ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam 2026 Updated Practice
Questions & Answers with Screenshots and Rationales
1. A nurse is providing preconception counseling to a client who is planning to
become pregnant. Which of the following supplements should the nurse
recommend to prevent neural tube defects?
A) Iron
B) Calcium
C) Folic acid
D) Vitamin D
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Folic acid (400-800 mcg daily) significantly reduces the risk of neural
tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly) if taken before conception and during the
first trimester. Iron prevents anemia. Calcium supports bone health. Vitamin D
supports calcium absorption.
,2. A nurse is assessing a client at 24 weeks gestation. Which of the following
findings is a danger sign that should be reported to the provider?
A) Heartburn after meals
B) Ankle edema at the end of the day
C) Blurred vision with spots
D) Braxton Hicks contractions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Blurred vision with spots (scotomata) is a sign of severe preeclampsia
and requires immediate evaluation. Heartburn, mild ankle edema, and Braxton
Hicks contractions are common discomforts of pregnancy.
,3. A nurse is caring for a client at 32 weeks gestation who has a diagnosis of
placenta previa. The client is not actively bleeding. Which of the following
activities should the nurse recommend?
A) Bed rest with bathroom privileges
B) Pelvic rest (no sexual intercourse, no vaginal exams)
C) Ambulation as tolerated at home
D) Strict bed rest in the hospital
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For placenta previa without active bleeding, pelvic rest (no intercourse,
no vaginal exams) is recommended to prevent triggering bleeding. Bed rest is not
always required; activity is often modified. Hospitalization is reserved for active
bleeding or unstable patients.
, 4. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is 28 weeks pregnant about the
signs of preeclampsia. Which of the following should the nurse include?
A) "Swelling of the hands and face should be reported."
B) "Weight gain of 3 lbs in a week is expected."
C) "A headache that improves with acetaminophen is normal."
D) "Decreased urination is a sign of preeclampsia."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sudden or severe swelling of the hands, face, or feet (especially
periorbital edema) may indicate preeclampsia. Weight gain >2 lbs per week is
concerning. A headache that does not respond to acetaminophen is a red flag.
Decreased urination may indicate kidney involvement but is less specific.
Questions & Answers with Screenshots and Rationales
1. A nurse is providing preconception counseling to a client who is planning to
become pregnant. Which of the following supplements should the nurse
recommend to prevent neural tube defects?
A) Iron
B) Calcium
C) Folic acid
D) Vitamin D
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Folic acid (400-800 mcg daily) significantly reduces the risk of neural
tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly) if taken before conception and during the
first trimester. Iron prevents anemia. Calcium supports bone health. Vitamin D
supports calcium absorption.
,2. A nurse is assessing a client at 24 weeks gestation. Which of the following
findings is a danger sign that should be reported to the provider?
A) Heartburn after meals
B) Ankle edema at the end of the day
C) Blurred vision with spots
D) Braxton Hicks contractions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Blurred vision with spots (scotomata) is a sign of severe preeclampsia
and requires immediate evaluation. Heartburn, mild ankle edema, and Braxton
Hicks contractions are common discomforts of pregnancy.
,3. A nurse is caring for a client at 32 weeks gestation who has a diagnosis of
placenta previa. The client is not actively bleeding. Which of the following
activities should the nurse recommend?
A) Bed rest with bathroom privileges
B) Pelvic rest (no sexual intercourse, no vaginal exams)
C) Ambulation as tolerated at home
D) Strict bed rest in the hospital
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For placenta previa without active bleeding, pelvic rest (no intercourse,
no vaginal exams) is recommended to prevent triggering bleeding. Bed rest is not
always required; activity is often modified. Hospitalization is reserved for active
bleeding or unstable patients.
, 4. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is 28 weeks pregnant about the
signs of preeclampsia. Which of the following should the nurse include?
A) "Swelling of the hands and face should be reported."
B) "Weight gain of 3 lbs in a week is expected."
C) "A headache that improves with acetaminophen is normal."
D) "Decreased urination is a sign of preeclampsia."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sudden or severe swelling of the hands, face, or feet (especially
periorbital edema) may indicate preeclampsia. Weight gain >2 lbs per week is
concerning. A headache that does not respond to acetaminophen is a red flag.
Decreased urination may indicate kidney involvement but is less specific.
