Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

GBS infection typically occurs within what timeframe after birth?

1. Within 24 hours

2. Within 1 week of life

3. Within 2 weeks of life

4. After 2 weeks of life

The correct answer is: Within 1 week of life

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection in newborns is a major concern because it can lead to serious complications. Typically, GBS infection manifests within the first week of life, which aligns with choice B. This is particularly relevant when considering early-onset GBS disease, which generally occurs within the first 24 hours to one week after birth. Understanding the timeframe is crucial for neonatal care providers, as early recognition and prompt treatment of potential GBS infection can significantly improve outcomes for affected infants. Newborns may present with signs of infection such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, temperature instability, and other nonspecific clinical signs during this early period. The other options, while they may include a broader timeframe for potential infection, do not accurately reflect the typical manifestation of early-onset GBS disease, which is properly identified as occurring within the first week of life. This information is critical for practitioners to effectively monitor and manage the health of newborns in their care.