NICU (test #2 review)

Question 1

What is the concept of correcting for age in premature infants?

Answer 1

Correcting for age adjusts developmental expectations for infants born before 37 weeks of gestation.

Question 2

How do you calculate corrected age for a premature infant?

Answer 2

Corrected age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks the infant was born prematurely from their chronological age.

Question 3

Why is corrected age important for developmental milestones?

Answer 3

It ensures that developmental milestones are assessed based on the infant’s corrected age, not just chronological age.

Question 4

What are the primary characteristics of a Level III NICU?

Answer 4

Level III NICUs provide life support, manage critically ill infants, and have access to advanced imaging and specialists.

Question 5

What distinguishes a Level IV NICU from a Level III NICU?

Answer 5

Level IV NICUs offer all Level III capabilities plus complex surgeries for congenital and acquired conditions.

Question 6

What is the key difference between Level III and Level IV NICUs?

Answer 6

Level IV NICUs can perform surgeries, while Level III NICUs focus on stabilization and non-surgical treatment.

Question 7

What is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) and what causes it?

Answer 7

BPD is a chronic lung condition in premature infants caused by underdeveloped lungs and extended ventilation.

Question 8

What are the common symptoms of BPD in premature infants?

Answer 8

Common symptoms of BPD include rapid breathing (tachypnea), shortness of breath, and bluish skin (cyanosis).

Question 9

What are the PT considerations when managing infants with BPD?

Answer 9

PT considerations include careful handling, reducing environmental stimulation, and supporting respiration.

Question 10

What are the long-term consequences of BPD in infants?

Answer 10

BPD can lead to prolonged hospitalization, limited physical activity tolerance, and increased risk of CP.

Question 11

What are the neurological characteristics of a full-term infant?

Answer 11

Full-term infants exhibit physiological flexion, spontaneous movement, and have well-developed reflexes.

Question 12

How does the appearance of a premature infant differ from a full-term infant?

Answer 12

Premature infants have fine hair (lanugo), redder skin, less body fat, and lower body temperature.

Question 13

What neurological differences are seen in premature infants?

Answer 13

Premature infants often have hypotonia, hyperextensibility, and underdeveloped reflexes.

Question 14

What is the purpose of the APGAR score in newborn assessment?

Answer 14

The APGAR score assesses newborn health at 1, 5, and 10 minutes after birth.

Question 15

What are the five categories assessed in the APGAR score?

Answer 15

The five categories are Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration.

Question 16

How is the APGAR score interpreted in newborns?

Answer 16

A score of 7-10 is normal, below 7 may indicate the need for medical intervention.

Question 17

What strategies can PTs use to reduce pain and stress in the NICU?

Answer 17

Strategies include dimming lights, reducing noise, swaddling, and using kangaroo care.

Question 18

What are the signs of stress in a neonate that PTs should look for?

Answer 18

Signs include skin color changes, grimacing, irregular breathing, and frantic movements.

Question 19

How can minimizing handling in the NICU benefit premature infants?

Answer 19

Minimizing handling helps reduce stress and promotes stability in fragile neonates.

Question 20

What are some ways to promote relationship-based caregiving in the NICU?

Answer 20

Relationship-based caregiving involves understanding cues and supporting infant-parent bonding.

Question 21

What are the six neonatal states of arousal?

Answer 21

• Deep Sleep
• Light Sleep
• Drowsy
• Alert
• Active Alert
• Crying

Question 22

Describe the characteristics of the ‘Deep Sleep’ state in neonates.

Answer 22

Deep Sleep is characterized by closed eyes, regular breathing, and no active movement.

Question 23

What is observed in the ‘Light Sleep’ state of a neonate?

Answer 23

Light Sleep involves closed eyes with small motor movements but no gross movements.

Question 24

What are the key features of the ‘Drowsy’ state in neonates?

Answer 24

Drowsy state features minimal facial movements and occasional eye opening.

Question 25

How can you identify when a neonate is in the ‘Alert’ state?

Answer 25

Alert state is marked by open eyes, focused attention, and active gross movements.

Question 26

What behaviors are typical in the ‘Active Alert’ state of a neonate?

Answer 26

Active Alert includes fussiness, possible eye opening, and increased motor activity.

Question 27

What defines the ‘Crying’ state in neonates?

Answer 27

The Crying state is defined by intense crying and physical movement.

Question 28

Why is it important for PTs to recognize different neonatal states of arousal?

Answer 28

Recognizing these states helps PTs tailor interactions to the infant’s current needs.

Question 29

How does physiological flexion present in a full-term infant?

Answer 29

Physiological flexion in full-term infants contributes to a curled posture.

Question 30

What breathing characteristics are typical in a full-term infant?

Answer 30

Full-term infants typically breathe through their nose with irregular patterns.

Question 31

What skin appearance differences are seen between full-term and premature infants?

Answer 31

Premature infants have thinner skin that appears redder due to less fat and maturity.

Question 32

How does facilitated tucking help reduce pain in the NICU?

Answer 32

Facilitated tucking involves gently holding limbs close to the body during painful events.

Question 33

What are some benefits of kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact) for neonates?

Answer 33

Kangaroo care improves bonding, stabilizes heart rate, and regulates body temperature.

Question 34

What impact does non-nutritive sucking have during painful procedures?

Answer 34

Non-nutritive sucking can help soothe infants during medical procedures.

Question 35

What autonomic signs indicate stress in a neonate?

Answer 35

Signs include skin changes, muscle tone fluctuations, and altered vital signs.

Question 36

How can protecting sleep states in the NICU benefit neonatal development?

Answer 36

Protecting sleep states is critical for the neurodevelopment of premature infants.