NUR 254 Exam 2: 2026/2027 [OB Maternal
Newborn & Postpartum] - 50 Questions and
Verified Answers
OVERVIEW:
NUR 254 Exam 2: OB Maternal Newborn & Postpartum covers newborn transition,
spontaneous respirations, thermoregulation, bathing with neutral pH, respiratory
distress, caput succedaneum, jaundice prevention via feeding, hypoglycemia in
infants of diabetic mothers, eye care, Moro and tonic neck reflexes,
hyperbilirubinemia risk, phototherapy eye protection, vitamin K, kernicterus, Rh
isoimmunization, Apgar scoring, security, circumcision care, cold stress,
gestational age, postpartum fundus, lochia hemorrhage, RhoGAM, mastitis,
breastfeeding, and cultural considerations.
Correct answer highlighted in bold Green + rationales.
1. The nurse is assessing a newborn who has just been delivered. Which of the following is the
priority physiological change?
A. Successful feeding
B. Thermoregulation
C. Extra-uterine circulatory shift
D. Spontaneous respirations
Rationale: The newborn's transition depends on establishing spontaneous respirations to
ensure oxygenation. While thermoregulation and circulatory changes are important, ensuring
effective breathing is the immediate priority after birth (pg. 511).
2. The nurse is caring for a newborn who was delivered 24 hours ago and is due to have an initial
bath. Which intervention should the nurse include when bathing the newborn?
A. Place a hat on the newborn during bathing
B. Utilize a cleanser with a neutral pH during bathing
C. Place the newborn in hot water for comfort
D. Use antibacterial soap
Rationale: Newborn skin is delicate. Using a neutral pH cleanser maintains natural skin barrier
and prevents dryness (pg. 577).
, 3. The nurse is caring for a newborn who was born 30 minutes ago. Which finding is a probable
sign of respiratory distress?
A. Chest retractions
B. Acrocyanosis
C. Heart rate 140 bpm
D. Brief irregular breathing
Rationale: Chest retractions indicate increased work of breathing and can be a sign of RDS or
TTN. Acrocyanosis is normal in first 24 hours (pg. 512).
4. The nurse is caring for a newborn immediately following birth. After ensuring a patent airway,
which is the priority nursing action?
A. Dry the skin
B. Administer eye prophylaxis
C. Administer vitamin K
D. Weigh the newborn
Rationale: Drying prevents evaporative heat loss which can lead to cold stress and
hypoglycemia. Thermoregulation takes priority immediately after birth (pg. 404).
5. The nurse is assessing a newborn just admitted to nursery. Which finding requires further
assessment?
A. An edematous area on the occiput of the scalp
B. Mongolian spots on buttocks
C. Erythema toxicum rash
D. Milia on nose
Rationale: Caput succedaneum is common but severe persistent edema may indicate
cephalohematoma which increases risk for jaundice (pg. 528).
6. The nurse is caring for a newborn 4 hours after birth. Which action should be included to
prevent jaundice?
A. Place infant under phototherapy
B. Perform exchange transfusion
C. Initiate early feeding
Newborn & Postpartum] - 50 Questions and
Verified Answers
OVERVIEW:
NUR 254 Exam 2: OB Maternal Newborn & Postpartum covers newborn transition,
spontaneous respirations, thermoregulation, bathing with neutral pH, respiratory
distress, caput succedaneum, jaundice prevention via feeding, hypoglycemia in
infants of diabetic mothers, eye care, Moro and tonic neck reflexes,
hyperbilirubinemia risk, phototherapy eye protection, vitamin K, kernicterus, Rh
isoimmunization, Apgar scoring, security, circumcision care, cold stress,
gestational age, postpartum fundus, lochia hemorrhage, RhoGAM, mastitis,
breastfeeding, and cultural considerations.
Correct answer highlighted in bold Green + rationales.
1. The nurse is assessing a newborn who has just been delivered. Which of the following is the
priority physiological change?
A. Successful feeding
B. Thermoregulation
C. Extra-uterine circulatory shift
D. Spontaneous respirations
Rationale: The newborn's transition depends on establishing spontaneous respirations to
ensure oxygenation. While thermoregulation and circulatory changes are important, ensuring
effective breathing is the immediate priority after birth (pg. 511).
2. The nurse is caring for a newborn who was delivered 24 hours ago and is due to have an initial
bath. Which intervention should the nurse include when bathing the newborn?
A. Place a hat on the newborn during bathing
B. Utilize a cleanser with a neutral pH during bathing
C. Place the newborn in hot water for comfort
D. Use antibacterial soap
Rationale: Newborn skin is delicate. Using a neutral pH cleanser maintains natural skin barrier
and prevents dryness (pg. 577).
, 3. The nurse is caring for a newborn who was born 30 minutes ago. Which finding is a probable
sign of respiratory distress?
A. Chest retractions
B. Acrocyanosis
C. Heart rate 140 bpm
D. Brief irregular breathing
Rationale: Chest retractions indicate increased work of breathing and can be a sign of RDS or
TTN. Acrocyanosis is normal in first 24 hours (pg. 512).
4. The nurse is caring for a newborn immediately following birth. After ensuring a patent airway,
which is the priority nursing action?
A. Dry the skin
B. Administer eye prophylaxis
C. Administer vitamin K
D. Weigh the newborn
Rationale: Drying prevents evaporative heat loss which can lead to cold stress and
hypoglycemia. Thermoregulation takes priority immediately after birth (pg. 404).
5. The nurse is assessing a newborn just admitted to nursery. Which finding requires further
assessment?
A. An edematous area on the occiput of the scalp
B. Mongolian spots on buttocks
C. Erythema toxicum rash
D. Milia on nose
Rationale: Caput succedaneum is common but severe persistent edema may indicate
cephalohematoma which increases risk for jaundice (pg. 528).
6. The nurse is caring for a newborn 4 hours after birth. Which action should be included to
prevent jaundice?
A. Place infant under phototherapy
B. Perform exchange transfusion
C. Initiate early feeding
