NURSING 7305
Developmental
Physiology &
Pathophysiology of the
High Risk Neonate
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. A preterm infant born at 28 weeks gestation is admitted
to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with respiratory
distress syndrome (RDS). The nurse knows that this
condition is caused by:
a) Infection of the lungs
b) Congenital heart defect
c) Insufficient surfactant production*
d) Meconium aspiration
Rationale: RDS is a common complication of preterm birth
that results from inadequate production of surfactant, a
substance that reduces surface tension and prevents
alveolar collapse in the lungs. Without enough surfactant,
the lungs become stiff and difficult to inflate, leading to
hypoxia and acidosis.
2. A term infant with a birth weight of 4.5 kg is diagnosed
with macrosomia. The nurse should monitor this infant
closely for signs of:
a) Hypoglycemia*
b) Hyperbilirubinemia
c) Polycythemia
d) Hypocalcemia
Rationale: Macrosomia is defined as a birth weight above
the 90th percentile for gestational age. It is often associated
with maternal diabetes, obesity, or excessive weight gain
during pregnancy. Infants with macrosomia are at risk of
hypoglycemia due to increased insulin production in
response to high glucose levels in utero. Hypoglycemia can
, cause seizures, lethargy, poor feeding, and apnea.
3. A nurse is caring for a neonate with congenital
diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The nurse understands that
this condition is characterized by:
a) A hole in the diaphragm that allows abdominal organs to
herniate into the chest cavity*
b) A defect in the closure of the neural tube that results in
spinal cord malformation
c) A malformation of the esophagus that prevents normal
swallowing and digestion
d) A narrowing of the aortic valve that causes obstruction
of blood flow to the lower body
Rationale: CDH is a rare congenital anomaly that occurs
when the diaphragm fails to form completely during fetal
development. This creates an opening that allows some of
the abdominal organs, such as the stomach, liver, or
intestines, to protrude into the thoracic cavity. This can
compress the lungs and heart, causing respiratory failure
and circulatory compromise.
4. A nurse is assessing a neonate with suspected
necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The nurse should look for
which of the following clinical manifestations?
a) Abdominal distension, bloody stools, and temperature
instability*
b) Jaundice, dark urine, and clay-colored stools
c) Pallor, tachycardia, and poor perfusion
d) Vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration
Rationale: NEC is a serious inflammatory condition of the
Developmental
Physiology &
Pathophysiology of the
High Risk Neonate
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. A preterm infant born at 28 weeks gestation is admitted
to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with respiratory
distress syndrome (RDS). The nurse knows that this
condition is caused by:
a) Infection of the lungs
b) Congenital heart defect
c) Insufficient surfactant production*
d) Meconium aspiration
Rationale: RDS is a common complication of preterm birth
that results from inadequate production of surfactant, a
substance that reduces surface tension and prevents
alveolar collapse in the lungs. Without enough surfactant,
the lungs become stiff and difficult to inflate, leading to
hypoxia and acidosis.
2. A term infant with a birth weight of 4.5 kg is diagnosed
with macrosomia. The nurse should monitor this infant
closely for signs of:
a) Hypoglycemia*
b) Hyperbilirubinemia
c) Polycythemia
d) Hypocalcemia
Rationale: Macrosomia is defined as a birth weight above
the 90th percentile for gestational age. It is often associated
with maternal diabetes, obesity, or excessive weight gain
during pregnancy. Infants with macrosomia are at risk of
hypoglycemia due to increased insulin production in
response to high glucose levels in utero. Hypoglycemia can
, cause seizures, lethargy, poor feeding, and apnea.
3. A nurse is caring for a neonate with congenital
diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The nurse understands that
this condition is characterized by:
a) A hole in the diaphragm that allows abdominal organs to
herniate into the chest cavity*
b) A defect in the closure of the neural tube that results in
spinal cord malformation
c) A malformation of the esophagus that prevents normal
swallowing and digestion
d) A narrowing of the aortic valve that causes obstruction
of blood flow to the lower body
Rationale: CDH is a rare congenital anomaly that occurs
when the diaphragm fails to form completely during fetal
development. This creates an opening that allows some of
the abdominal organs, such as the stomach, liver, or
intestines, to protrude into the thoracic cavity. This can
compress the lungs and heart, causing respiratory failure
and circulatory compromise.
4. A nurse is assessing a neonate with suspected
necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The nurse should look for
which of the following clinical manifestations?
a) Abdominal distension, bloody stools, and temperature
instability*
b) Jaundice, dark urine, and clay-colored stools
c) Pallor, tachycardia, and poor perfusion
d) Vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration
Rationale: NEC is a serious inflammatory condition of the
