NICU Lecture 4 Exam Questions and
Answers with Verified Solutions | Latest
Updated 2026
What is the main goal of OT in the To provide neuroprotective,
NICU? developmentally
supportive care that supports physiologic
stability
and optimal neurodevelopment from birth (
make it
more womb-like)
What does "neuroprotective care" Care that protects the developing brain by
mean in the NICU? minimizing stress and supporting
appropriate
sensory experiences.
Why is the NICU environment Because excessive sensory stimulation
potentially harmful to premature can
infants? overwhelm the immature CNS and
negatively
impact brain development.
What is sensory interference? When immature sensory systems are
stimulated out
of developmental sequence or with
inappropriate
input.
, Sensory systems develop in what A predetermined developmental sequence.
type of order?
What are animate sensory stimuli People (medical staff and family).
in
the NICU?
What are inanimate sensory Light, sound, equipment noise, vibration,
stimuli in temperature changes.
the NICU?
What are possible consequences Hypoxic episodes, altered brain
of development,
excessive NICU stimulation? maladaptive behaviors, poorer long-term
outcomes.
What are the 7 neuroprotective - Healing environment
measures in the Integrative - partnering with families
Developmental Care Model? - positioning/handling
- safeguarding sleep
- minimizing stress/pain
- protecting skin
- optimizing nutrition.
What is Gestational Age (GA)? Age calculated from the first day of the
mother's
last menstrual period; does not change
after birth.
What is Postmenstrual Age Age from the first day of LMP that
(PMA)? continues to
change after birth; used until 40-44 weeks.
Answers with Verified Solutions | Latest
Updated 2026
What is the main goal of OT in the To provide neuroprotective,
NICU? developmentally
supportive care that supports physiologic
stability
and optimal neurodevelopment from birth (
make it
more womb-like)
What does "neuroprotective care" Care that protects the developing brain by
mean in the NICU? minimizing stress and supporting
appropriate
sensory experiences.
Why is the NICU environment Because excessive sensory stimulation
potentially harmful to premature can
infants? overwhelm the immature CNS and
negatively
impact brain development.
What is sensory interference? When immature sensory systems are
stimulated out
of developmental sequence or with
inappropriate
input.
, Sensory systems develop in what A predetermined developmental sequence.
type of order?
What are animate sensory stimuli People (medical staff and family).
in
the NICU?
What are inanimate sensory Light, sound, equipment noise, vibration,
stimuli in temperature changes.
the NICU?
What are possible consequences Hypoxic episodes, altered brain
of development,
excessive NICU stimulation? maladaptive behaviors, poorer long-term
outcomes.
What are the 7 neuroprotective - Healing environment
measures in the Integrative - partnering with families
Developmental Care Model? - positioning/handling
- safeguarding sleep
- minimizing stress/pain
- protecting skin
- optimizing nutrition.
What is Gestational Age (GA)? Age calculated from the first day of the
mother's
last menstrual period; does not change
after birth.
What is Postmenstrual Age Age from the first day of LMP that
(PMA)? continues to
change after birth; used until 40-44 weeks.
