Tappero & Honeyfield’s Physical Assessment
of the Newborn, 7th Edition – A
Comprehensive Approach to the Art of
Physical Examination 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 preparing to perform a comprehensive physical
assessment on a stable term newborn. Which action should the
nurse perform first to promote both safety and accuracy of the
assessment?
A. Palpate the abdomen deeply
B. Obtain the newborn's temperature
C. Review the maternal and newborn history
D. Assess the newborn's primitive reflexes
Correct Answer: C. Review the maternal and newborn history
,Rationale: Reviewing the maternal and newborn history
establishes important context before the physical examination
begins. Information such as gestational age, mode of delivery,
prenatal complications, maternal medications, infections,
substance exposure, family history, and events during labor can
significantly alter interpretation of physical findings. The history
also helps the examiner identify conditions requiring particular
attention during the examination. Deep abdominal palpation,
temperature measurement, and reflex assessment are
components of the physical examination, but they should be
interpreted in the context of the newborn's clinical history. A
structured history-first approach therefore improves clinical
judgment and helps the examiner focus the examination
appropriately.
Question 2
During assessment of a newborn, the nurse notes a soft, flat
anterior fontanelle. Which interpretation is most appropriate?
A. This finding strongly indicates increased intracranial pressure
B. This is generally an expected finding in a healthy newborn
C. This indicates premature closure of the cranial sutures
D. This finding is characteristic of severe dehydration
,Correct Answer: B. This is generally an expected finding in a
healthy newborn
Rationale: A soft, relatively flat anterior fontanelle is an
expected finding in a healthy newborn. Fontanelle assessment
should include size, shape, tension, and relationship to the
infant's position and clinical condition. A persistently bulging
fontanelle may raise concern for increased intracranial
pressure, whereas a markedly sunken fontanelle can occur with
significant fluid loss or dehydration. Premature closure of
cranial sutures is associated with abnormal skull development
rather than a normally soft anterior fontanelle. Because
fontanelle appearance can change with crying and position, the
finding should always be interpreted in context rather than in
isolation.
Question 3
A newborn has a respiratory rate of 68 breaths/minute shortly
after delivery but otherwise appears pink, active, and
comfortable. What is the nurse's best initial action?
A. Immediately begin positive-pressure ventilation
B. Document the respiratory rate as normal for all newborns
C. Reassess the respiratory pattern and look for signs of
, respiratory distress
D. Administer supplemental oxygen without further assessment
Correct Answer: C. Reassess the respiratory pattern and look
for signs of respiratory distress
Rationale: Newborn respirations can be irregular, and
transiently elevated respiratory rates may occur during the
transition immediately after birth. However, a respiratory rate
persistently above the expected range requires careful
assessment rather than automatic treatment. The examiner
should evaluate work of breathing, color, oxygenation, breath
sounds, grunting, nasal flaring, retractions, apnea, and overall
clinical status. Positive-pressure ventilation is indicated when
the newborn has inadequate breathing or other findings
requiring resuscitative intervention, not simply because one
respiratory rate is elevated. Supplemental oxygen should
likewise be based on the clinical situation and oxygenation
rather than administered automatically.
Question 4
Which finding during examination of a newborn's clavicle
should cause the nurse to suspect a possible birth injury?
A. Symmetric shoulder movement
B. Smooth clavicles without tenderness
of the Newborn, 7th Edition – A
Comprehensive Approach to the Art of
Physical Examination Practice Exam 2026/2027
Practice Questions & Study Guide | Complete
Exam-Style Questions with Correct Detailed
Answers & Rationales (Reliable Answers) |
Latest Updated Version | Instant Download
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to perform a comprehensive physical
assessment on a stable term newborn. Which action should the
nurse perform first to promote both safety and accuracy of the
assessment?
A. Palpate the abdomen deeply
B. Obtain the newborn's temperature
C. Review the maternal and newborn history
D. Assess the newborn's primitive reflexes
Correct Answer: C. Review the maternal and newborn history
,Rationale: Reviewing the maternal and newborn history
establishes important context before the physical examination
begins. Information such as gestational age, mode of delivery,
prenatal complications, maternal medications, infections,
substance exposure, family history, and events during labor can
significantly alter interpretation of physical findings. The history
also helps the examiner identify conditions requiring particular
attention during the examination. Deep abdominal palpation,
temperature measurement, and reflex assessment are
components of the physical examination, but they should be
interpreted in the context of the newborn's clinical history. A
structured history-first approach therefore improves clinical
judgment and helps the examiner focus the examination
appropriately.
Question 2
During assessment of a newborn, the nurse notes a soft, flat
anterior fontanelle. Which interpretation is most appropriate?
A. This finding strongly indicates increased intracranial pressure
B. This is generally an expected finding in a healthy newborn
C. This indicates premature closure of the cranial sutures
D. This finding is characteristic of severe dehydration
,Correct Answer: B. This is generally an expected finding in a
healthy newborn
Rationale: A soft, relatively flat anterior fontanelle is an
expected finding in a healthy newborn. Fontanelle assessment
should include size, shape, tension, and relationship to the
infant's position and clinical condition. A persistently bulging
fontanelle may raise concern for increased intracranial
pressure, whereas a markedly sunken fontanelle can occur with
significant fluid loss or dehydration. Premature closure of
cranial sutures is associated with abnormal skull development
rather than a normally soft anterior fontanelle. Because
fontanelle appearance can change with crying and position, the
finding should always be interpreted in context rather than in
isolation.
Question 3
A newborn has a respiratory rate of 68 breaths/minute shortly
after delivery but otherwise appears pink, active, and
comfortable. What is the nurse's best initial action?
A. Immediately begin positive-pressure ventilation
B. Document the respiratory rate as normal for all newborns
C. Reassess the respiratory pattern and look for signs of
, respiratory distress
D. Administer supplemental oxygen without further assessment
Correct Answer: C. Reassess the respiratory pattern and look
for signs of respiratory distress
Rationale: Newborn respirations can be irregular, and
transiently elevated respiratory rates may occur during the
transition immediately after birth. However, a respiratory rate
persistently above the expected range requires careful
assessment rather than automatic treatment. The examiner
should evaluate work of breathing, color, oxygenation, breath
sounds, grunting, nasal flaring, retractions, apnea, and overall
clinical status. Positive-pressure ventilation is indicated when
the newborn has inadequate breathing or other findings
requiring resuscitative intervention, not simply because one
respiratory rate is elevated. Supplemental oxygen should
likewise be based on the clinical situation and oxygenation
rather than administered automatically.
Question 4
Which finding during examination of a newborn's clavicle
should cause the nurse to suspect a possible birth injury?
A. Symmetric shoulder movement
B. Smooth clavicles without tenderness
