Newborn Physical Assessment Test Bank –
Newborn Physical Assessment Full Official
Name Practice Exam 2026/2027 Practice
Questions & Study Guide | Complete Exam-
Style Questions with Correct Detailed Answers
& Rationales (Reliable Answers) | Latest
Updated Version | Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is performing an initial physical assessment of a term
newborn shortly after birth. Which finding should the nurse
recognize as an expected normal finding during the first hours
of life?
A. Persistent central cyanosis
B. Respiratory rate of 68/min with grunting
C. Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
D. Absent Moro reflex
Correct Answer: C. Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
Acrocyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is
common during the first several hours after birth as peripheral
circulation adapts to extrauterine life. It should gradually
,resolve as circulation stabilizes. Central cyanosis involving the
tongue and mucous membranes is not considered a normal
transitional finding and requires assessment. Persistent
tachypnea accompanied by grunting suggests respiratory
distress, while the Moro reflex is normally present in a healthy
term newborn.
Question 2
During assessment of a newborn's head, the nurse notes that
the anterior fontanelle is soft and relatively flat. What is the
best interpretation of this finding?
A. It indicates increased intracranial pressure
B. It is an expected normal finding
C. It indicates severe dehydration
D. It indicates premature closure of the cranial sutures
Correct Answer: B. It is an expected normal finding
The anterior fontanelle should normally feel soft and relatively
flat in a healthy newborn. A bulging fontanelle, particularly
when the newborn is calm and upright, may indicate increased
intracranial pressure. A markedly sunken fontanelle can occur
with dehydration. Premature closure of cranial sutures is not
diagnosed simply by finding a normally soft anterior fontanelle.
,Question 3
A newborn has a respiratory rate of 72/min immediately after
birth. The newborn is pink centrally, has no grunting, no nasal
flaring, and no retractions. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Recognize the respiratory rate as abnormal and immediately
initiate assisted ventilation
B. Assess the newborn for continued tachypnea and other signs
of respiratory distress
C. Administer oxygen immediately regardless of oxygen
saturation
D. Place the newborn in a prone position
Correct Answer: B. Assess the newborn for continued
tachypnea and other signs of respiratory distress
Newborn respiratory rate is commonly around 30–60
breaths/min, although transient variations can occur during
transition after birth. A respiratory rate above 60/min warrants
continued assessment, particularly for grunting, nasal flaring,
retractions, color changes, and oxygenation. Immediate
assisted ventilation is not indicated solely because of tachypnea
when the newborn is otherwise stable. Prone positioning is not
appropriate for routine newborn care or sleep, and oxygen
should be administered based on the newborn's clinical
condition and established oxygenation targets.
, Question 4
Which finding during a newborn eye examination requires the
most urgent follow-up?
A. Mild eyelid edema
B. Small subconjunctival hemorrhage
C. Bilateral red reflexes
D. Absence of a red reflex in one eye
Correct Answer: D. Absence of a red reflex in one eye
The red reflex should be assessed in both eyes. An absent or
abnormal red reflex can be associated with potentially serious
conditions such as congenital cataract, retinal pathology, or
other ocular abnormalities and requires prompt evaluation.
Mild eyelid edema and small subconjunctival hemorrhages can
occur after birth, particularly following labor, and generally
resolve without intervention. A bilateral red reflex is reassuring.
Question 5
When assessing a newborn's skin, the nurse observes
numerous tiny white papules across the nose and cheeks.
Which finding is most consistent with milia?
Newborn Physical Assessment Full Official
Name Practice Exam 2026/2027 Practice
Questions & Study Guide | Complete Exam-
Style Questions with Correct Detailed Answers
& Rationales (Reliable Answers) | Latest
Updated Version | Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is performing an initial physical assessment of a term
newborn shortly after birth. Which finding should the nurse
recognize as an expected normal finding during the first hours
of life?
A. Persistent central cyanosis
B. Respiratory rate of 68/min with grunting
C. Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
D. Absent Moro reflex
Correct Answer: C. Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
Acrocyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is
common during the first several hours after birth as peripheral
circulation adapts to extrauterine life. It should gradually
,resolve as circulation stabilizes. Central cyanosis involving the
tongue and mucous membranes is not considered a normal
transitional finding and requires assessment. Persistent
tachypnea accompanied by grunting suggests respiratory
distress, while the Moro reflex is normally present in a healthy
term newborn.
Question 2
During assessment of a newborn's head, the nurse notes that
the anterior fontanelle is soft and relatively flat. What is the
best interpretation of this finding?
A. It indicates increased intracranial pressure
B. It is an expected normal finding
C. It indicates severe dehydration
D. It indicates premature closure of the cranial sutures
Correct Answer: B. It is an expected normal finding
The anterior fontanelle should normally feel soft and relatively
flat in a healthy newborn. A bulging fontanelle, particularly
when the newborn is calm and upright, may indicate increased
intracranial pressure. A markedly sunken fontanelle can occur
with dehydration. Premature closure of cranial sutures is not
diagnosed simply by finding a normally soft anterior fontanelle.
,Question 3
A newborn has a respiratory rate of 72/min immediately after
birth. The newborn is pink centrally, has no grunting, no nasal
flaring, and no retractions. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Recognize the respiratory rate as abnormal and immediately
initiate assisted ventilation
B. Assess the newborn for continued tachypnea and other signs
of respiratory distress
C. Administer oxygen immediately regardless of oxygen
saturation
D. Place the newborn in a prone position
Correct Answer: B. Assess the newborn for continued
tachypnea and other signs of respiratory distress
Newborn respiratory rate is commonly around 30–60
breaths/min, although transient variations can occur during
transition after birth. A respiratory rate above 60/min warrants
continued assessment, particularly for grunting, nasal flaring,
retractions, color changes, and oxygenation. Immediate
assisted ventilation is not indicated solely because of tachypnea
when the newborn is otherwise stable. Prone positioning is not
appropriate for routine newborn care or sleep, and oxygen
should be administered based on the newborn's clinical
condition and established oxygenation targets.
, Question 4
Which finding during a newborn eye examination requires the
most urgent follow-up?
A. Mild eyelid edema
B. Small subconjunctival hemorrhage
C. Bilateral red reflexes
D. Absence of a red reflex in one eye
Correct Answer: D. Absence of a red reflex in one eye
The red reflex should be assessed in both eyes. An absent or
abnormal red reflex can be associated with potentially serious
conditions such as congenital cataract, retinal pathology, or
other ocular abnormalities and requires prompt evaluation.
Mild eyelid edema and small subconjunctival hemorrhages can
occur after birth, particularly following labor, and generally
resolve without intervention. A bilateral red reflex is reassuring.
Question 5
When assessing a newborn's skin, the nurse observes
numerous tiny white papules across the nose and cheeks.
Which finding is most consistent with milia?
