Maternal Newborn Nursing Test Neonatal Complications and High-Risk Newborn 2

Question 1

A newborn is diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Which therapeutic intervention has been shown to improve neurological outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic hypothermia (cooling therapy)

Answer

Therapeutic hypothermia (cooling to 33–34°C for 72 hours) initiated within 6 hours of birth reduces neuronal apoptosis and improves neurological outcomes in term infants with moderate-to-severe HIE.

Question 2

A preterm neonate has a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Which sign would the nurse observe during assessment?

Accepted Answer

Continuous machinery-like murmur at the left upper sternal border

Answer

A PDA produces a characteristic continuous machinery-like murmur heard best at the left infraclavicular area due to continuous shunting of blood from the aorta to pulmonary artery.

Question 3

A nurse is caring for a neonate with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Which behavior change would the nurse most likely observe?

Accepted Answer

Bulging anterior fontanel, apnea, and seizures

Answer

IVH in preterm infants presents with bulging fontanel due to increased intracranial pressure, along with apneic episodes and seizure activity reflecting neurological compromise.

Question 4

A 26-week preterm infant in the NICU has retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). What is the primary cause of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Immature retinal blood vessel development disrupted by supplemental oxygen

Answer

ROP occurs when immature retinal vasculature is disrupted by hyperoxia and fluctuating oxygen levels, leading to abnormal angiogenesis that can cause retinal detachment and blindness.

Question 5

A newborn is diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism on newborn screen. Without treatment, which outcome is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Intellectual disability and growth retardation

Answer

Untreated congenital hypothyroidism causes cretinism — severe intellectual disability and stunted growth — because thyroid hormone is essential for early brain development.

Maternal Newborn Nursing Test Practice Test

Maternal Newborn Nursing Test Practice Test

Maternal Newborn Nursing Test Neonatal Complications and High-Risk Newborn 2