Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) - Advanced Medical Care for Newborn Infants, Exams of Pediatrics

Download Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) - Advanced Medical Care for Newborn Infants and more Exams Pediatrics in PDF only on Docsity! PEDIATRICS NICU WRITTEN EXAM Q & A 2024 1. What is the primary purpose of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)? a) To provide specialized care for mothers during pregnancy b) To deliver advanced medical care for newborn infants c) To promote breastfeeding and bonding between mother and infant d) To facilitate early discharge planning for healthy newborns Answer: b) To deliver advanced medical care for newborn infants Rationale: NICUs are specifically designed to provide specialized medical care for critically ill or premature newborns. They offer advanced technologies, equipment, and a highly skilled healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcomes for the newborns. 2. Which of the following is a common indication for admission to the NICU? a) Full-term gestation without complications b) Gestational diabetes without newborn complications c) Respiratory distress syndrome in a premature newborn d) Mild jaundice in an otherwise healthy newborn Answer: c) Respiratory distress syndrome in a premature newborn Rationale: Respiratory distress syndrome is a serious lung condition commonly seen in premature infants. It requires immediate medical intervention and specialized care, making it a frequent indication for NICU admission. 3. Which of the following features differentiates a level III NICU from a level II NICU? a) Availability of round-the-clock physician coverage b) Provision of continuous respiratory support c) Availability of advanced diagnostic imaging d) Ability to provide surgical services on-site Answer: d) Ability to provide surgical services on-site Rationale: Level III NICUs have the capability to provide surgical services on- site, which is not available in level II NICUs. This allows for immediate surgical interventions if required for critically ill newborns. 4. What is the purpose of incubators in a NICU? a) To provide warmth and maintain body temperature b) To facilitate kangaroo care and skin-to-skin contact c) To administer medications and IV fluids d) To house parents during their stay in the NICU Answer: a) To provide warmth and maintain body temperature Rationale: Incubators in a NICU are designed to regulate the ambient temperature and humidity, creating a controlled environment to protect the premature or critically ill baby from temperature fluctuations and heat loss. 5. A newborn in the NICU is diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Which of the following interventions would be the highest priority? a) Initiate immediate surgical intervention b) Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics c) Implement strict sterile technique during care d) Begin enteral feeding with human milk Answer: a) Initiate immediate surgical intervention Rationale: Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious condition characterized by necrosis of the bowel wall. Surgical intervention is often necessary to d) Providing a quiet and calm environment Answer: d) Providing a quiet and calm environment Rationale: Developmental care in the NICU emphasizes creating a quiet, calm, and sensory-friendly environment to support the development of preterm and critically ill newborns. It reduces stress, promotes neurodevelopment, and facilitates better health outcomes. 13. Preterm newborns are at increased risk for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Which intervention is essential for preventing IVH in the NICU? a) Early initiation of enteral feedings b) Frequent blood transfusions c) Avoidance of therapeutic hypothermia d) Maintaining stable blood pressure and oxygenation Answer: d) Maintaining stable blood pressure and oxygenation Rationale: Maintaining stable blood pressure and oxygenation helps prevent fluctuations in cerebral blood flow, reducing the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm newborns. 14. What is the purpose of administering surfactant to preterm newborns in the NICU? a) Promote gastric emptying and prevent regurgitation b) Boost the immune system and prevent infections c) Facilitate alveolar growth and improve lung compliance d) Enhance oral feeding skills and reduce feeding difficulties Answer: c) Facilitate alveolar growth and improve lung compliance Rationale: Surfactant therapy is administered to preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) to improve lung compliance and prevent respiratory complications. It helps maintain alveolar stability and facilitates gas exchange. 15. A nurse is caring for a newborn with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in the NICU. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize for this infant's care? a) Encouraging rooming-in with the parents b) Limiting oral fluid intake to prevent fluid overload c) Providing supplemental oxygen therapy as prescribed d) Administering routine immunizations according to schedule Answer: c) Providing supplemental oxygen therapy as prescribed Rationale: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease often seen in premature infants who required prolonged respiratory support. Providing supplemental oxygen therapy, as prescribed, is crucial in managing respiratory status and ensuring the newborn's oxygenation needs are met. Question: A preterm infant is admitted to the NICU. The nurse observes that the infant is displaying signs of respiratory distress, including nasal flaring, grunting, and intercostal retractions. Which of the following conditions is most likely responsible for these symptoms? A) Patent ductus arteriosus B) Respiratory distress syndrome C) Meconium aspiration syndrome D) Transient tachypnea of the newborn Answer: B) Respiratory distress syndrome Rationale: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common condition in preterm infants due to insufficient surfactant production, leading to the symptoms described. Question: A nurse is caring for a newborn in the NICU who is diagnosed with hyperbilirubinemia. The physician orders phototherapy for the infant. What is the primary purpose of phototherapy in this situation? A) To increase oxygen saturation B) To reduce bilirubin levels C) To prevent sepsis D) To promote weight gain Answer: B) To reduce bilirubin levels Rationale: Phototherapy is used to convert unconjugated bilirubin into water- soluble forms that can be excreted from the body, thereby reducing bilirubin levels. Question: A term newborn is admitted to the NICU with suspected sepsis. What is the most appropriate initial nursing action in this situation? A) Initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics B) Obtain blood cultures C) Administer antipyretics D) Provide oxygen therapy Answer: B) Obtain blood cultures Rationale: Obtaining blood cultures is the initial step in diagnosing and managing neonatal sepsis, guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy. Question: A newborn in the NICU is diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize in the care plan for this infant? A) Positioning the infant in the prone position B) Administering corticosteroids C) Implementing respiratory support D) Encouraging oral feeding Answer: C) Implementing respiratory support Rationale: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia often necessitates respiratory support to optimize oxygenation and ventilation. Question: A preterm infant in the NICU is at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). What factor contributes to the development of ROP in preterm infants? A) Hyperglycemia B) Hypothermia C) Hyperoxia D) Hypoglycemia Answer: C) Hyperoxia Rationale: Excessive oxygen exposure is a contributing factor to the development of retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants. Question: A nurse is assessing a preterm infant for signs of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Which assessment finding is indicative of NEC in the newborn? A) Abdominal distension B) Hypoglycemia C) Increased urine output D) Elevated body temperature Answer: A) Abdominal distension Rationale: Abdominal distension is a common clinical manifestation of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. Question: A nurse is providing care for an infant diagnosed with apnea of prematurity. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize in the management of this condition? A) Administering caffeine citrate B) Placing the infant in a side-lying position C) Providing supplemental oxygen