Neonatal Neurological Assessment and Care Flashcards

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in preterm infants results from:

Answer: Ischemia to the periventricular white matter causing cystic necrosis

PVL is caused by hypoxic-ischemic injury to immature oligodendrocyte precursors in periventricular white matter, leading to motor and cognitive deficits.

The Dubowitz/Ballard examination is used to assess:

Answer: Gestational age based on neuromuscular and physical maturity

The Ballard score uses neuromuscular maturity signs (posture, tone) and physical features (skin, ear, genitalia) to estimate gestational age.

Which of the following is a contraindication to lumbar puncture in a neonate?

Answer: Cardiorespiratory instability, thrombocytopenia, or skin infection at the puncture site

Lumbar puncture is contraindicated when the neonate is hemodynamically unstable, has coagulopathy, or has infection near the puncture site.

Neonatal meningitis most commonly presents with:

Answer: Fever or hypothermia, poor feeding, irritability, seizures, and a bulging fontanelle

Neonatal meningitis presents with nonspecific signs including temperature instability, poor feeding, and neurological signs like seizures and bulging fontanelle.

Neonatal pain assessment in a non-verbal preterm infant is best performed using:

Answer: A validated neonatal pain scale such as NIPS or PIPP

Validated multidimensional pain scales (NIPS, PIPP) combine behavioral and physiologic indicators to reliably assess neonatal pain.

Developmentally supportive care in the NICU includes which practice?

Answer: Clustering care activities to allow extended periods of undisturbed sleep

Clustering cares reduces the number of infant disturbances, protecting sleep cycles and supporting neurodevelopmental outcomes.