Free Care of the Newborn MCQs with Answers

50 Care of the Newborn MCQs from Midwifery and Obstetric Nursing, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

Newborn care covers immediate assessment, Apgar scoring, thermal protection, airway management, cord care, identification, vitamin K, early breastfeeding and neonatal resuscitation. It also includes normal newborn findings, prevention of infection, care of premature or low-birth-weight infants, recognition of danger signs, jaundice and safe discharge counselling.

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50 questions · page 3 of 3

  • A. 0 points
  • B. 1 point
  • C. 2 points
  • D. 3 points

Explanation: A weak or irregular cry is scored 1 for respiratory effort. A strong regular cry receives 2 points, while absent breathing receives 0…

Correct answer: 1 point
  • A. Keep the head uncovered for observation
  • B. Place the newborn on a cold weighing scale
  • C. Use warm towels and expose only the area being examined
  • D. Delay drying until the complete examination is finished

Explanation: Warm towels and limited exposure reduce heat loss by evaporation and convection.

Correct answer: Use warm towels and expose only the area being examined
Easy
  • A. Begin chest compressions immediately
  • B. Clear the airway gently with appropriate suction
  • C. Give oral fluids to loosen the secretions
  • D. Place the newborn flat without repositioning

Explanation: Visible secretions that obstruct breathing should be cleared gently, usually by suctioning the mouth and then the nose when needed.

Correct answer: Clear the airway gently with appropriate suction
  • A. 70 beats per minute
  • B. 95 beats per minute
  • C. 130 beats per minute
  • D. 190 beats per minute

Explanation: A resting newborn heart rate is commonly about 100 to 160 beats per minute, so 130 is expected.

Correct answer: 130 beats per minute
Hard
  • A. Prone with the face covered by a blanket
  • B. Upright with the head turned and airway visible
  • C. Supine with the chin pressed against the chest
  • D. Side-lying with the neck flexed forward

Explanation: The newborn should be upright on the mother's chest, with the head turned to one side, neck slightly extended, and nose and mouth visible.

Correct answer: Upright with the head turned and airway visible
Fairly easy
  • A. The head is flexed so the chin touches the chest
  • B. The face is turned sideways with the nose and mouth uncovered
  • C. The newborn is loosely placed at the mother's waist
  • D. The legs are held straight below the mother's abdomen

Explanation: In kangaroo mother care, the newborn is upright against the caregiver's chest, with the head turned sideways and the airway clear.

Correct answer: The face is turned sideways with the nose and mouth uncovered
  • A. It is an expected normal finding
  • B. It indicates severe dehydration
  • C. It confirms increased intracranial pressure
  • D. It suggests an infected scalp swelling

Explanation: A soft, flat anterior fontanelle is normal in a well newborn. A markedly sunken fontanelle may suggest dehydration, while a tense bulging…

Correct answer: It is an expected normal finding
Moderate
  • A. Reassure the family that this is always normal
  • B. Assess the newborn and report the finding for further evaluation
  • C. Give plain water between breastfeeds
  • D. Apply pressure over the lower abdomen

Explanation: Most newborns pass urine within the first 24 hours. Failure to do so should be assessed and reported because dehydration, inadequate…

Correct answer: Assess the newborn and report the finding for further evaluation
  • A. Continue routine observation until the next feed
  • B. Protect the airway and obtain urgent medical assistance
  • C. Offer a breastfeed to stop the movements
  • D. Apply firm pressure to the moving arm

Explanation: Persistent rhythmic jerking that does not stop with gentle restraint may represent a neonatal seizure.

Correct answer: Protect the airway and obtain urgent medical assistance
  • A. It is vernix caseosa and helps protect the skin
  • B. It is dried blood and indicates birth trauma
  • C. It is a sign of neonatal fungal infection
  • D. It is excess milk that should be removed immediately

Explanation: Vernix caseosa is a normal protective coating that helps reduce skin moisture loss and supports the skin barrier.

Correct answer: It is vernix caseosa and helps protect the skin