ATI PN Maternal Newborn Exam
2025 Edition – Comprehensive with
Realistic Practice Questions, Verified
Correct Answers & Expert-Level
Explanations
Pregnancy
1. A nurse is teaching a client at 8 weeks gestation about nutritional requirements. Which
nutrient is most critical to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus?
A. Iron
B. Calcium
C. Folic acid
D. Vitamin C
Rationale: Folic acid is essential for preventing neural tube defects, such as spina bifida,
in the developing fetus. The recommended daily intake for pregnant women is 600–800
mcg to support neural tube closure during early pregnancy.
2. A client at 12 weeks gestation reports nausea and vomiting. What is the nurse’s best
recommendation?
A. Increase fluid intake to 3 liters daily
B. Avoid eating until symptoms subside
C. Eat small, frequent meals high in carbohydrates
D. Take antacids before meals
Rationale: Eating small, frequent meals high in carbohydrates, such as crackers or toast,
can help stabilize stomach acid and reduce nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy.
Avoiding food may worsen symptoms.
3. A nurse is assessing a client at 16 weeks gestation. Which finding should the nurse report
to the provider immediately?
A. Fundal height at the umbilicus
B. Severe abdominal pain
C. Mild ankle edema
D. Increased vaginal discharge
Rationale: Severe abdominal pain at 16 weeks gestation could indicate a serious
condition such as ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, or miscarriage and requires
immediate reporting to the provider.
, 4. A client asks why prenatal visits are scheduled more frequently in the third trimester.
What is the nurse’s best response?
A. To monitor for weight gain patterns
B. To assess fetal growth and maternal health closely
C. To prepare for cesarean delivery
D. To administer vaccines
Rationale: Prenatal visits increase in frequency during the third trimester to closely
monitor fetal growth, position, and maternal health conditions like preeclampsia or
gestational diabetes.
5. A client at 10 weeks gestation asks about safe exercise. Which activity should the nurse
recommend?
A. High-intensity interval training
B. Contact sports
C. Walking or swimming
D. Heavy weightlifting
Rationale: Walking or swimming are low-impact exercises that are safe and beneficial
during pregnancy, promoting cardiovascular health without risking injury to the mother
or fetus.
6. A nurse is reviewing a client’s prenatal record. Which finding indicates a need for further
assessment?
A. Blood pressure of 142/90 mmHg
B. Weight gain of 2 kg in the first trimester
C. Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL
D. Fetal heart rate of 140 bpm
Rationale: A blood pressure of 142/90 mmHg suggests possible gestational hypertension
or preeclampsia, requiring further assessment to prevent complications.
7. A client at 20 weeks gestation reports constipation. What should the nurse recommend?
A. Take a daily laxative
B. Increase fiber and fluid intake
C. Reduce physical activity
D. Avoid fruits and vegetables
Rationale: Increasing dietary fiber and fluid intake helps alleviate constipation by
promoting regular bowel movements without the risks associated with laxative use during
pregnancy.
8. A nurse is teaching a client about prenatal screening tests. Which test is typically
performed between 15–20 weeks gestation to assess for chromosomal abnormalities?
A. Glucose tolerance test
B. Nonstress test
C. Quad screen
D. Amniocentesis
Rationale: The quad screen, performed between 15–20 weeks, measures four substances
in maternal blood to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.
9. A client at 28 weeks gestation asks about the purpose of the RhoGAM injection. What is
the nurse’s best response?
A. It promotes fetal lung maturity
B. It prevents maternal antibody formation against Rh-positive fetal blood
2025 Edition – Comprehensive with
Realistic Practice Questions, Verified
Correct Answers & Expert-Level
Explanations
Pregnancy
1. A nurse is teaching a client at 8 weeks gestation about nutritional requirements. Which
nutrient is most critical to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus?
A. Iron
B. Calcium
C. Folic acid
D. Vitamin C
Rationale: Folic acid is essential for preventing neural tube defects, such as spina bifida,
in the developing fetus. The recommended daily intake for pregnant women is 600–800
mcg to support neural tube closure during early pregnancy.
2. A client at 12 weeks gestation reports nausea and vomiting. What is the nurse’s best
recommendation?
A. Increase fluid intake to 3 liters daily
B. Avoid eating until symptoms subside
C. Eat small, frequent meals high in carbohydrates
D. Take antacids before meals
Rationale: Eating small, frequent meals high in carbohydrates, such as crackers or toast,
can help stabilize stomach acid and reduce nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy.
Avoiding food may worsen symptoms.
3. A nurse is assessing a client at 16 weeks gestation. Which finding should the nurse report
to the provider immediately?
A. Fundal height at the umbilicus
B. Severe abdominal pain
C. Mild ankle edema
D. Increased vaginal discharge
Rationale: Severe abdominal pain at 16 weeks gestation could indicate a serious
condition such as ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, or miscarriage and requires
immediate reporting to the provider.
, 4. A client asks why prenatal visits are scheduled more frequently in the third trimester.
What is the nurse’s best response?
A. To monitor for weight gain patterns
B. To assess fetal growth and maternal health closely
C. To prepare for cesarean delivery
D. To administer vaccines
Rationale: Prenatal visits increase in frequency during the third trimester to closely
monitor fetal growth, position, and maternal health conditions like preeclampsia or
gestational diabetes.
5. A client at 10 weeks gestation asks about safe exercise. Which activity should the nurse
recommend?
A. High-intensity interval training
B. Contact sports
C. Walking or swimming
D. Heavy weightlifting
Rationale: Walking or swimming are low-impact exercises that are safe and beneficial
during pregnancy, promoting cardiovascular health without risking injury to the mother
or fetus.
6. A nurse is reviewing a client’s prenatal record. Which finding indicates a need for further
assessment?
A. Blood pressure of 142/90 mmHg
B. Weight gain of 2 kg in the first trimester
C. Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL
D. Fetal heart rate of 140 bpm
Rationale: A blood pressure of 142/90 mmHg suggests possible gestational hypertension
or preeclampsia, requiring further assessment to prevent complications.
7. A client at 20 weeks gestation reports constipation. What should the nurse recommend?
A. Take a daily laxative
B. Increase fiber and fluid intake
C. Reduce physical activity
D. Avoid fruits and vegetables
Rationale: Increasing dietary fiber and fluid intake helps alleviate constipation by
promoting regular bowel movements without the risks associated with laxative use during
pregnancy.
8. A nurse is teaching a client about prenatal screening tests. Which test is typically
performed between 15–20 weeks gestation to assess for chromosomal abnormalities?
A. Glucose tolerance test
B. Nonstress test
C. Quad screen
D. Amniocentesis
Rationale: The quad screen, performed between 15–20 weeks, measures four substances
in maternal blood to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.
9. A client at 28 weeks gestation asks about the purpose of the RhoGAM injection. What is
the nurse’s best response?
A. It promotes fetal lung maturity
B. It prevents maternal antibody formation against Rh-positive fetal blood
