(ATI Maternal–Newborn Practice (Questions with Answers & Rationales))
ATI Maternal–Newborn Practice (Questions
with Answers & Rationales)
1. Rho(D) Immune Globulin (RhoGAM)
A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM). Which
statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. I will receive this medication if my baby is Rh-negative.
B. I will receive this medication only at the time of delivery.
C. I will need a second dose when my baby is 6 weeks old.
D. I will need this medication if I have an amniocentesis.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Rho(D) immune globulin is given to Rh-negative mothers to prevent the formation of
antibodies against Rh-positive fetal blood cells. It is administered when there is a risk that fetal
red blood cells could enter the maternal circulation, such as:
Amniocentesis
Chorionic villus sampling
Abdominal trauma
Bleeding during pregnancy
Delivery of an Rh-positive infant
Therefore, the client correctly understands that an amniocentesis may require administration
of RhoGAM.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A: RhoGAM is given if the baby is Rh-positive, not Rh-negative.
B: It is given at 28 weeks gestation and again within 72 hours postpartum, not only at
delivery.
C: There is no routine dose at 6 weeks postpartum.
2. Oxytocin (Pitocin) and Fetal Monitoring
3/9/2026, 3:35:29 PM
, (ATI Maternal–Newborn Practice (Questions with Answers & Rationales))
A nurse is caring for a client receiving oxytocin (Pitocin) to augment labor. Which finding
contraindicates continuing the infusion and requires immediate provider notification?
A. Late decelerations
B. Baseline variability
C. Cessation of uterine dilation
D. Prolonged active phase of labor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, meaning the fetus may not be
receiving adequate oxygen. Oxytocin increases uterine contractions, which may further reduce
fetal oxygenation. Therefore, the infusion should be stopped and the provider notified
immediately.
Other options explained:
B: Baseline variability is a normal indicator of fetal well-being.
C: Lack of cervical dilation may require intervention but is not a contraindication to
oxytocin.
D: A prolonged active phase may actually be an indication for oxytocin augmentation.
3. Newborn Discharge Planning
A nurse is planning discharge for several newborns. Which newborn requires additional follow-
up care beyond routine post-delivery visits?
A. A newborn discharged 22 hours after birth
B. A newborn at 38 weeks gestation
C. A newborn who is bottle-feeding
D. Twin newborns with Apgar scores of 8 and 9
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Newborn screening tests (such as metabolic screening) should be performed after 24 hours of
life. If a newborn is discharged before 24 hours, these tests must be repeated later, requiring
additional follow-up care.
Other options explained:
B: 38 weeks is considered term and does not require additional follow-up.
3/9/2026, 3:35:29 PM
, (ATI Maternal–Newborn Practice (Questions with Answers & Rationales))
C: Bottle-feeding is normal and requires standard follow-up.
D: Apgar scores of 8 and 9 are normal.
4. APGAR Scoring
A nurse assesses a newborn with the following findings:
Weak cry
Grimacing with stimulation
Heart rate: 102/min
Bluish extremities
Flaccid muscle tone
What is the newborn's APGAR score?
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
Correct Answer: B (5)
Scoring Breakdown
Category Finding Score
Heart Rate >100 bpm 2
Respirations Weak cry 1
Reflex irritability Grimace 1
Muscle tone Flaccid 0
Color Acrocyanosis 1
Total = 5
Rationale:
An APGAR score of 5 indicates moderate difficulty and the newborn may require assistance
with breathing or oxygenation.
5. Cardiac Changes in Pregnancy
3/9/2026, 3:35:29 PM
, (ATI Maternal–Newborn Practice (Questions with Answers & Rationales))
A pregnant client with a history of rheumatic heart disease develops dyspnea, orthopnea, and
pulmonary edema during pregnancy. Which physiological change explains these symptoms?
A. Increased maternal weight
B. Increased blood volume
C. Change in hematocrit levels
D. Change in heart size
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
During pregnancy, blood volume increases by approximately 30–50%. This increases the
workload on the heart. Clients with underlying cardiac disease may develop heart failure
symptoms, including:
Dyspnea
Orthopnea
Pulmonary edema
6. Breast Engorgement Pain Relief
A nurse teaches a breastfeeding client about non-pharmacological pain relief for breast
engorgement. Which method should the nurse recommend?
A. Cold cabbage leaves
B. Modified lanolin cream
C. Breast binder
D. Breast shells
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Applying cold cabbage leaves to the breasts can help reduce:
Inflammation
Swelling
Pain associated with engorgement
This is a common natural remedy used postpartum.
Other options:
B: Lanolin treats nipple soreness, not engorgement.
C: Breast binders are used to suppress lactation, not treat engorgement.
D: Breast shells protect sore nipples.
