes. Which fetal complication is most concerning?
A. Microcephaly
B. Macrosomia
C. Oligohydramnios
D. Anemia
Correct Answer: B. Macrosomia
Rationale: Gestational diabetes increases the risk of macrosomia (large birth weight), which can
lead to delivery complications like shoulder dystocia. Microcephaly, oligohydramnios, and anemia
are not directly associated with gestational diabetes.
15. A nurse is monitoring a client in labor with fetal heart rate decelerations. Which pattern is most
concerning?
A. Early decelerations
B. Variable decelerations
