ATI RN Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam
2026 | NGN Real Questions & Verified
Answers | ATI Maternal Newborn Study
Guide
ATI RN MATERNAL NEWBORN PROCTORED EXAM 2026
NGN Real Questions & Verified Answers | Study Guide
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
• This comprehensive exam contains 200 verified ATI-style questions covering all
major topics in maternal-newborn nursing to prepare you for the proctored
examination with detailed EXPERT RATIONALE for each answer.
• Study this material systematically by reviewing each question, attempting the
answer independently, then checking your response against the highlighted correct
answer and EXPERT RATIONALE to identify knowledge gaps and strengthen your
understanding.
QUESTIONS
1. A client in the first trimester is asking about normal physiological changes
during pregnancy. Which change is expected?
A) Decrease in blood volume
B) Increase in respiratory rate
C) Decreased cardiac output
D) Decrease in glomerular filtration rate
E) Increased hemoglobin concentration
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: During pregnancy, respiratory rate increases by 1-2 breaths
per minute due to increased oxygen demands. Blood volume increases by 30-50%,
,cardiac output increases, GFR increases, and hemoglobin concentration decreases
due to hemodilution.
2. A pregnant client at 20 weeks gestation reports experiencing Braxton Hicks
contractions. What is the most appropriate nursing response?
A) This indicates preterm labor and requires immediate hospitalization
B) These are normal, painless contractions that prepare the uterus for labor
C) This suggests placental insufficiency
D) The client should be admitted for continuous fetal monitoring
E) This is an indication for immediate delivery
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: Braxton Hicks contractions are normal, irregular, unpainful
contractions that occur throughout pregnancy, especially in the second and third
trimesters. They are a normal physiological response and do not indicate labor or
complications.
3. A client at 32 weeks gestation presents with complaints of swelling in the
hands, face, and feet along with sudden weight gain of 5 pounds in one week.
Which assessment finding would be MOST concerning?
A) Proteinuria
B) Ankle edema
C) Facial flushing
D) Increased appetite
E) Mild headache
CORRECT ANSWER: A
,EXPERT RATIONALE: The combination of edema, sudden weight gain, and
proteinuria suggests preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. Proteinuria is
a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia and requires immediate intervention.
4. Which medication is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy?
A) Prenatal vitamins with folic acid
B) Acetaminophen for pain relief
C) ACE inhibitors in the first trimester
D) Penicillin for infection
E) Iron supplements
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: ACE inhibitors are contraindicated throughout pregnancy,
particularly in the first trimester, as they can cause renal dysgenesis and
oligohydramnios. The other options are safe or relatively safe in pregnancy.
5. A client is at 36 weeks gestation and reports spotting. The nurse observes
that the client has not had a cervical examination. What is the priority action?
A) Perform a cervical examination immediately
B) Perform an ultrasound to rule out placenta previa
C) Send the client home with instructions to rest
D) Administer an oxytocin challenge test
E) Schedule an induction for the following day
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: Before performing a cervical examination on a client with
spotting, placenta previa must be ruled out via ultrasound. If placenta previa is
present, a cervical exam could cause life-threatening hemorrhage.
, 6. A pregnant client asks about the purpose of the glucose tolerance test.
What is the correct response?
A) To screen for gestational diabetes mellitus
B) To diagnose Type 1 diabetes
C) To assess kidney function
D) To evaluate liver function
E) To determine hemoglobin levels
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE: The glucose tolerance test (GTT), typically performed between
24-28 weeks gestation, screens for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Elevated
glucose levels indicate the need for further testing.
7. A client in active labor is progressing well but suddenly reports severe
abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Fetal heart tones are absent. Which
complication is MOST likely?
A) Placenta previa
B) Placental abruption
C) Uterine rupture
D) Amniotic fluid embolism
E) Cord prolapse
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: The combination of severe pain, vaginal bleeding, and loss of
fetal heart tones suggests uterine rupture. This is an obstetric emergency requiring
immediate cesarean delivery.
