ATI RN Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam 2023–2026
Updated Practice Questions, Screenshots, Answers &
Rationales
1. A nurse is assessing a client at 10 weeks gestation. Which of the following
findings is a positive sign of pregnancy?
A) Positive pregnancy test
B) Visualization of the fetus on ultrasound
C) Chadwick's sign
D) Goodell's sign
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Positive signs of pregnancy are those that can only be explained by
pregnancy. They include visualization of the fetus on ultrasound, auscultation of
fetal heart tones, and fetal movement palpated by the examiner. Positive
pregnancy test, Chadwick's sign (bluish cervix/vagina), and Goodell's sign (cervical
softening) are probable signs.
,2. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is 8 weeks pregnant about the
expected cardiovascular changes during pregnancy. Which of the following
statements should the nurse include?
A) "Your heart rate will decrease during the first trimester."
B) "Your blood pressure will increase significantly in the first trimester."
C) "Your blood volume will increase by 40-50% by the end of pregnancy."
D) "Your cardiac output will decrease in the third trimester."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Maternal blood volume increases by 40-50% (approximately 1,500-
2,000 mL) to support placental perfusion and fetal growth. Heart rate increases
(not decreases) by 10-20 bpm. Blood pressure typically decreases in the first and
second trimesters due to vasodilation. Cardiac output increases throughout
pregnancy.
,3. A nurse is caring for a client at 16 weeks gestation who has hyperemesis
gravidarum. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse report
to the provider?
A) Serum sodium 135 mEq/L
B) Urine specific gravity 1.025
C) Serum potassium 3.0 mEq/L
D) Blood glucose 85 mg/dL
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypokalemia (K <3.5 mEq/L) is a serious finding in hyperemesis
gravidarum due to vomiting and can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Normal sodium
is 135-145. Urine specific gravity 1.025 is within normal range (1.005-1.030).
Blood glucose 85 mg/dL is normal.
, 4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with gestational diabetes.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding?
A) "I will need to take insulin injections for the rest of my life."
B) "My blood sugar should be less than 200 mg/dL one hour after meals."
C) "I will have a glucose tolerance test 6-12 weeks after my baby is born."
D) "I can stop checking my blood sugar once I start feeling well."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Women with gestational diabetes have a 35-60% risk of developing
type 2 diabetes later in life and should have a glucose tolerance test 6-12 weeks
postpartum. Blood glucose goals are stricter during pregnancy (fasting <95, 1-
hour <140). Most women do not require lifelong insulin; diabetes usually resolves
after delivery.
Updated Practice Questions, Screenshots, Answers &
Rationales
1. A nurse is assessing a client at 10 weeks gestation. Which of the following
findings is a positive sign of pregnancy?
A) Positive pregnancy test
B) Visualization of the fetus on ultrasound
C) Chadwick's sign
D) Goodell's sign
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Positive signs of pregnancy are those that can only be explained by
pregnancy. They include visualization of the fetus on ultrasound, auscultation of
fetal heart tones, and fetal movement palpated by the examiner. Positive
pregnancy test, Chadwick's sign (bluish cervix/vagina), and Goodell's sign (cervical
softening) are probable signs.
,2. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is 8 weeks pregnant about the
expected cardiovascular changes during pregnancy. Which of the following
statements should the nurse include?
A) "Your heart rate will decrease during the first trimester."
B) "Your blood pressure will increase significantly in the first trimester."
C) "Your blood volume will increase by 40-50% by the end of pregnancy."
D) "Your cardiac output will decrease in the third trimester."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Maternal blood volume increases by 40-50% (approximately 1,500-
2,000 mL) to support placental perfusion and fetal growth. Heart rate increases
(not decreases) by 10-20 bpm. Blood pressure typically decreases in the first and
second trimesters due to vasodilation. Cardiac output increases throughout
pregnancy.
,3. A nurse is caring for a client at 16 weeks gestation who has hyperemesis
gravidarum. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse report
to the provider?
A) Serum sodium 135 mEq/L
B) Urine specific gravity 1.025
C) Serum potassium 3.0 mEq/L
D) Blood glucose 85 mg/dL
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypokalemia (K <3.5 mEq/L) is a serious finding in hyperemesis
gravidarum due to vomiting and can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Normal sodium
is 135-145. Urine specific gravity 1.025 is within normal range (1.005-1.030).
Blood glucose 85 mg/dL is normal.
, 4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with gestational diabetes.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding?
A) "I will need to take insulin injections for the rest of my life."
B) "My blood sugar should be less than 200 mg/dL one hour after meals."
C) "I will have a glucose tolerance test 6-12 weeks after my baby is born."
D) "I can stop checking my blood sugar once I start feeling well."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Women with gestational diabetes have a 35-60% risk of developing
type 2 diabetes later in life and should have a glucose tolerance test 6-12 weeks
postpartum. Blood glucose goals are stricter during pregnancy (fasting <95, 1-
hour <140). Most women do not require lifelong insulin; diabetes usually resolves
after delivery.
