NICU Study Guide Exam Questions and Answers with Verified Solutions | Latest Updated 2026

NICU Study Guide Exam Questions and
Answers with Verified Solutions | Latest
Updated 2026



Adjusted Age Chronological Age − Weeks Premature



Gestational Age Time from the first day to the last
menstrual period


Full term 37-42 weeks



Moderate preterm 32 to <37 weeks



Very Preterm 28 to <32 weeks



Extremely Preterm <28 weeks



Low Birth Weight (LBW) <2,500 grams (5 lb 5 oz)



Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) <1,500 grams (3 lb 9 oz)



Extremely Low Birth Weight <1,000 grams (2 lb 3 oz)
(ELBW)

, Large for Gestational Age (LGA) >8 lb 13 oz



Small for Gestational Age (SGA) <5 lb 8 oz



Level I Full-term infants; Basic newborn nursery;
35-37
weeks stable; Routine care only; <35
weeks
awaiting transfer; Stabilization before
transfer


Level II ≥32 weeks GA; Special care nursery;
≥1,500 g (3.3
lb); May need short-term respiratory
support;
Ventilation <24 hrs or CPAP; Moderate
medical
needs


Level III <32 weeks GA; Critical care nursery;
Premature
infants; Advanced respiratory support; May
require
minor surgery; Higher medical complexity


Level IV <28 weeks GA; Highest-level NICU;
Extremely
premature; Full surgical services available;
Requires
subspecialty care; Includes ECMO
capability