Free Neonatal Nursing MCQs with Answers

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

Neonatal nursing covers the newborn’s transition to extrauterine life, Apgar assessment, thermoregulation, breastfeeding, cord care, routine examination and prevention of infection. It also includes care of premature or low-birth-weight infants, neonatal jaundice, hypoglycaemia, respiratory problems and danger signs requiring urgent referral.

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50 questions · page 3 of 3

  • A. Radiation to nearby cold surfaces
  • B. Convection to moving surrounding air
  • C. Conduction to a cold examination surface
  • D. Evaporation from wet skin surfaces

Explanation: Convection is heat loss caused by moving cool air around the newborn. Evaporation occurs when moisture dries, while conduction occurs…

Correct answer: Convection to moving surrounding air
  • A. I will give water between breastfeeds in hot weather
  • B. I will give breast milk without other foods for six months
  • C. I will give formula at night to help the baby sleep
  • D. I will start cereal when the baby is two months old

Explanation: Exclusive breastfeeding means giving only breast milk, including expressed breast milk, for the first six months unless medically…

Correct answer: I will give breast milk without other foods for six months
Fairly easy
  • A. Offer a large feed less often by bottle
  • B. Provide prescribed milk through a feeding tube
  • C. Withhold feeds until the sucking reflex improves
  • D. Give plain water between small breastfeeds

Explanation: A preterm infant with poor coordination of sucking, swallowing, and breathing may require tube feeding as prescribed.

Correct answer: Provide prescribed milk through a feeding tube
  • A. The jaundice is limited to the face
  • B. The infant passes dark urine and pale stools
  • C. The infant is alert and feeds every few hours
  • D. The yellow colour becomes less visible after feeding

Explanation: Dark urine and pale stools suggest impaired bile flow and possible conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia, requiring prompt medical assessment.

Correct answer: The infant passes dark urine and pale stools
Moderate
  • A. Document it as a normal newborn variation
  • B. Cover the eye and reassess at six weeks
  • C. Arrange prompt assessment for an eye disorder
  • D. Clean the eye with saline and repeat tomorrow

Explanation: An absent or abnormal red reflex may indicate cataract or another serious eye condition and needs prompt specialist assessment.

Correct answer: Arrange prompt assessment for an eye disorder
  • A. Leave the infant uncovered for accurate weighing
  • B. Place the infant on a prewarmed, dry weighing surface
  • C. Position the infant beside an open door for ventilation
  • D. Use a cold metal surface to prevent measurement error

Explanation: A prewarmed, dry surface reduces conductive heat loss during weighing. The newborn should be covered promptly afterward because exposed…

Correct answer: Place the infant on a prewarmed, dry weighing surface
  • A. Offer frequent extra feeds to stimulate the bowel
  • B. Report the findings promptly for urgent assessment
  • C. Give a rectal thermometer to stimulate stool passage
  • D. Reassure the parents that this is normal transition

Explanation: Failure to pass meconium with distension and vomiting may indicate intestinal obstruction or another urgent disorder.

Correct answer: Report the findings promptly for urgent assessment
  • A. The infant remains warm with a pink colour
  • B. The abdomen becomes distended and tense
  • C. The infant sleeps quietly between feeds
  • D. The infant passes a small amount of urine

Explanation: A new tense abdominal distension during tube feeding may indicate feeding intolerance or necrotising enterocolitis and requires immediate…

Correct answer: The abdomen becomes distended and tense
  • A. Use clean gloves without preparing the skin
  • B. Perform hand hygiene and use aseptic technique
  • C. Reuse the lancet after wiping it with alcohol
  • D. Leave the puncture site uncovered and unobserved

Explanation: Hand hygiene and aseptic technique reduce introduction of organisms during neonatal procedures.

Correct answer: Perform hand hygiene and use aseptic technique
Very hard
  • A. Assess hydration and notify the neonatal provider
  • B. Give extra water between breastfeeding sessions
  • C. Wait until 48 hours because delayed urination is common
  • D. Insert a urinary catheter without further assessment

Explanation: Most newborns pass urine within the first 24 hours. Failure to void by 24 hours requires assessment for dehydration, renal or urinary…

Correct answer: Assess hydration and notify the neonatal provider