Tappero & Honeyfield Physical Assessment of
the Newborn 7th Edition – 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
During a routine physical assessment of a healthy term
newborn shortly after birth, which finding should the nurse
recognize as a normal adaptation to extrauterine life?
A. Persistent central cyanosis
B. Generalized pallor
C. Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
D. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute
Answer: C. Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
Acrocyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is
commonly observed in healthy newborns during the early
transition after birth. Peripheral circulation may initially be less
,efficient as the newborn adapts to extrauterine life. Central
cyanosis involving the lips, tongue, or mucous membranes is not
considered a normal transitional finding and requires prompt
evaluation. A respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute is
abnormally low for a newborn; newborn respiratory rates are
generally approximately 30–60 breaths/minute. Generalized
pallor may indicate anemia, poor perfusion, or another
pathologic process.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a newborn's anterior fontanelle. Which
finding is most consistent with a normal assessment?
A. Bulging and tense while the newborn is quiet
B. Depressed and markedly sunken
C. Completely closed at birth in a term newborn
D. Soft and relatively flat when the newborn is calm
Answer: D. Soft and relatively flat when the newborn is calm
The anterior fontanelle is normally soft and relatively flat when
the newborn is calm. It may transiently appear fuller during
crying or straining, but persistent bulging can indicate increased
intracranial pressure, whereas a markedly sunken fontanelle
may be associated with dehydration. The anterior fontanelle
normally remains open during infancy and generally closes
,during the second year of life, although the exact timing varies
among healthy infants.
Question 3
Which newborn finding requires the nurse's most immediate
attention?
A. Heart rate of 145 beats/minute while awake
B. Respiratory rate of 48 breaths/minute
C. Central cyanosis involving the tongue and oral mucosa
D. Mild molding of the skull after vaginal birth
Answer: C. Central cyanosis involving the tongue and oral
mucosa
Central cyanosis involving the tongue and oral mucosa suggests
inadequate oxygenation and is not considered a normal
transitional finding in a newborn. It requires immediate
assessment of airway, breathing, circulation, oxygen saturation,
and overall clinical status. A heart rate around 145
beats/minute and a respiratory rate of 48 breaths/minute fall
within expected newborn ranges. Molding is a common
consequence of passage through the birth canal and usually
resolves without intervention.
, Question 4
When assessing the newborn's respiratory system, which
observation is most concerning?
A. Respiratory rate of 42 breaths/minute
B. Periodic breathing with brief pauses
C. Symmetrical chest movement
D. Persistent grunting with nasal flaring and retractions
Answer: D. Persistent grunting with nasal flaring and
retractions
Persistent grunting, nasal flaring, and retractions are classic
signs of increased work of breathing in a newborn. Grunting can
represent an attempt to maintain functional residual capacity
and keep alveoli open. Nasal flaring reflects increased effort to
reduce airway resistance, while retractions indicate increased
respiratory effort. Periodic breathing can occur in healthy
newborns, and a respiratory rate of 42 breaths/minute is within
the expected range. Symmetrical chest movement is reassuring.
Question 5
Which technique is most appropriate when assessing a
newborn's heart rate?
the Newborn 7th Edition – 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
During a routine physical assessment of a healthy term
newborn shortly after birth, which finding should the nurse
recognize as a normal adaptation to extrauterine life?
A. Persistent central cyanosis
B. Generalized pallor
C. Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
D. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute
Answer: C. Acrocyanosis of the hands and feet
Acrocyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is
commonly observed in healthy newborns during the early
transition after birth. Peripheral circulation may initially be less
,efficient as the newborn adapts to extrauterine life. Central
cyanosis involving the lips, tongue, or mucous membranes is not
considered a normal transitional finding and requires prompt
evaluation. A respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute is
abnormally low for a newborn; newborn respiratory rates are
generally approximately 30–60 breaths/minute. Generalized
pallor may indicate anemia, poor perfusion, or another
pathologic process.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a newborn's anterior fontanelle. Which
finding is most consistent with a normal assessment?
A. Bulging and tense while the newborn is quiet
B. Depressed and markedly sunken
C. Completely closed at birth in a term newborn
D. Soft and relatively flat when the newborn is calm
Answer: D. Soft and relatively flat when the newborn is calm
The anterior fontanelle is normally soft and relatively flat when
the newborn is calm. It may transiently appear fuller during
crying or straining, but persistent bulging can indicate increased
intracranial pressure, whereas a markedly sunken fontanelle
may be associated with dehydration. The anterior fontanelle
normally remains open during infancy and generally closes
,during the second year of life, although the exact timing varies
among healthy infants.
Question 3
Which newborn finding requires the nurse's most immediate
attention?
A. Heart rate of 145 beats/minute while awake
B. Respiratory rate of 48 breaths/minute
C. Central cyanosis involving the tongue and oral mucosa
D. Mild molding of the skull after vaginal birth
Answer: C. Central cyanosis involving the tongue and oral
mucosa
Central cyanosis involving the tongue and oral mucosa suggests
inadequate oxygenation and is not considered a normal
transitional finding in a newborn. It requires immediate
assessment of airway, breathing, circulation, oxygen saturation,
and overall clinical status. A heart rate around 145
beats/minute and a respiratory rate of 48 breaths/minute fall
within expected newborn ranges. Molding is a common
consequence of passage through the birth canal and usually
resolves without intervention.
, Question 4
When assessing the newborn's respiratory system, which
observation is most concerning?
A. Respiratory rate of 42 breaths/minute
B. Periodic breathing with brief pauses
C. Symmetrical chest movement
D. Persistent grunting with nasal flaring and retractions
Answer: D. Persistent grunting with nasal flaring and
retractions
Persistent grunting, nasal flaring, and retractions are classic
signs of increased work of breathing in a newborn. Grunting can
represent an attempt to maintain functional residual capacity
and keep alveoli open. Nasal flaring reflects increased effort to
reduce airway resistance, while retractions indicate increased
respiratory effort. Periodic breathing can occur in healthy
newborns, and a respiratory rate of 42 breaths/minute is within
the expected range. Symmetrical chest movement is reassuring.
Question 5
Which technique is most appropriate when assessing a
newborn's heart rate?
