RNC-NIC Neonatal Cardiovascular Assessment and Care

Question 1

What is the normal resting heart rate range for a term neonate?

Accepted Answer

100-160 bpm

Answer

60-80 bpm

Answer

160-200 bpm

Answer

80-100 bpm

Question 2

Which clinical finding is most characteristic of a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in a premature neonate?

Accepted Answer

Bounding peripheral pulses with a continuous murmur

Answer

Persistent bradycardia and hypotension

Answer

Decreased oxygen requirements over time

Answer

Hypertension with decreased pulse pressure

Question 3

Four-extremity blood pressure measurement in a neonate is performed primarily to screen for which condition?

Accepted Answer

Coarctation of the aorta

Answer

Pulmonary arterial hypertension

Answer

Tetralogy of Fallot

Answer

Transposition of the great arteries

Question 4

A neonate has a pre-ductal SpO2 of 98% and a post-ductal SpO2 of 88%. What does a difference greater than 3-5% most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Persistent pulmonary hypertension or a ductal-dependent cardiac lesion

Answer

Normal physiologic variation between sites

Answer

Respiratory distress syndrome only

Answer

Peripheral vasoconstriction from cold stress

Question 5

Which congenital heart defect is considered ductal-dependent for systemic circulation, requiring prostaglandin E1 to maintain cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)

Answer

Ventricular septal defect (VSD)

Answer

Atrial septal defect (ASD)

Answer

Pulmonary stenosis with intact ventricular septum

Question 6

A cyanotic neonate fails to improve despite administration of 100% supplemental oxygen (hyperoxia test). What is the most likely underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Cyanotic congenital heart disease

Answer

Respiratory distress syndrome

Answer

Transient tachypnea of the newborn

Answer

Meconium aspiration syndrome

Question 7

What is the recommended SpO2 target range for most very preterm infants (less than 32 weeks) in the NICU to balance risk of retinopathy of prematurity against mortality?

Accepted Answer

91-95%

Answer

85-89%

Answer

96-99%

Answer

80-85%