Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Exam Neonatal Thermoregulation and Fluid Balance 2

Question 1

A nurse notes a neonate's skin color is blue centrally including the lips and mucous membranes. This is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Central cyanosis, indicating low arterial oxygen saturation

Answer

Central cyanosis involving mucous membranes indicates systemic hypoxemia and requires immediate assessment and intervention.

Question 2

Hyperkalemia in the first 72 hours of life in an extremely preterm infant is most likely caused by:

Accepted Answer

Non-oliguric hyperkalemia from immature Na/K-ATPase pump activity

Answer

ELBW infants frequently develop non-oliguric hyperkalemia due to immature Na/K-ATPase function causing potassium to shift from cells.

Question 3

The preferred method for monitoring core temperature in a NICU patient is:

Accepted Answer

Axillary temperature with a digital thermometer

Answer

Axillary temperature is the safest and most clinically used method in neonates; rectal measurement risks perforation in fragile preterm infants.

Question 4

Hypocalcemia in a neonate born to a diabetic mother is related to:

Accepted Answer

Hypomagnesemia impairing PTH secretion

Answer

IDM neonates often have hypomagnesemia, which impairs PTH secretion and leads to secondary hypocalcemia.

Question 5

Daily weights in the NICU are most important for monitoring:

Accepted Answer

Fluid balance, nutritional adequacy, and edema

Answer

Daily weights guide fluid management, detect fluid overload or dehydration, and assess nutritional support adequacy in NICU patients.

Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Exam Practice Test