RNC-NIC Infection Control 3

Question 1

Which of the following practices is MOST effective in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in intubated neonates?

Accepted Answer

Elevating the head of bed to 30-45 degrees and maintaining inline suctioning

Answer

Head-of-bed elevation reduces aspiration risk and is a core VAP bundle element; inline closed suctioning prevents circuit contamination.

Question 2

A NICU nurse is caring for a neonate with confirmed RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Which isolation precaution category should be implemented IN ADDITION to Standard Precautions?

Accepted Answer

Both Contact and Droplet Precautions

Answer

RSV spreads via large respiratory droplets and direct contact, requiring both Contact and Droplet Precautions in addition to Standard Precautions.

Question 3

Which clinical finding would MOST strongly support a diagnosis of early-onset sepsis (EOS) in a term neonate within 24 hours of birth?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory rate of 65 breaths/min with grunting and poor feeding

Answer

Respiratory distress combined with grunting and poor feeding in a term neonate within 24 hours of birth are classic early signs of EOS requiring immediate evaluation.

Question 4

When performing umbilical catheter care in the NICU, which practice BEST reduces infection risk at the insertion site?

Accepted Answer

Use sterile technique during insertion and keep the site clean and dry without routine antibiotic ointment

Answer

Sterile technique at insertion and keeping the site clean without routine antibiotic ointment (which promotes resistant organisms) is the evidence-based standard for UAC/UVC care.

Question 5

A NICU nurse receives a neonate from labor and delivery whose mother had prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM) for 22 hours. What infection risk assessment finding is MOST significant?

Accepted Answer

Maternal fever greater than 38°C (100.4°F) during labor

Answer

Maternal intrapartum fever combined with PROM significantly increases the risk of chorioamnionitis and neonatal EOS, requiring immediate sepsis evaluation.

(RNC-NIC) Registered Nurse Certified in Neonatal Intensive Care Practice Test

(RNC-NIC) Registered Nurse Certified in Neonatal Intensive Care Practice Test

RNC-NIC Infection Control 3