2026 | NGN Real Questions & Verified
Answers | ATI Maternal Newborn Study
Guide
ATI RN MATERNAL NEWBORN PROCTORED EXAM 2026
NGN Real Questions & Verified Answers | Study Guide
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
• This comprehensive exam contains 200 verified ATI-style questions covering all
major topics in maternal-newborn nursing to prepare you for the proctored
examination with detailed EXPERT RATIONALE for each answer.
• Study this material systematically by reviewing each question, attempting the
answer independently, then checking your response against the highlighted correct
answer and EXPERT RATIONALE to identify knowledge gaps and strengthen your
understanding.
QUESTIONS
1. A client in the first trimester is asking about normal physiological changes
during pregnancy. Which change is expected?
A) Decrease in blood volume
B) Increase in respiratory rate
C) Decreased cardiac output
D) Decrease in glomerular filtration rate
E) Increased hemoglobin concentration
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: During pregnancy, respiratory rate increases by 1-2 breaths
per minute due to increased oxygen demands. Blood volume increases by 30-50%,
,cardiac output increases, GFR increases, and hemoglobin concentration decreases
due to hemodilution.
2. A pregnant client at 20 weeks gestation reports experiencing Braxton Hicks
contractions. What is the most appropriate nursing response?
A) This indicates preterm labor and requires immediate hospitalization
B) These are normal, painless contractions that prepare the uterus for labor
C) This suggests placental insufficiency
D) The client should be admitted for continuous fetal monitoring
E) This is an indication for immediate delivery
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: Braxton Hicks contractions are normal, irregular, unpainful
contractions that occur throughout pregnancy, especially in the second and third
trimesters. They are a normal physiological response and do not indicate labor or
complications.
3. A client at 32 weeks gestation presents with complaints of swelling in the
hands, face, and feet along with sudden weight gain of 5 pounds in one week.
Which assessment finding would be MOST concerning?
A) Proteinuria
B) Ankle edema
C) Facial flushing
D) Increased appetite
E) Mild headache
CORRECT ANSWER: A
,EXPERT RATIONALE: The combination of edema, sudden weight gain, and
proteinuria suggests preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. Proteinuria is
a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia and requires immediate intervention.
4. Which medication is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy?
A) Prenatal vitamins with folic acid
B) Acetaminophen for pain relief
C) ACE inhibitors in the first trimester
D) Penicillin for infection
E) Iron supplements
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: ACE inhibitors are contraindicated throughout pregnancy,
particularly in the first trimester, as they can cause renal dysgenesis and
oligohydramnios. The other options are safe or relatively safe in pregnancy.
5. A client is at 36 weeks gestation and reports spotting. The nurse observes
that the client has not had a cervical examination. What is the priority action?
A) Perform a cervical examination immediately
B) Perform an ultrasound to rule out placenta previa
C) Send the client home with instructions to rest
D) Administer an oxytocin challenge test
E) Schedule an induction for the following day
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: Before performing a cervical examination on a client with
spotting, placenta previa must be ruled out via ultrasound. If placenta previa is
present, a cervical exam could cause life-threatening hemorrhage.
, 6. A pregnant client asks about the purpose of the glucose tolerance test.
What is the correct response?
A) To screen for gestational diabetes mellitus
B) To diagnose Type 1 diabetes
C) To assess kidney function
D) To evaluate liver function
E) To determine hemoglobin levels
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE: The glucose tolerance test (GTT), typically performed between
24-28 weeks gestation, screens for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Elevated
glucose levels indicate the need for further testing.
7. A client in active labor is progressing well but suddenly reports severe
abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Fetal heart tones are absent. Which
complication is MOST likely?
A) Placenta previa
B) Placental abruption
C) Uterine rupture
D) Amniotic fluid embolism
E) Cord prolapse
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: The combination of severe pain, vaginal bleeding, and loss of
fetal heart tones suggests uterine rupture. This is an obstetric emergency requiring
immediate cesarean delivery.