3/9/2026, 3:35:29 PM
ATI Maternal–Newborn Practice (Questions
with Answers & Rationales)
1. Rho(D) Immune Globulin (RhoGAM)
A nurse is teaching a pregnant client about Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM). Which
statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. I will receive this medication if my baby is Rh-negative.
B. I will receive this medication only at the time of delivery.
C. I will need a second dose when my baby is 6 weeks old.
D. I will need this medication if I have an amniocentesis.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Rho(D) immune globulin is given to Rh-negative mothers to prevent the formation of
antibodies against Rh-positive fetal blood cells. It is administered when there is a risk that fetal
red blood cells could enter the maternal circulation, such as:
Amniocentesis
Chorionic villus sampling
Abdominal trauma
Bleeding during pregnancy
Delivery of an Rh-positive infant
Therefore, the client correctly understands that an amniocentesis may require administration
of RhoGAM.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A: RhoGAM is given if the baby is Rh-positive, not Rh-negative.
B: It is given at 28 weeks gestation and again within 72 hours postpartum, not only at
delivery.
C: There is no routine dose at 6 weeks postpartum.
2. Oxytocin (Pitocin) and Fetal Monitoring
3/9/2026, 3:35:29 PM
, (ATI Maternal–Newborn Practice (Questions with Answers & Rationales))
A nurse is caring for a client receiving oxytocin (Pitocin) to augment labor. Which finding
contraindicates continuing the infusion and requires immediate provider notification?
A. Late decelerations
B. Baseline variability
C. Cessation of uterine dilation
D. Prolonged active phase of labor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, meaning the fetus may not be
receiving adequate oxygen. Oxytocin increases uterine contractions, which may further reduce
fetal oxygenation. Therefore, the infusion should be stopped and the provider notified
immediately.
Other options explained:
B: Baseline variability is a normal indicator of fetal well-being.
C: Lack of cervical dilation may require intervention but is not a contraindication to
oxytocin.
D: A prolonged active phase may actually be an indication for oxytocin augmentation.
3. Newborn Discharge Planning
A nurse is planning discharge for several newborns. Which newborn requires additional follow-
up care beyond routine post-delivery visits?
A. A newborn discharged 22 hours after birth
B. A newborn at 38 weeks gestation
C. A newborn who is bottle-feeding
D. Twin newborns with Apgar scores of 8 and 9
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Newborn screening tests (such as metabolic screening) should be performed after 24 hours of
life. If a newborn is discharged before 24 hours, these tests must be repeated later, requiring
additional follow-up care.
Other options explained:
B: 38 weeks is considered term and does not require additional follow-up.
3/9/2026, 3:35:29 PM
, (ATI Maternal–Newborn Practice (Questions with Answers & Rationales))
C: Bottle-feeding is normal and requires standard follow-up.
D: Apgar scores of 8 and 9 are normal.
4. APGAR Scoring
A nurse assesses a newborn with the following findings:
Weak cry
Grimacing with stimulation
Heart rate: 102/min
Bluish extremities
Flaccid muscle tone
What is the newborn's APGAR score?
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
Correct Answer: B (5)
Scoring Breakdown
Category Finding Score
Heart Rate >100 bpm 2
Respirations Weak cry 1
Reflex irritability Grimace 1
Muscle tone Flaccid 0
Color Acrocyanosis 1
Total = 5
Rationale:
An APGAR score of 5 indicates moderate difficulty and the newborn may require assistance
with breathing or oxygenation.
5. Cardiac Changes in Pregnancy
3/9/2026, 3:35:29 PM
, (ATI Maternal–Newborn Practice (Questions with Answers & Rationales))
A pregnant client with a history of rheumatic heart disease develops dyspnea, orthopnea, and
pulmonary edema during pregnancy. Which physiological change explains these symptoms?
A. Increased maternal weight
B. Increased blood volume
C. Change in hematocrit levels
D. Change in heart size
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
During pregnancy, blood volume increases by approximately 30–50%. This increases the
workload on the heart. Clients with underlying cardiac disease may develop heart failure
symptoms, including:
Dyspnea
Orthopnea
Pulmonary edema
6. Breast Engorgement Pain Relief
A nurse teaches a breastfeeding client about non-pharmacological pain relief for breast
engorgement. Which method should the nurse recommend?
A. Cold cabbage leaves
B. Modified lanolin cream
C. Breast binder
D. Breast shells
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Applying cold cabbage leaves to the breasts can help reduce:
Inflammation
Swelling
Pain associated with engorgement
This is a common natural remedy used postpartum.
Other options:
B: Lanolin treats nipple soreness, not engorgement.
C: Breast binders are used to suppress lactation, not treat engorgement.
D: Breast shells protect sore nipples.
3/9/2026, 3:35:29 PM
