ATI RN MATERNAL
NEWBORN (STUDY
GUIDE-2025)
Exam Elaborations
Questions and Answers
ultimatestudyguide2021@gmail.c
, ATI Maternal Newborn
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWER KEY
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and who has a suspected placenta previa. Which of
the following findings support this diagnosis?
A. Painless red vaginal bleeding
Rationale: Placenta previa is a condition of pregnancy when the placenta implants in the lower part of the
uterus, partly or completely obstructing the cervical os (outlet to the vagina). Bright red, painless
vaginal bleeding occurs in the second and third trimester.
B. Increasing abdominal pain with a nonrelaxed uterus
Rationale: Abruptio placenta is separation of the placenta from the site of uterine implantation before
delivery of the fetus. When the placenta separates prematurely, there is internal bleeding, which
is painful, and the uterus is nonrelaxed or becomes rigid as the separation advances.
C. Abdominal pain with scant red vaginal bleeding
Rationale: Placenta previa involves minimal to severe bright red vaginal bleeding in the absence of
abdominal pain.
D. Intermittent abdominal pain following passage of bloody mucus
Rationale: Intermittent abdominal pain following passage of bloody mucus is a description of normal labor.
The passage of bloody mucus represents the loss of the cervical mucous plug, also referred to
as the "bloody show."
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 hr postpartum and observes a large amount of lochia rubra and several small
clots on the client's perineal pad. The fundus is midline and firm at the umbilicus. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take?
A. Document the findings and continue to monitor the client.
Rationale: These are expected findings. At 1 hr postpartum, lochia rubra should be intermittent and
associated with uterine contractions. The volume of lochia resembles that of a heavy menstrual
period. Small clots are common. The nurse should document the findings and continue to
monitor the client.
B. Notify the client’s provider.
Rationale: These are expected findings, so there is no need to notify the provider.
C. Increase the frequency of fundal massage.
Rationale: These are expected findings and the fundus is already firm. Increasing the frequency of fundal
massage is not indicated at this time.
D. Encourage the client to empty her bladder.
Rationale: These are expected findings, and the fundus is firm at the midline. If the fundus was deviated,
this would be an indication of a distended bladder and the client should be encouraged to void to
prevent uterine atony.
Page 1
NEWBORN (STUDY
GUIDE-2025)
Exam Elaborations
Questions and Answers
ultimatestudyguide2021@gmail.c
, ATI Maternal Newborn
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWER KEY
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and who has a suspected placenta previa. Which of
the following findings support this diagnosis?
A. Painless red vaginal bleeding
Rationale: Placenta previa is a condition of pregnancy when the placenta implants in the lower part of the
uterus, partly or completely obstructing the cervical os (outlet to the vagina). Bright red, painless
vaginal bleeding occurs in the second and third trimester.
B. Increasing abdominal pain with a nonrelaxed uterus
Rationale: Abruptio placenta is separation of the placenta from the site of uterine implantation before
delivery of the fetus. When the placenta separates prematurely, there is internal bleeding, which
is painful, and the uterus is nonrelaxed or becomes rigid as the separation advances.
C. Abdominal pain with scant red vaginal bleeding
Rationale: Placenta previa involves minimal to severe bright red vaginal bleeding in the absence of
abdominal pain.
D. Intermittent abdominal pain following passage of bloody mucus
Rationale: Intermittent abdominal pain following passage of bloody mucus is a description of normal labor.
The passage of bloody mucus represents the loss of the cervical mucous plug, also referred to
as the "bloody show."
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 hr postpartum and observes a large amount of lochia rubra and several small
clots on the client's perineal pad. The fundus is midline and firm at the umbilicus. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take?
A. Document the findings and continue to monitor the client.
Rationale: These are expected findings. At 1 hr postpartum, lochia rubra should be intermittent and
associated with uterine contractions. The volume of lochia resembles that of a heavy menstrual
period. Small clots are common. The nurse should document the findings and continue to
monitor the client.
B. Notify the client’s provider.
Rationale: These are expected findings, so there is no need to notify the provider.
C. Increase the frequency of fundal massage.
Rationale: These are expected findings and the fundus is already firm. Increasing the frequency of fundal
massage is not indicated at this time.
D. Encourage the client to empty her bladder.
Rationale: These are expected findings, and the fundus is firm at the midline. If the fundus was deviated,
this would be an indication of a distended bladder and the client should be encouraged to void to
prevent uterine atony.
Page 1
