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