Detailed Rationales
Table of Contents
Exam Overview
Domain 1: Neonatal Transition & Thermoregulation (Questions 1–60)
- Neonatal Transition to Extrauterine Life
- Heat Loss Mechanisms (Conduction, Convection, Radiation, Evaporation)
- Thermoregulation & Neutral Thermal Environment
- Hypothermia & Hyperthermia Management
- Kangaroo Care & Skin-to-Skin Contact
Domain 2: Respiratory System (Questions 61–130)
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
- Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)
- Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS)
- Apnea of Prematurity
- Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
- Oxygen Therapy & Ventilation
- Blood Gas Interpretation
Domain 3: Cardiovascular System (Questions 131–190)
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
- Congenital Heart Defects
,- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN)
- Hypotension Management
- Congenital Heart Disease Screening
Domain 4: Neurologic System (Questions 191–240)
- Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
- Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
- Therapeutic Hypothermia
- Neonatal Seizures
Domain 5: Gastrointestinal System (Questions 241–290)
- Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
- Feeding Intolerance
- Gastroschisis & Omphalocele
- Bilious Aspirate & Gavage Feeding
- Abdominal Assessment
Domain 6: Metabolic & Endocrine (Questions 291–340)
- Hypoglycemia
- Hyperbilirubinemia & Phototherapy
- Congenital Hypothyroidism
- Calcium Disorders
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Domain 7: Hematologic System (Questions 341–380)
,- Anemia of Prematurity
- Polycythemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB)
- Blood Product Administration
Domain 8: Infectious Diseases (Questions 381–430)
- Neonatal Sepsis (Early-Onset vs. Late-Onset)
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Prophylaxis
- Meningitis
- Congenital Infections (CMV, Toxoplasmosis, Syphilis)
- Infection Prevention & NICU Asepsis
Domain 9: Renal & Fluids (Questions 431–470)
- Fluid & Electrolyte Balance
- Dehydration & Fluid Overload
- Hyponatremia & Hyperkalemia
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
- Urine Output Monitoring
Domain 10: Genetics & Congenital Anomalies (Questions 471–510)
- Common Chromosomal Disorders
- Congenital Anomalies
- Genetic Screening
- Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
- Esophageal Atresia & Tracheoesophageal Fistula
, Domain 11: Pharmacology & Medication Safety (Questions 511–550)
- Neonatal Medication Administration
- High-Alert Medications
- Dosage Calculations
- Adverse Effects & Monitoring
- Immunizations
Domain 12: Family-Centered Care & Psychosocial Support (Questions 551–580)
- Family Integration in NICU
- Developmental Care
- Parental Stress & Coping
- Discharge Planning
- Palliative & End-of-Life Care
Domain 13: Professional Practice & Safety (Questions 581–600)
- Patient Safety & Quality Improvement
- Ethical & Legal Issues
- Documentation & Handoff
- Evidence-Based Practice
Exam Overview
The Relias RN NICU Nursing Core Concepts examination is a comprehensive assessment
designed to evaluate the knowledge and clinical judgment of registered nurses caring for
neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The examination aligns with the National