CCRN Neonatal Nurse Prep practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q11A newborn is undergoing treatment for a skin burn injury. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate dressing to use to promote moisture-retentive healing and protect the wound from infection?
✓ Correct answer: A. Hydrocolloid dressing
Answer: Hydrocolloid dressing Hydrocolloid dressings are effective for treating skin burn injuries in neonates by keeping the wound moist, promoting new epithelial tissue growth, and protecting the wound from infection and trauma. They help in preventing scarring and are gentle to the delicate neonatal skin due to their water-based composition.
Q12Which organism is MOST often responsible for causing neonatal meningitis?
✓ Correct answer: B. Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
Answer: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Neonatal meningitis is a severe infection that affects the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of neonatal meningitis, followed by Escherichia coli (E. coli). Other less common causes include Listeria monocytogenes and Enterobacter species. Early recognition and prompt treatment are paramount to avoid long-term neurological complications.
Q13In neonates, total body water content is higher compared to older infants. Which factor is responsible for the difference in water content between neonates and older infants?
✓ Correct answer: A. Higher metabolic rate
Answer: Higher metabolic rate The higher metabolic rate in neonates leads to increased body water content compared to older infants. This metabolic rate affects fluid balance and distribution in the body. Other factors such as organ maturity and body composition also play roles, but the metabolic rate is the primary factor.
Q14A single urine sample from a newborn for screening purposes can detect how many congenital renal abnormalities?
✓ Correct answer: C. 25
Answer: 25 Recent advances in laboratory technologies and the implementation of specialized tests have enabled the detection of up to 25 congenital renal abnormalities from a single urine sample. Screening for these disorders is crucial in early diagnosis and management of conditions that can affect the renal system, ensuring the health and well-being of newborns.
Q15Which of the following statements is ACCURATE about a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?
✓ Correct answer: B. PDA is more common in premature infants
Answer: PDA is more common in premature infants. A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a persistent opening between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, a normal fetal blood vessel that usually closes shortly after birth. In premature infants, the ductus arteriosus often remains open (patent) longer than normal, leading to increased blood flow to the lungs and heart. This can cause respiratory and heart complications. PDA occurrence is linked to prematurity, low birth weight, and certain genetic conditions but is less commonly seen in full-term infants.
Q16Which commonly used intravenous fluid in neonates has been associated with alterations in electrolyte balance due to its components being rapidly absorbed in preterm infants?
✓ Correct answer: A. Dextrose 10% with electrolytes
Answer: Dextrose 10% with electrolytes Dextrose 10% with electrolytes has been shown to alter electrolyte balance in neonates. This is because of increased permeability and quicker absorption of the fluid components into the bloodstream in preterm infants.
Q17Which of the following clinical findings suggests a potential endocrine disorder in a newborn?
✓ Correct answer: C. Ambiguous genitalia
Ambiguous genitalia is a key indicator of potential congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), an endocrine disorder. This condition can lead to an imbalance in the production of hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone. A single umbilical artery can signal renal anomalies rather than endocrine issues. Polyhydramnios is mainly associated with gastrointestinal or esophageal abnormalities. A sacral dimple often correlates with spinal issues rather than an endocrine disorder.
Q18What is the normal range for blood glucose levels in a healthy term infant within the first 24 hours?
✓ Correct answer: B. 40 to 60 mg/dL
The correct answer is 40 to 60 mg/dL. For most healthy term infants, the blood glucose level should be between 40 to 60 mg/dL within the first 24 hours after birth. Blood glucose levels can fluctuate, peaking shortly after birth and then stabilizing within this range.
Q19A three-day-old preterm infant born at 35 weeks of gestation is showing signs of abdominal distention, bile-stained vomiting, and bloody stools. The infant is receiving parenteral nutrition and antibiotic therapy for suspected sepsis. During a routine examination, the nurse notes lethargy and episodes of bradycardia. Which of the following physician orders should be carried out FIRST?
✓ Correct answer: D. Order an abdominal x-ray
Answer: Order an abdominal x-ray It is critical to perform an abdominal x-ray immediately to assess for signs of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease that can occur in preterm infants. The symptoms of abdominal distention, bile-stained vomiting, and bloody stools, along with lethargy and bradycardia, are indicative of NEC. Other tests, such as a complete blood count and chemistry panel, are important but would follow the less-invasive imaging to confirm the diagnosis and guide further treatment. Administering parenteral nutrition is ongoing management but does not address the acute need for diagnostic imaging. Ensuring immunizations are up-to-date does not address the immediate clinical concerns.
Q20Which of the following actions by the NICU nurse is LEAST likely to support a father-infant bonding process?
✓ Correct answer: B. Restrict visits to certain hours
Answer: Restrict visits to certain hours Fathers should be welcomed in the NICU at all times. Encouraging 24-hour open unit access for families supports bonding. Restricting access to specific hours can lead to stress, anxiety, and decreased involvement. Facilitating skin-to-skin care, helping during routine procedures, and involving fathers in decision-making are all important ways to support father-infant bonding.
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